OutPlay

by D.L. (Deb) Murphy

COMETS IN ORBIT

The 4-time WNBA champs launch a new season

Every year about this time, I begin to go into serious women’s basketball withdrawal. The NCAA tournament is just about over, and the WNBA season has not yet started. Arrrgh!

But, lucky me, the Editorial Gods have smiled upon me. “Go forth, and research, and explain what’s going on in the WNBA so that even a gay man shall understand.” And so, with apologies to my brothers who are sometimes my sisters, here’s what we have to look forward to.

If there is even anything to enjoy. At the time this was written, the players still did not have a contract with the league. Issues on the table include free agency (money), marketing rights (money), and salaries (money).

Although both sides are still talking, the lack of agreement has already resulted in the cancellation of the College Seniors’ Showcase Camp, the last chance coaches have to look over this year’s seniors.

And money should be an issue. On average, women players receive about 15 percent of league revenues. Compare this to the 60 percent received by male players. I understand the league has just started to pay for itself and is restructuring itself to try and become more profitable. But I still find this situation sadly ironic given the league’s push for stronger enforcement of Title IX (go to www.wnba.com to sign a petition in support of the statute).

But the dust will eventually settle. And here’s what we’ve got when it does. The Miami Sol and Portland Fire are no more. So we will soon be seeing familiar faces in new jerseys. The Orlando Miracle has moved to Connecticut (and I’m trying hard not to make jokes about a team in Connecticut being named the Sun). The Utah team is moving to San Antonio, so we will have our own I-10 rivalry (and yes, I will need a ride).

So if the contract issue was resolved in time, the dispersion draft, the regular draft, and training camp will be over by the time you pick this up. And we will be ready for preseason.

The preseason opener, against the women’s Chinese national team, is set for May 6. Right off, you will notice two big changes. We traded Rebecca Lobo to Connecticut (we got a second-round draft pick). And Tammy Jackson really did retire (and I, for one, already really, really miss her).

The loss of these two is bigger than it may seem on paper. First off, someone will have to step up, pace the sideline, swing that towel, shout encouragement, and help lead the floor from the bench. Also, someone (will Tiffany Johnson please step up?) needs to be a credible threat as an enforcer (remember when Jackson landed on Leslie?). These two things may sound small, but such details define champions.

And we have a great shot at winning another championship. Janeth Arcain, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson should all return healthy. Michelle Snow should be a little smarter (and a whole lot stronger). We are in position to acquire some good draft picks. Now if we can just find a point guard who can “click” the floor, we’ll finally get “one for the thumb.”

D.L. (Deb) Murphy reported on the Houston Stealth women’s basketball team in the April issue.

If you have any comments about this article, please email them to letters@outsmartmagazine.com.