LSU Women's Basketball http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com The Lady Tiger Way - Official Blog posterous.com Wed, 20 Oct 2010 05:36:00 -0700 Catching up with Big Syl http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/catching-up-with-big-syl http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/catching-up-with-big-syl

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Recently Chicago Sky center and FIBA World Champion Sylvia Fowles spoke with some of Chicago’s finest sportswriters over the phone from her home in Miami. Among other things they touched on the FIBA World Championships, the changes within the Sky organization and how Big Syl has spent her time since returning from the Czech Republic.

Here are 10 questions and Syl's answers from that conversation.

Question: How was your experience at the 2010 FIBA World Championships?
Answer: Health wise I was 100%. Just going out there and performing is a whole different thing. I wanted to do more and I felt like I could do more, but it’s different when your body says something different. It was a test because I was used to being on the floor, but sitting back and watching your teammates is a humbling experience. It also gives you confidence to get back to where you want to be.

Q: How have you felt physically since the end of the Sky season?
A: I got my right knee re-scoped and had a cyst removed. That’s what caused me to be out for 3-weeks. It was nagging, nothing too serious. I wanted to get it looked at before I went overseas or started with USA Basketball. If it was something I needed to get fixed, it was something I wanted to do now rather than later to prevent problems in the long run. Now I’m back to 100%.

Q: What has it been like for you to become one of the leaders on the Sky?
A: It’s something that I had to learn. Am I comfortable with it? No. Knowing I have to get it done for my teammates and myself, I’m ready. It’s something I’ve inherited over the years and I’m getting better at it as the years go along. I’m not the type of person who will talk. I’m the type of person who will lead by example. At my position I need to talk and lead that way.

Q: The 2010 Sky season was by far your most productive, what was different from previous years for you?
A: I’d been hurt my first year and got hurt my second year too. I felt every time I went overseas I got better. When I came back to the States I kind of limited myself with the injuries. I made a promise to myself to play the whole season and play to my full abilities.

Q: How do you feel about Steven Key resigning?
A: I enjoyed my time with him. I think he’s a very, very good person. A great person actually. Things happen. When things don’t work within in a system, it's time to try new things. I think that’s the direction we’re going, trying to figure this thing out.

Q: What type of coach do you think the Sky needs?
A: We need a coach who’s pretty much demanding over what they want and how to get it done. And a coach with enough experience knowing what they want and how to get it done on the floor. I want a coach to come in and coach us to the point where we want to be. Get us to the playoffs. It doesn’t matter as long as they get someone in who can coach.

Q: What do you think the Sky can improve on headed into 2011?
A: Our communication. We knew each other, we knew how each other played. Our communication [lacked]. We were inconsistent.

Q: How do you feel about the direction the Sky is headed?
A: Change. We needed something different. It just wasn’t from the coaches or players perspective. They took it another step beyond that in the front office, which I can respect. It’s going to be different. And I’m looking forward to that.

Q: What have you been up to since winning the Gold medal at the FIBA World Championships?
A: I’m home in Miami, with my nieces and nephews, and brothers and sisters, hanging out with the family. I had seven days since the FIBA tournament ended. I’m supposed to leave [October 11] to go to Turkey. The little time I do have I tried to enjoy it every bit. Since I’ve been here, we’ve been hitting up the beach like crazy. My days are: go to the beach or stay home and do nothing. I’ve been home relaxing and going to the beach. I don’t lift any weights or anything like that. I’m not lifting weights or looking at a basketball until I get into a gym.

Q: Do you think you'll get a break before the 2011 WNBA Season?
A: Yes, I’ll definitely get a break to come back and recoup. I don’t know for how long. If we players get more than two weeks, that’s like paradise to us. Hopefully I’ll get two weeks off and if I get two weeks off I’ll be refreshed and ready to go.

Thanks to: http://www.wnba.com/sky/ for the Big Syl Q&A!

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Mon, 04 Oct 2010 06:03:00 -0700 Big Syl, Team USA capture GOLD at World Championships http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-team-usa-capture-gold-at-world-champi http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-team-usa-capture-gold-at-world-champi

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The USA Basketball Women’s World Championship Team (9-0) stormed out of the locker room at halftime on a 15-2 run to pull away from host Czech Republic (6-3) and finished the night with the eventual 89-69 gold medal victory at the 2010 FIBA World Championship. With the gold medal victory, played in front of a boisterous and deafening crowd of Czech supporters who never gave up hope on their squad, the USA became the first team to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Summer Games that will be held July 27-Aug. 12 in London, England.

“I thought the Czech team played with so much heart and so much passion and they’re so smart,” said USA and University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma. “Every time you make a mistake, they make a basket. I can’t tell you with how impressed I am with coach (Lubor Blazek) and his style of play. That was the best team we played in the entire tournament, without question. We’re fortunate to be world champions. I know my players worked really, really hard. To do it here, in the Czech Republic, against the Czech national team, in front of an unbelievable crowd. The crowd last night was incredible and tonight was just as good. I think it makes this win even more rewarding because of who we had to beat and where we had to beat them.”

The American women now own a 97-21 (.822) all-time record since the first FIBA World Championship was held in 1953, earned their ninth straight podiumfinish at the Worlds dating to the 1979 tournament, and the 2010 gold medal represented a record eighth gold for the U.S. in World Championship competition.

 

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Sun, 03 Oct 2010 08:54:00 -0700 Big Syl goes for the Gold on NBA-TV today at 1:00 PM http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-goes-for-the-gold-on-nba-tv-today-at http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-goes-for-the-gold-on-nba-tv-today-at

LSU's Sylvia Fowles and Team USA will battle host Czech Republic (6-2)  for the gold medal at 8:00 p.m. (:00 p.m. CST) on Oct. 3 in Karlovy Vary.  The USA's final game, which will be played in front of a raucous crowd of Czech supporters, will air live on NBA TV, and fans can also watch live streaming of all FIBA World Championship games at www.FIBATV.com.

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Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:28:00 -0700 Big Syl hits double figures in USA victory http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-hits-double-figures-in-usa-victory http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-hits-double-figures-in-usa-victory

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Less than two weeks following surgery on her knee, Sylvia Fowles entered the USA starting line-up and registered 10 points in only 13 minutes of action.  Big Syl also grabbed 3 boards, blocked a shot and tallied a steal as Team USA dominated Senegal 108-52.

How much fun was tonight for this team?
It was a lot of fun, knowing that we haven’t been together that long as a team, and to just go out there and be able to pull together and get better game-by-game. I’m excited to see where we are going to be at tomorrow and in the next 10 days.

The U.S. wraps up preliminary play against France (2-0) on Sept. 25 at 3:15 p.m. (live on NBA TV at 9:15 a.m. EDT). All of the USA games will air live on NBA TV, and fans can also watch live streaming of all FIBA World Championship games at www.FIBATV.com.

In today's other Group B preliminary round action, France topped Greece (0-2) 69-55. Also in Ostrava, Group A saw Canada (1-1) hold on against China (0-2) 65-61, and Australia (2-0) top Belarus (1-1) 83-59. Meanwhile in Brno, Spain (2-0) downed South Korea (1-1) 84-69, and Brazil (1-1) won against Mali (0-2) 80-73 in Group C; while in Group D Japan (1-1) edged out Argentina (0-2) 59-58, and Russia (1-0) survived a late scare by host Czech Republic (1-1) 55-52.

Following preliminary play, the USA will cross over against the top three finishers out of Pool A, which includes defending world champ Australia, Belarus, Canada and China, for the Sept. 27-29 second round games to be played in Ostrava. The medal round will be played in Karlovy Vary, with the quarterfinals scheduled for Oct. 1, the semifinals on Oct. 2 and the medal games played on Oct. 3.

Box Score: http://bit.ly/bcSeOh

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Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:44:00 -0700 Big Syl 1st team All-WNBA http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-1st-team-all-wnba http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-1st-team-all-wnba

Chicago Sky center Sylvia Fowles was named to the 2010 All-WNBA First Team, the league announced today.

Fowles received 125 points in the voting which was conducted by a panel of national and local sportswriters and broadcasters. Players were selected by position and received five points for each First Team vote. Lauren Jackson, Cappie Pondexter, Tamika Catchings and Diana Taurasi are the other First Team selections.

“I am thankful to have received this recognition,” said Fowles. “It was my goal to stay healthy and have the best season I possibly could and I am happy with my on-court performance in 2010 and hope to continue to improve on my game in the offseason and produce even better results for the Sky in 2011.”

This is the first time Fowles has received this honor. In 2010, she played a career-high 34 games in which she averaged of 17.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in 32 minutes per game, all career-highs. She also shot a career-best 76 percent from the free throw line. During the Sky’s 10-game stretch from June 27 through July 24 Fowles recorded nine double-doubles, she finished the season with 15 total. Her 88 total blocked shots in 2010 are a Sky franchise record and the 9th best single-season total in WNBA history.

For the season, Fowles ranked No. 6 in the WNBA in points per game, No. 3 in rebounds per game, No. 1 in blocks per game and No. 3 in field goal percentage. She was also named to the WNBA All-Defensive first team and the MVP at the WNBA vs. USA Basketball: Stars at the Sun showcase game in which she scored 23 points and eight rebounds to lead Team USA.

Big Syl Highlight Video: http://bit.ly/cGUwuY

Read more: http://bit.ly/bbnSSB

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Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:47:00 -0700 Big Syl named 1st Team All-WNBA Defense http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-named-1st-team-all-wnba-defense http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-named-1st-team-all-wnba-defense

NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2009 –One thing they know at LSU is how to play defense and Chicago Sky center Sylvia Fowles has extended that to the WNBA level by being names to the 2010 WNBA All Defense 1st team.

Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings, the 2010 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year presented by Kia Motors, headlines the 2010 WNBA All-Defensive Team, the league announced today. Catchings, who also earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2005, 2006 and 2009, collected 22 points from the league’s 12 head coaches. Atlanta Dream forward Angel McCoughtry and Fowles finished second with 18 points apiece.

Seattle Storm guard Tanisha Wright (11 points) and New York Liberty guard Cappie Pondexter (10 points) round out the All-Defensive First Team.

Catchings earns her sixth consecutive appearance on the All-Defensive First Team. She is the only player to be named to the First Team every year it has been selected (2005-2010). Wright is the only other member of the First Team who was so honored last season. McCoughtry and Fowles, who were selected to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2009 and 2008, respectively, make their initial appearance on the First Team. For Pondexter, it is her first time earning All-Defensive Team honors.

The WNBA All-Defensive Second Team is comprised of Seattle Storm forward-center Lauren Jackson (15 points), Minnesota Lynx forward Rebekkah Brunson (six points), Atlanta Dream center Sancho Lyttle (seven points), Washington Mystics guard Lindsey Harding (nine points), and Indiana Fever guards Tully Bevalaqua and Katie Douglas (six points apiece).

Jackson, the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year, was twice selected to the All-Defensive First Team (2007 and 2009) and twice named to the All-Defensive Second Team (2005 and 2008). For Brunson, this marks her third selection to the All-Defensive Second Team (2007 and 2008), while Lyttle earns Second Team honors for a second consecutive season. The Fever guards, Bevilaqua and Douglas, are no strangers to this honor. Bevilaqua was selected to the All-Defensive First Team in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009, and to the second team in 2007; Douglas was a member of the First Team three consecutive seasons, 2005-2007. Harding is a first-time member of the All-Defensive squad.

A panel of the WNBA’s 12 head coaches voted on the WNBA All-Defensive Team, selecting First and Second Teams by position. Coaches were not permitted to vote for players from their own team. Players earned two points for each First Team vote and one point for a Second Team vote.

Read more: http://bit.ly/cnOuVe

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Sun, 29 Aug 2010 07:30:00 -0700 Big Syl addresses Lady Tiger team http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-addresses-lady-tiger-team http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-addresses-lady-tiger-team

KATHERINE GRAHAM: One of the greatest gifts we can recieve as a team is being able to have a relationship with former players. This was one of the first times that Sylvia Fowles has had time of from playing basketball and wonder how she spent her Saturday morning? In the Sue Gunter Complex sharing wisdom with this years team. Its always great to see alumni return and tell us about thier experience what they plan on doing in the future endevors, as well as talk about some of the coaches! There were a lot of great questions that were asked and Syl did a great job of answering them honestly. Her personality and passion for this program was evident in every word she spoke. In this meeting Syl allowed us to be very personal and develope a close connection to her journey of how she became the player she is today, and what motivates her to continue to work hard and become better. We thank Syl for her insight and wisdom that was shared and wish her all the best in her foundation, as well as her basketball career. Until next time Lady Tiger Fans!

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Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:13:00 -0700 Chicago's Sylvia Fowles Receives WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for July http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/chicagos-sylvia-fowles-receives-wnba-cares-co http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/chicagos-sylvia-fowles-receives-wnba-cares-co

NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2010 – The WNBA today honored Chicago Sky center Sylvia Fowles'  commitment to the community with its WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for July. Throughout the month, Fowles has played a leadership role in the team’s community outreach, including a recent partnership with Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE). She continues to be a positive role model for youngsters in Chicago and beyond.

Fowles’ personal experience with epilepsy— her young nephew, Morris, is fighting the disease— prompted her desire to get more involved with CURE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for epilepsy by raising funds for research and increasing public awareness. In June, the WNBA All-Star player reached out to the organization to see how she could help, an effort that resulted in the launch of a new partnership between the Sky and CURE. The Sky tipped off the partnership with a special ticket program for their home game against the New York Liberty on July 23 and donated a portion of the ticket sales to CURE. Following the game, Fowles hosted a special meet-and-greet to thank fans for their support and treated epilepsy sufferer Lauren Axelrod to a private tour of the Sky locker room, where she introduced her to teammates. 

“I am grateful that I am in a position to make a difference for those who struggle with epilepsy,” Fowles said. “I look forward to continuing to raise awareness and funding to find a cure for this devastating disease, and I encourage others to lend a helping hand.” 

To further lend her support, Fowles designed and purchased CURE-themed red silicon wristbands, which she wears during all games and has distributed to CURE members, teammates, family, and friends. Fowles plans to continue her efforts by filming a PSA with CURE and participating in a number of upcoming events hosted by the organization. 

The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award is presented monthly throughout the season to the player who best reflects the league’s passion for making a difference in the community. In recognition of Fowles’ charitable efforts, the WNBA is donating $5,000 to CURE on her behalf.

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Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:26:00 -0700 Marie on ESPN2 with a big night of Lady Tiger action in the WNBA http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/marie-on-espn2-with-a-big-night-of-lady-tiger http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/marie-on-espn2-with-a-big-night-of-lady-tiger

Connecticut (Allison Hightower) at Washington at 6 PM (NBA TV)

Preview: http://bit.ly/9G5bGS

Phoenix (Temeka Johnson) at Chicago (Sylvia Fowles) at 7 PM

Preview: http://bit.ly/bh3ncr

Minnesota (Seimone Augustus) at San Antonio (Roneeka Hodges) at 7 PM

Preview: http://bit.ly/ajrUl6

Indiana at Los Angeles (Marie Ferdinand-Harris) at 9 PM (ESPN2)

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Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:16:00 -0700 Mone leads Lynx to comeback overtime win over Syl and Sky http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/mone-leads-lynx-to-comeback-overtime-win-over http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/mone-leads-lynx-to-comeback-overtime-win-over

CHICAGO (AP) Seimone  Augustus scored 27 points, including the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 26.9 seconds left in overtime to lead the Minnesota Lynx to an 87-82 victory over the Chicago Sky on Saturday. Lindsay Whalen had 19 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, Charde Houston added 17 points and Monica Wright added 11 to help the Lynx (9-16) rally from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter.  Jia Perkins led Chicago (12-16) with 16 points and Sylvia  Fowles had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Dominique Canty added 13 points and Tamera Young scored 10.   Augustus' jumper with 1 minute left in OT gave the Lynx an 80-79 lead. Fowles made 1 of 2 free throws to tie the score about 20 seconds later. After Augustus' go-ahead 3, Fowles made a layup to pull the Sky to 83-82 with 19.3 seconds to go. Whalen then made two free throws 3 seconds later to put Minnesota up by three again.

  

Minnesota/Chicago Box: http://bit.ly/b9VxF8

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Sat, 07 Aug 2010 09:16:00 -0700 Mone vs. Syl on ESPN2 today at 2 CST http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/mone-vs-syl-on-espn2-today-at-2-cst http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/mone-vs-syl-on-espn2-today-at-2-cst

Today at 2:00 PM EST on ESPN2, Lady Tiger fans can watch two of LSU's great players collide when Seimone Augustus takes her Minnesota Lynx to Chicago to play Sylvia Fowles and the Sky.  It would be hard to find two players in the WNBA that are playing at a higher level than these two in recent weeks.

Minnesota/Chicago Preview via WNBA.com - http://bit.ly/b9VxF8

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Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:16:00 -0700 Fowles' dominance for Sky demands attention http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/fowles-dominance-for-sky-demands-attention http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/fowles-dominance-for-sky-demands-attention

By Ryan Smith for "RedEye"

Sky center Sylvia Fowles isn't your typical basketball star.

She prefers life out of the spotlight, doesn't necessarily embrace being the center of attention and intentionally avoids highlight-reel dunks.

But considering what she's accomplished on the court for the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic team and the Sky this year, Fowles is a bona fide superstar--whether she likes it or not.

After two seasons slowed by injuries and fighting for minutes, the 24-year-old center has emerged as a dominating force for the success-starved Sky. She is averaging 18.4 points and 9.9 rebounds, leads the league in blocks and has racked up a few monster games lately, including a stat-stuffing 35-point, eight-rebound game Sunday at Phoenix, despite seeing double- and triple-teams from many opponents.

"This is the season we sort of expected her to have right from the beginning," Sky coach Steven Key said. "We were a bit unlucky, and she was a bit unlucky with the two injuries that she had her first two seasons. Now we can see what she can do, and she's the biggest, baddest thing around."

She might be the biggest and baddest, but you won't get her to make that claim.

"I just never was that person who wanted to be the focal point or in the spotlight," Fowles said. "That's just my personality. I'm very mellow and quiet."

Read the entire article: http://bit.ly/98vNwF
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Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:59:00 -0700 Show LSU Lady Tiger spirit and help WNBA raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/show-lsu-lady-tiger-spirit-and-help-wnba-rais http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/show-lsu-lady-tiger-spirit-and-help-wnba-rais

The WNBA is raising funds for the Jimmy V Cancer Foundation through an internet auction and you can show your LSU spirit while supporting a great cause.

Each WNBA team has a commemorative pink WNBA basketball autographed by their team.  For you LSU fans keeping score this would include Chicago (Sylvia Fowles), Connecticut (Allison Hightower), Los Angeles (Marie Ferdinand-Harris), Minnesota (Seimone Augustus), Phoenix (Temeka Johnson), San Antonio (Roneeka Hodges), and Tulsa (Scholanda Robinson).

There is also individually autographed basketballs including one by Seimone and one by Syl.

Check out all the Breast Cancer Awareness auction items at: http://bit.ly/dlnu51

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Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:32:00 -0700 Syl has career high 35, Meek wins to kick off "Night of HOPE" http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/syl-has-career-high-35-meek-wins-to-kick-off http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/syl-has-career-high-35-meek-wins-to-kick-off

BOB STARKEY: It was an amazing last day on my trip to Phoenix.  First, an incredible game between Pheonix and Chicago that wasn't resovled until the final seconds. Temeka Johnson ran her team, helping them come from behind with 6 points and 6 assists.  It was Phoenix's second consecutive win.  But the best player on the floor tonight was Sylvia Fowles.  Big Syl poured in 35 points to go along with 8 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Sylvia scored 12 of her career-high 35 in the fourth quarter as she tried to will her team to victory.

I was very proud of both of these Lady Tigers for how well they played the game and hard they competed.  They should make all of us proud that they are representing LSU.

Following the game it was a "Night of HOPE," the second annual event put on by Temeka's HOPE Foundation.  This year the event coincided with the release of the book she co-wrote with Quency Phillips entitled, "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions."  The event was held Majerle's Resaurant, owned by former Phoenix Suns standout Dan Majerle (who attended today's game).

There were tons of Phoenix fans there along with all of Meek's teammates including her coach Corey Gaines and team President Annie Meyers Drysdale.  Some of the Sky team came as well including Big Syl.  All the proceeds from the "Night of HOPE" goes to Meek's foundation and by the look of the event it was a huge success!

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Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:10:00 -0700 Lady Tigers take to NBA TV tomorrow in WNBA action http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/lady-tigers-take-to-nba-tv-tomorrow-in-wnba-a http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/lady-tigers-take-to-nba-tv-tomorrow-in-wnba-a

Big day of action in the WNBA including a lot of Lady Tigers and a lot of action on NBA TV.

Allison Hightower and Connecticut play in New York at 3:00 CST

Scholanda Robinson and Tulsa play at Washington at 3:00 CST (NBA TV)

Sylvia Fowles and Chicago are in Phoenix to play Temeka Johnson and the Mercury at 5:00 CST (NBA TV)

Seimone Augustus and Minnesota host the WNBA's best Seattle Storm at 6:00 CST (NBA TV).

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Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:08:00 -0700 Meek (w/help from Syl) to host "Night of HOPE" tomorrow http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/meek-whelp-from-syl-to-host-night-of-hope-tom http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/meek-whelp-from-syl-to-host-night-of-hope-tom

BOB STARKEY: Another reason I selected this time to come to Pheonix (besides getting to spend some time with Meek, Mone and Syl), was to be a part of Meek's "Night of HOPE."  It is the second year she has put on this event and this year it coincides with the release of her children's book "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions."

The event takes place tomorrow following the Mercury's game against Chicago which will allow Sylvia to take part in the festivities.  Here is more information via a release sent out:

For the second consecutive year, Phoenix Mercury Point Guard, Temeka Johnson, will host "Night of HOPE". This HOPE Foundation event allows the foundation to connect with local sponsors, donors and philanthropic minds, as we work together to find solutions to the community issues within the Phoenix area. Last year’s event was a resounding success, and this year we expect even more.

With an unique experience in a luxury suite at US Airways Arena, guests will interact with foundation officials throughout the game, with a special post-game meet-and-greet with Temeka Johnson and her teammates. This year, the foundation will also have an off-site event which will act as a fundraiser for the foundation. The highlight of the event will be the launch of Ms. Johnson’s “Meek Moments” children’s book which will launch on August 1st. The post-game event will be held at the well-known Majerle’s restaurant, adjacent to the arena.

There will be a special signing for those that pre-ordered the Meek Moments book (available at www.MeeksHOPE.org - Shop4HOPE), as well as give-aways. Guests will meet Temeka’s teammates, with a special appearance by the Chicago Sky’s Sylvia Fowles, and be able to obtain autographed memorabilia through a special auction. Join us as we continue to make an impact in the Phoenix community!

Tickets for the post-game event are $25, and are available on the HOPE Foundation site (www.MeeksHOPE.org). All proceeds will go directly to the HOPE Foundation, to initiate the Phoenix-area scholarship fund (more details will be announced at the event). A special Community Champion package (includes an autographed book, posters, and Team Meek tshirt) will be available with a $100 donation to the foundation.

“Phoenix is my second home,” said Johnson. “I am committed to the city, just as I am to my foundation. With the launch of my children’s book, I’m very excited about the overall future - not only for HOPE, but also for the people that we reach. This event makes all that we do possible!”

Night of HOPE has set a goal to raise $5,000 through foundation merchandise sales (www.MeeksHOPE.org) and donations small and large. The donations will be used to help assist 2 Phoenix-area students with a scholarship for the 2011/2012 school year. The foundation will announce the inaugural scholarship winners (awarded to an LSU student) in Baton Rouge, at the end of August 2010. For updates and more information, please stay tuned to www.MeeksHOPE.org. You may also follow Temeka on twitter (@Quickdeuce) for consistent news and updates.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/566494/lsucoachstarkey.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5ALKlEihyfjb Bob Starkey Bob Starkey - Assistant Head Coach Bob Starkey
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:34:00 -0700 Marie, Syl and Sho shine in losses http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/marie-syl-and-sho-shine-in-losses http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/marie-syl-and-sho-shine-in-losses

In the WNBA tonight, it was a tough night team-wise for the Lady Tigers but not because of their individual performances.

Los Angeles gave the Liberty all they could handle in New York but fell short despite a stellar effort from Marie Ferdinand-Harris.  Marie had a team-high 35 minutes and tallied 17 points including 2 of 3 behind the arc.  She also grabbed 4 rebounds and 2 steals.

Los Angeles/New York Box: http://bit.ly/bNyYqq

Two Lady Tigers stood out in San Antonio's 101-85 victory at Tulsa.  Roneeka Hodges had 11 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and 2 assists.  For the Shock, Scholanda Robinson continues to have a strong season scoring 17 points along with 4 steals.  She also hit 3 of 5 from the 3-point arc.

San Antonio/Tulsa Box: http://bit.ly/9w5f1Y

In Seattle, Sylvia Fowles and the Chicago Sky ran into the hottest team in the WNBA.  The Storm, undefeated at home and sporting a league-best 22-2 record easily defeated the Sky 80-60.  Big Syl managed 13 points despite getting only five field goal attempts (hitting 4).  She als grabbed 5 boards and passed off for 5 assists against numerous double teams. 

Seattle/Chicago Box:

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/566494/lsucoachstarkey.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5ALKlEihyfjb Bob Starkey Bob Starkey - Assistant Head Coach Bob Starkey
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:54:00 -0700 Big Syl takes CURE and battle againt Epilepsy to Los Angeles http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-take-cure-and-battle-againt-epilepsy http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-take-cure-and-battle-againt-epilepsy

If you an LSU alumni or fan in the Los Angeles area, come out and see a couple of Lady Tigers in Sylvia Fowles and Marie Ferdinand Harris.  But even more importantly, help Big Syl and she continues to work for CURE in the battle against Epilepsy.

Come See Sylvia Fowles and Support CURE!
Chicago Sky vs. Los Angeles Sparks
Wednesday, August 4 – 7:30PM
STAPLES Center
 
Join Big Syl and the Chicago Sky as they take on the Los Angeles Sparks.  Purchase your tickets using this link and receive a discount, pay NO TicketMaster fees, and a portion of every ticket sold will go back to support Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy!

To purchase tickets:
Click here:
https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=sparks&o=1139693&g=539 <https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=sparks&o=1139693&g=539>
Enter Special Offer Code: CURE
Enter your TicketMaster account ID (or e-mail address) and password on the left. If you have never created a Ticketmaster account, go to "Create an Account" on the right-hand side of the screen
Follow the instructions to purchase - you will be able to print the tickets right from your computer!
 
To learn more about Sylvia and her work with CURE, click here:
http://presidentscorner.cureepilepsy.org/
To learn more about CURE, click here: http://www.cureepilepsy.org

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/566494/lsucoachstarkey.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5ALKlEihyfjb Bob Starkey Bob Starkey - Assistant Head Coach Bob Starkey
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:39:00 -0700 Big Syl making big impact Epilepsy research http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-making-big-impact-epilepsy-research http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/big-syl-making-big-impact-epilepsy-research

The following comes from Susan Axelrod's blog "Chair's Corner" --

Friday night, WNBA Chicago Sky Center Sylvia Fowles lent her towering voice and passion to help raise awareness and funds for epilepsy research! A portion of the proceeds from Friday night ticket sales were donated to CURE,  CURE t-shirts were tossed out to the crowd during the game, and some of us were lucky enough to go back and meet members of the team before the game, and greet Sylvia again after the game. Sylvia is an absolute star–she led Louisiana State University to four straight NCAA Final Four appearances, has gone to the WNBA All Star game two years in a row, and was a part of the gold medal-winning 2008 US Olympic Women’s Basketball team!

Sylvia reached out to CURE because her nephew Morris, who is now 9 years old, has had epilepsy since birth. We’re so grateful for her help in raising awareness and money for research. Everyone at the Sky were great–it’s clear we have some new friends and supporters of this cause!

Thanks to Sylvia and Chicago Sky for reaching out and helping!  We look forward to working together.

Read Susan's blog at: http://presidentscorner.cureepilepsy.org/

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/566494/lsucoachstarkey.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5ALKlEihyfjb Bob Starkey Bob Starkey - Assistant Head Coach Bob Starkey
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:15:00 -0700 A bomb-sniffing dog, bull horn instructions and one smokin' HOT city http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/a-bomb-sniffing-dog-bull-horn-instructions-an http://lsuwbkb.posterous.com/a-bomb-sniffing-dog-bull-horn-instructions-an

BOB STARKEY: Sitting in my hotel in Phoenix with a beautiful view of the city as well as the mountains on the outskirts (see photo below).  I had a great day of travel with great flights -- those that know how much I dislike flying know what a great day I had -- though it wasn't without incident.  While sitting during a layover in the Dallas Airport, I felt the something cold on my hand only to turn and see the nose of a german shepherd.  Further review saw he was attached to two security officers.  I simply said, "What's up guys?"  I was then told I was sitting beside a piece of abandoned luggage so they brought in the bomb-sniffing dog. I looked at the mysterious suitcase within three feet of me and asked "Should I not be sitting here then?"  The reply was "Probably."

Then on the flight from Dallas to Phoenix the flight attendant stepped out with a bull horn to give us our saftey instructions explaining that speaker system in the plane was not working.  I then prayed that would be the only mechinical failure today.

I spent part of my layover in Dallas tweeting with Seimone to remind her that we'd be going to dinner after the game tomorrow night.  I actually got to Phoenix before Temeka who played in Seattle last night.  Not sure what kind of mood she'll be in after her team lost a lead and a difficult game last night.

Oh, and one other thing -- IT'S HOT!  About a week ago I ran into a couple of our Fast Break Club members, Mona Ragan and Karen Miller and told them of my planned trip to Arizona and we spoke about the head.  Karen told me not to worry as it would be "a dry heat."  Then she laughed.  I think she knew!

From_hotel_room

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/566494/lsucoachstarkey.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5ALKlEihyfjb Bob Starkey Bob Starkey - Assistant Head Coach Bob Starkey