MEEK CELEBRATES A CHAMPIONSHIP!

Only days after capturing her first WNBA Championship, Temeka Johnson joined her Phoenix teammates and fans at the US Airways Center to celebrate their title and watch the team drop their Championship Banner.

 

Filed under  //  Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bill Martin  

MEEK GOES FOR A RING TONIGHT!!!

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From WNBA.com, Temeka Johnson is blogging about tonight's championship game. The game will be on ESPN2 at 8:00 PM Central. Here's what Meek had to say about the game:


The victory in Game 4 started from the beginning. We came out aggressive, the push was good, the energy and intensity was there and we were able to get a lot of spacing and create things for ourselves. We did a pretty good job of executing all aspects of our game plan in Game 4 and that’s why we came away with the win.

We got off to a great start and that was key for us. It helped us set the tone and play our style of basketball. Otherwise, we didn’t really try to do anything differently from what we’ve tried to do in previous games this series, other than maybe to defend a little better.

I was able to start the game strong, score some points and find my teammates in spots where they could take good shots. Of course, I got into some foul trouble and which didn’t allow me to stay on the floor as much as I wanted to be out there. That’s something that I will definitely be paying attention to in Game 5, although it’s not something I typically have a problem with.

But we can’t be too happy with our Game 4 win. We haven’t done anything yet. The series is tied, 2-2. We still need to stay focused and get this victory here on Friday. That’s the beauty of this team. We’re not going to lose our focus. This is for all the marbles and we’ll be ready.

With Game 4 being on Wednesday, yesterday was a travel day and today we have to go right back at it with no practice day in between. But at this point in time, it doesn’t even matter.

There’s nothing you can do about it. You can’t control it. You’ve got to just come in, string your shoes up and come ready to play tonight.

I expect Game 5 to be an even more intense game than Game 4. Both teams are playing for the same thing, so we expect Indiana to come out aggressive and have a lot of energy. It’ll be a good game for the fans.

Speaking of the fans, I expect a loud crowd for Game 5, and an atmosphere that will be very fun and enjoyable to play in.

Filed under  //  Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bill Martin  

TEMEKA: WE NEED "SENSE OF URGENCY"

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The following is a post from Temeka Johnson who is posing through the Championship series for the WNBA at: http://bit.ly/1bKuOJ


We didn't come out with a sense of urgency in Game 2 and that's the main reason we lost. We didn't do the things that we had worked on defensively. You can't do that against a team like Indiana.

We struggled defensively and we struggled with our offense a little bit, but we were still in the game with about seven minutes to go. We cut it from a 17-point deficit to a five-point one in a short amount of time. That's a positive we can take away from the defeat.

Indiana is just believing in themselves offensively right now. They are attacking us, trying to get to the hole to drive and kick. We just need to buckle down defensively and we'll be OK.
Following the game, Coach Gaines gave us a day to ourselves to let that Game 2 loss soak in. Today though he emphasized everything we need to do in Game 3. You have to respect that about him.

As a competitor and as a player you always think there's room for improvement, so you always want to do better. I need to step it up defensively because it starts and ends with me. Offensively and defensively. The push and the pick-up on the ball starts with me.

Game 3 figures to be a battle, especially since the Fever will be playing at home, where they are so tough. But what gives me confidence is what we have in that locker room, each and every player on this team, because I know what we are capable of and I know what it is we do night in and night out.

Filed under  //  Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bill Martin  

SEIMONE PAYS US A VISIT!

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KATHERINE GRAHAM (9-24-09):
As part of the Lady Tiger Way, each year we have former Lady Tigers come back and speak with us about different things. This year we had the chance to sit with one of the greats in women's basketball, and a Lady Tiger that had a major role is shaping our program into what it is today.

During a four player workout, Seimone Augustus took time out of her day from rehabbing to talk to us about some of her experiences. She talked about how many opportunities she was afforded due to the game of basketball, and what motivates her to be the best player she can be. Another topic she discussed was her experience with the USA Team and their quest to winning a gold medal, and how things work in the WNBA and as well as overseas.

Seimone's visit was special because it was very different form other visits. First, she allowed us the opportunity to ask her questions instead of her just talking. Second there were no coaches allowed so the meeting was very informal, and took a no-holds bar type of approach.

Although other visits had their own special features, Seimone's visit helped us get a first had approach on what to expect for the future, not only in the sports arena but also in our personal lives. We talked about everything from her future career plans, to our personal finances, to how teams overseas stretch.

Throughout the entire visit, which lasted about an hour, she was laid back and open in HONESTLY answering the questions we asked. Semione gave back more than she realized, she gave us more than money can buy -- she gave us the truth and reality from her mistakes and successes. She also gave us another glimpse of THE LADY TIGER WAY.

Filed under  //  Player's Post   Seimone Augustus   WNBA  
Posted by Bill Martin