Temeka hits the golf course to help battle breast cancer

TEMEKA JOHNSON: Today was such a joyous day. I had the privilege and the honor to participate in this year's Women's Victory Open. Momma Sherie (Starkey) invited me to be a "celebrity putter" and despite my lack of golf experience I knew I wanted to support this terrific cause.  This event is put on to raise money for breast cancer for the women of the area. While there I learned that over the past eleven to twelve years there have been close to 1 million dollars that has been raised through this event. There were so many women there to support this fund raiser as well as participate in the Golfing. They all were having a blast. I saw so many women that have been breast cancer survivers for 1 year to as far as 24 years. I was amazed. To be in the presence of such strong, fighting, never gving up, supportive women, I couldnt ask for a better way to start off my Monday morning. These are the kind of event that one just enjoy doing. I was truly happy to be there!

Filed under  //  Alumni   Breast Cancer   Community   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

An amazing evening, an incredible facility, a lot of people to thank!

BOB STARKEY: Yesterday was a very special day for me personally as we officially opened the doors to our new practice facility.  With over 20 years of coaching at LSU, I have split that time between the men’s program and the women’s program.  Ushering a new era in yesterday represented a major step forward for both programs that mean so much to me and that have played such a pivotal role in my development as a coach and as a person.

The most significant thing to me was that those who have already worn the LSU jersey know that they are the major reason that the facility was built.  Certainly it will be of great benefit to future basketball players and coaches at LSU but the importance and relevance of LSU Basketball comes from our past – the legacy left by so many.

The first two that come to mind are Dale Brown and Sue Gunter.  I have been extremely blessed to have worked for both and know the time, sweat and tears that were needed to take their respective programs from obscurity to elite status.  I made sure Coach Brown was one of the first people I thanked at the ceremony yesterday.  At the end of the evening Coach Brown, myself and Rudy Macklin walked back into Sue Gunter Basketball Complex and stood in front of Coach Gunter’s statue and shared some great stories about her.  Spending time with Coach Brown and finding time to talk about Coach Gunter made the evening extremely special for me.

There were some alumni there from both teams.  For the women, Temeka Johnson, April Brown, Miriam Farr Segar and Flo Williams were in attendance.  From the men’s side, I saw Rudy, Ricky Blanton, Collis Temple and Randy Livingston (whom I coached).  I wish every former player could’ve been there yesterday.  It is so important to me that they know this building is a part of what they accomplished.  Our staff is going to work hard to make sure that our alumni know that we appreciated them and the price they paid to make yesterday happen.

I also thought about Skip Bertman, our past athletic director who pushed so hard to get us the practice facility and I fully recognize that it wasn’t easy in these difficult times.  But the coach in him knew the importance to us from the recruiting standpoint as well as for maximum teaching potential.  Judy Southard crossed my mind as well – our former SWA who was a part of Skip’s staff and knew that to be an elite program you must have elite facilities.

I am especially thankful that Eddie Nunez was on our senior staff and headed up this project.  As a collegiate player and coach he had a great awareness for every single aspect involved in the process.  He diligently went through every task involved with great attention to detail to make it truly one of the best practice facilities in the nation. And a big thanks as well to Joe Alleva who came in as our AD in the middle of the project and with his support helped us complete it in a first class fashion.

Finally, I thought about so many of our fans, especially the Fast Break Club, that have worked hard in so many ways to help us upgrade our facilities and I know they will be very proud of this one.  We are working on plans to have our Tip-Off Party in the near future so that they will get a chance to take in this amazing facility.

Filed under  //  Alumni   Facilities   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Meek & Roneeka in televised play-off clash tonight

Temeka Johnson and her Phoenix Mercury teammates begin their quest of defending last year's World Championship tonight when they host San Antonio and Roneeka Hodges.  Action begins at 8:00 PM CST on ESPN2

Phoenix/San Antonio Pre-Game Story: http://bit.ly/aQCljt

Filed under  //  Alumni   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Merucry waste 23 point outburst by Meek

Temeka Johnson poured in 23 points with 10 of 16 shooting including 3 of 5 from behind the 3-point line but it wasn't enough as Indiana defeated Phoenix 110-90.  Despite losing their 3rd straight, the defending champions locked up a play-off bid due to Minnesota's loss.

Phoneix/Indiana Box: http://bit.ly/9TvLj2

Seimone Augustus had a rough shooting night hitting only 4 of 12 for 8 points and Minnesota fell on the road to Washington 61 to 58.  The loss keeps the Lynx tied for the last play off spot with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Minnesota/Washington Box: http://bit.ly/9C1QVx

Scholanda Robinson lead Tulsa with 14 points but the Shock still fell short to San Antonio losing 94-74.  Roneeka Hodges pitched in 10 points to help the Stars to the victory.

Tulsa/San Antonio Box: http://bit.ly/c7HT5g

Filed under  //  Alumni   Seimone Augustus   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Marie on ESPN2 with a big night of Lady Tiger action in the WNBA

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)

Filed under  //  Alumni   Seimone Augustus   Sylvia Fowles   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Meek and Marie stay red hot in WNBA

The Phoenix Mercury and Temeka Johnson stayed red-hot, defeating San Antonio last night 103-87.  The Mercury have not lost since the release of Meek's children's book ("Decisions, Decisions, Decisions") winning four straight. 

The point guard has been on a tear herself.  Against the Stars, Meek was 7 for 13 from the floor, 3 for 3 from the line for 17 points.

Phoenix/San Antonio Box: http://bit.ly/9jQ37r

Also on fire of late is Marie Ferdinand-Harris.  Marie blistered the nets for 7 of 10 made field goals last night to help Los Angeles defeat Tulsa. She his 1 of 2 from behind the arc and was a perfect 3 for 3 at the free throw line for 18 points.

Scholanda Robinson had 8 points, 3 boards and 3 assists for the Shock.

Los Angeles/Tulsa Box: http://bit.ly/abiEOk

Filed under  //  Alumni   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Show LSU Lady Tiger spirit and help WNBA raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness

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

Filed under  //  Alumni   Breast Cancer   Seimone Augustus   Sylvia Fowles   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Syl has career high 35, Meek wins to kick off "Night of HOPE"

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!

Filed under  //  Alumni   Sylvia Fowles   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Lady Tigers take to NBA TV tomorrow in WNBA action

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).

Nba_tv_logo

Filed under  //  Alumni   Seimone Augustus   Sylvia Fowles   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Meek (w/help from Syl) to host "Night of HOPE" tomorrow

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.

Meeks_book_cover

Filed under  //  Alumni   Sylvia Fowles   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey