Erica White leads Atlanta against Allison Hightower in her first WNBA game at 10 AM today

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Connecticut's top picks Tina Charles, Kelsey Griffin and Allison Hightower take to the court today in an exhibition match against the Atlanta Dream with Erica White. Tip off at 10 a.m. CT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.


Follow live stats throughout the game at: http://www.wnba.com/games/20100504/ATLCON/gameinfo.html

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Posted by Bill Martin  

Allison's Work Ethic Impresses Connecticut Writer

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Ned Griffen of TheSun.com of Connecticut wrote a great article on Allison Hightower and her work ethic is already impressed the Connecticut Sun coaching staff.

Louisiana State created an award in honor of Allison Hightower, one of several Connecticut Sun rookies.

Think about that for a moment.

LSU has named many of its awards after past greats. The "Floor General" award, for instance, is named for Temeka Johnson, the starting point guard for the defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury.

The LSU coaches announced at April's team banquet that they established a new award - the "Allison Hightower Outstanding Practice Player."

"Coaches are always looking for great practice players and great practice teams," LSU associate head coach Bob Starkey said. "We never had anybody practice as hard as she did.

"She had the best work ethic of any player I've ever coached. I've coached both sides (men and women), and that's not to say that I haven't coached players with a great work ethic. Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles both had a great work ethic. On the men's side, I coached Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal) and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, who was then known as Chris Jackson, and both had a great work ethic. I can honestly say that I never recall Allison Hightower ever taking one play off or one drill off."

Hightower gets to show off her hustle — and skills — today as Connecticut opens its exhibition season against Atlanta at Mohegan Sun Arena (11 a.m.)

"I take pride in (hard work)," Hightower said. "If you don't practice hard, then it won't prepare you (for the game). I just try to take note of that all the time. Practice as hard as you can. Even if you don't play well, you just practice as hard as you can and good things will follow. I've done that ever since I was younger.

Read the entire article: http://bit.ly/9bY81j

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Posted by Bill Martin  

The WNBA getting to know Allison Hightower

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From Swish Appeal:


In the 2010 WNBA draft, one team stands out in my mind as getting the "big haul" – the Connecticut Sun. Five ladies in three rounds, including a blockbuster trade with the Lynx, saw the Sun end up with selections #1, #3, #7, #15 and #27 – an almost unbelievable draft class of talent. Round by round, Connecticut amassed all-star name after all-star name, leading many to joke about recreating their very own All-American team to play in Mohegan. One of the quintuplet is the 5’10" soft-spoken guard from LSU, Allison Hightower. Hightower took some time on Thursday following her selection to talk about her draft experience.
On being selected by Connecticut -
It’s great! So far they’ve picked some great players in this draft – Tina Charles, Kelsey Griffin, even Danielle McCray even though she’s hurt. I’m just happy to get picked up.

On what she will bring to the Sun –
I think I can bring a lot of versatility. Just my offensive game, being able to create my own shot and hopefully get my teammates open and also play defense. I come from a defensive school in LSU and we take big pride in our defense and I hope that I’ll be able to bring that as well.

On her strengths –
I think I can provide a lot of versatility at the guard position. To be able to shoot, also be able to go off the bounce and create my shot and get my teammates open, I think I’ll be able to add that. Also, just playing defense. I come from a defensive school and we take big pride in that so I think I’ll be able to bring that as well.

On playing in college for one of the winningest WNBA coaches –
Coach Chancellor helped me out a lot, especially through the season. He knew that I would have a career in the WNBA so he’s just been teaching me along the way and gave me great tips and great pointers and I can’t wait to talk to him, tell him.

He just told me I need to work on being a consistent shooter from the outside. That’s what they really need in the WNBA is people who are consistent in shooting the ball and he told me just to work on that. And just to be aggressive, be confident and feel that you do belong out there with those players and that’s about it. He’s just been telling me great things and just to continue to work hard and listen to the coaches and I’ll be able to grow and be a great player.

When [Chancellor] first came up for the job, I was like, ‘he’s really going to be our coach’! He comes from four back-to-back-to-back-to-back championships at the Houston Comets and just to be able to play for him has been a big privilege for me. He’s a great guy, a great personality, he really likes to get after it in practice and he likes to have fun at the same time. He’s shown me a lot, he’s taught me a lot and I appreciate him for that.

On the transition from a small role to large role at LSU and now to the WNBA –
I’ve been able to have the best of both worlds. Playing with a veteran team such as those eight seniors with Sylvia Fowles and Erica White and all those players and then coming down and playing with eight freshmen and having to step up and be a leader, do a lot of different things. Now I’m transitioning to the WNBA and you’ve got a lot of veteran players and a lot of new players so I think I’ll just continue to grow from there. I’m just really looking forward to the experience and being able to grow and get better.

I just know that I’m not alone. Again, when I go back to my college career, playing with eight seniors and then being the only one left and then playing with seven freshmen and being the only one that’s a senior, you get the best of both worlds. I’m in a situation where I’m not alone and we’ll just grow together.

Read the entire article at: http://bit.ly/9gFlfm


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Posted by Bill Martin  

Meek scores 21 in exhibition game

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The Mercury's WNBA title defense didn't officially begin Saturday night at US Airways Center - reigning league MVP Diana Taurasi wasn't even in the building - but coach Corey Gaines sure was acting like it, pacing the sideline and yelling instructions to his players.

And they listened: The Mercury wrapped up its two-game preseason in preparation for the games that count (starting Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Sparks) by speeding past the Chinese national team 106-78 in front of 2,393.

Lady Tiger alum Temeka Johnson saw her first action since rejoining the team from her overseas play and poured in 21 points and passed off for four assists.

"We're constantly learning each other and waiting for some other pieces to the puzzle to get here," said veteran point guard Johnson, who with forward Penny Taylor signed a multiyear Mercury contract in April. "We understand what we need to do."

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Meek talks basketball and her HOPE Foundation

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Here are just a few excerpts from a wonderful interview with Temeka Johnson. Make sure you click on the link: http://bit.ly/da6dfj to read it in it's entirety to see what Meek has to say about returning as a WNBA champion, playing overseas, her pro history, her time at LSU and her dedicated work to her HOPE Foundation.


You have started basketball very young, what made you try and love this sport?
Yes, I loved the game of basketball. Since the age of 6 I’ve been playing the sport. Both of my parents played it, so it was a game that really came natural to me.

From 2002 to 2005 you attended the Louisiana State University, how was this period for you? Is your Assist Pass Record still relevant?
My time at LSU was great. It started off with me sitting out my 1st year, but that allowed me to concentrate on my studies and also become a smarter player by observing the game. I still hold the LSU assist record.

You have a lot of websites such as Meek2.com , and MeeksHOPE.org , Meek Moments without to forget Facebook and Twitter why do so many websites? Family, friends, fans?
At first, I only had my Meek2.com site, but once I started my foundation, I wanted to have a separate presence on the web. We are relaunching the MeeksHOPE.org site during the WNBA season, so that will be a central place for fans to find out about me. The blog site was based on having a more current place where I could let my friends, family and fans know about what I was doing daily.

You also created your own foundation (MeeksHOPE.org) can you introduce it?
Yes, my foundation is called the HOPE Foundation, which stands for Heaven Opens People’s Eyes. It is a dream come true, as I get to help so many in need.

Why did you create this foundation?
My foundation has always been a goal of mine. I am where I am now, due to the support of my family and friends. Without them, I would not be here, so I want to give back and help out as many people as possible. Many people have stated that I give them hope to reach their dreams, so I want to actually assist them in their dreams and goals. Sometimes it’s a small thing that can help push or position a person for greatness. I love being able to help othersin need!

Did you have some great moments in your foundation? What is your next step, expectation?
Setting up the Jewel Johnson Scholarship fund in honor of my grandmother was one of my greatest moments with the HOPE Foundation. She meant so much to me and the students she taught, that I was proud to make this happen. In October I also had the Temeka Johnson Weekend in Baton Rouge, Kenner and New Orleans, where we hosted a number of charity events for the community. I was so proud to be able to do that. For next steps, we have a lot in store. We have a children’s book coming out, a charity basketball game, adopting more schools, and just growing the foundation. I am truly blessed.

Do you have teammates who come to help you?
Yes, I have teammates such as Ketia Swanier that have joined me with certain foundation events, but also other players. Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) actually presented me with a $5,000 USD check to start the Jewel Johnson Scholarship fund. We all help each other, and also give signed items that help each of our foundations to raise the money needed to create more programs for those in need.

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Posted by Bill Martin  

Allison Prepares for First WNBA Practice

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From the LSU Reveille:

Former LSU guard Allison Hightower officially kicked off her life as a WNBA player Monday.
The LSU All-American Honorable Mention player participated in her first practice of training camp with the Connecticut Sun, which selected her in the second round of the WNBA draft April 8.

Hightower said she felt calm heading into the practice.

“I don’t have any nerves right now, which is surprising,” she said. “I’m just ready to get started. I’m prepared to go out there and work as hard as I can to get a spot.”

Hightower said getting to know her older teammates has been smooth so far.

“The veterans have actually been pretty nice helping us along the way and showing us some things,” Hightower said. “I’ve heard a lot of horror stories about how the veterans make rookies carry their bags and get their food. We haven’t had to do that yet.”

Allison Hightower said adjusting to life in the North has been exhilarating.

“Connecticut is different, a lot of trees and mountains,” she said. “I’m definitely going to miss the crawfish and all that, but I’m so excited about this opportunity to play and travel — the whole package.”

Hightower said LSU prepared her to take the WNBA by storm, and she knows there is always room to polish her basketball skills at the professional level.

“It’s all about putting in time and extra work to make every part of your game sharp,” Hightower said. “I’m working on the overall thing — shooting, dribbling and passing. You always have something to work on.”

Read the entire article: http://bit.ly/b3lEsV

 

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Allison, Sun rookies meet Connecticut fans

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A crowd of roughly 300 turned out to welcome four members of the 2010 Connecticut Sun Draft Class on Friday afternoon.


Tina Charles, Danielle McCray, Kelsey Griffin and Allison Hightower were all on hand to receive their Sun jerseys during a raucous event in front of the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office. Third-round draft pick Johannah Leedham was unable to attend because of a previous commitment.Coach Mike Thibault spoke briefly about the 2010 WNBA Draft before handing the microphone back to Connecticut Sun Vice President and General Manager Chris Sienko, who introduced each of the players.


Fans were given a chance to shout out questions for the players, who also signed a few autographs before meeting with the media.

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Seimone undergoes minor surgery

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The Minnesota Lynx today issued a medical update regarding the status of Seimone Augustus.
Augustus underwent successful surgery on Saturday to remove fibroids. An update on Augustus' status for the remainder of training camp and the start of the regular season will be issued later in the week as more information becomes available. Augustus will not be available for comment until a later date as she recovers from surgery.

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Temeka mentioned as possibly point guard for Liberty

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Swish Appeal discusses possibility of Temeka Johnson (a free agent) signing with the New York Liberty:


For most of the off-season, we've known that the Mercury are facing a very difficult financial situation that led to Le'coe Willingham signing with the Seattle Storm, and possibly contributed to Pondexter being traded to the Liberty. The thinking behind the Pondexter trade was that it would help free up resources to re-sign point Temeka Johnson and forward Penny Taylor, two key parts of the Mercury's core.


However, with the Liberty clearing considerable cap room by waiving both Loree Moore and Kelly Mazzante - who was acquired in the Mercury trade - restricted free agent Johnson could make some sense.


Swish Appeal has learned from multiple sources that there is another potential suitor for Johnson and all signs point to New York: clearing cap room, needing a point guard, and perhaps being able to out-bid the Mercury. Given that the Mercury have still not made the move to re-sign either Johnson or Taylor, it's reasonable to wonder if they are still facing a difficult financial situation.


Go to Swish Appeal and read the entire article: http://bit.ly/9yb0og

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Meek blogging from overseas for Slam Magazine

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Temeka Johnson has been a guest blogger for Slam Magazine's online site this spring. Here is her latest entry:


What’s up SLAMonline?!

Sorry for being late, but we had a lot of games last week, lots of travels, and as I mentioned in my last blog, I have my personal trainer with me. No excuses, though, I’m back! Did you miss me?

We secured our place in our league and continue to play well and move forward. Lost one game, but won our last one the way we needed to win it (by a margin of over 20 points). I played pretty well with my own 20-point effort in the game. But the most important part was getting that much needed victory. No matter what we do individually, basketball is still a team game. I wanted to make sure we won that game, and was going to do whatever it took to win. But, having teammates like Lenae Williams (former DePaul player who I’m sure you’ve heard about with the Phoenix Mercury) make it easy. She can ball y’all! You’ll see. She’s also been a great assist to me while learning the French way of life! Thanks, Lenae!

Read Meek's entire blog entry at SlamOnline: http://bit.ly/abZCti

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Posted by Bill Martin