Well, we're movin' on up....

Hey everyone,
      I've moved! That's right, my new blog will be over at FullCourt.com (click here). I'll be posting regularly throughout the season, so drop on by and subscribe!
    Here's the full link just in case...

   http://www.fullcourt.com/blog/wguy

  - Alex

Yep.

By the numbers. That is what was expected today.

However, when the Phoenix Mercury walked away with the #1 pick, some fans were elated, others were in dismay, and some…well, were just downright pissed off.

The term, “tanked” was the most common word heard when referring to the Phoenix Mercury this season, many believing that they purposely threw in the towel to increase their lottery chances. That just doesn’t make sense, as the worst record has never been a guarantee to get a #1 pick – just ask the Tulsa Shock. Besides, with many of the starters on the bench from injuries this year, it is not like Phoenix had its talent purposely not trying to win. Plus, a new rookie point guard (which is a tough position to start in as a rookie, especially with a team like Phoenix) the Mercury had quite a challenge this year. When they were eliminated from the playoffs, even COO Amber Cox admitted to giving Taurasi a rest.

And let’s face it, if Taurasi wanted to play – she would play. So in my eyes, the decision was mutual. A less-than-stellar season was behind them, so they gambled and it paid off. After being eliminated from the playoffs, what exactly would they be trying to prove? 

Ok, ok, ok, you can stop with the “You’re a Mercury fan, so you’re biased” talk. Say what you want, but if Phoenix did purposely tank, they had just as much chance to end up like the Mystics did. Ok, example - 2008 in the NBA, the Chicago Bulls with a .017% chance (ninth on the list) nab the #1 pick. As a matter of fact, in the last five years in the NBA, the worst-record team has never gotten the #1 pick. It is also a rarity in the WNBA. All the teams with abysmal records this year were well aware that the balls may not bounce in their favor, no matter how badly they needed a #1 pick. 

Let the conspiracy theories begin!! 

Oh, and speaking of the Mystics, I personally think this is karma for that wonderful decision that the Mystics management made to get rid of Plank and Taylor. With that GM/Coach combo, they had a phenomenal two seasons – then they handed over the reins to Lacey, and traded or lost their Maryland and Duke players that appeal to local fans. This move left many long time Mystics fans wondering about the future of their team as they proceeded to follow this with two of the worst seasons in Mystics history. If the attendance this year is any indication, many of those fans have lost hope. Now with a 4^th pick in the draft, the Mystics not only have to pick the right player, they have to find the right coach. *cough cough* Meadors *cough*

I know. Subtle.

Let’s not forget that the Mercury may not pick Griner. I know, the chances are slim, but the club has made some, shall we say, non-traditional choices with the #1 pick. Hello…Tangela Smith anyone? And yes, Tangela helped Phoenix get two rings, namely the two big 3’s in the 4^th quarter in game 5 of the 2009 series. This kind of decision making is evident that Meyers Drysdale knows how to fill a need on the team as opposed to going for the popular choice, and she leans toward getting one particular blue hen by the name of Delle Donne. It is possible that Phoenix could make a deal with Chicago to send Griner to the windy city for Delle Donne, plus a future draft pick, or whomever they can snag. Crazy I know, but if it happens, I would not be the least bit surprised. Plus, AMD has shown to have a knack for wheeling and dealing; just look how the Mercury landed Dupree in a three team deal.

We’ll have to wait till April to find out, but if all the pieces fit right, and a majority of the players are healthy, the 2013 season is going to be quite amazing.

Hey everyone, especially Temeka Johnson and Phoenix Mercury fans!

Temeka has published her second children's book, Temeka's Choice, which is available now at Amazon.com. (Click here to buy her book!) She is going to be at the Hard Rock Cafe (downtown, across from the US Airways Arena) immediately following the game on 9/14 in Phoenix for a book signing! You can buy your book in advance, or buy your book there! Books will be selling for 10$, and cash/visa/mc will be accepted. Afterword, stay for a bite to eat and check out the "Chicks with Picks" performance as well! It will be a great time, so join us and bring a friend!

For a review of the book - (written by yours truly) check it out over at Fullcourt.com 

Check out the video with Temeka talking about her book.

Father. Fan. Writer. Friend.

  When describing friendships, sometimes I can be at a loss for words. So, I decided that I would try to describe a particular friendship that I have by describing how I see this person – and this person is Stephen Litel.

  Stephen and I first “met” via twitter in 2009, when I had just announced my now infamous journey, reminding me to make sure to stop by press row and say hi when I was in Minny.  I assured him that I would.

  During that voyage in 2009, upon my arrival to the Target center I was then greeted by one Mr. Stephen Litel. We instantly bonded over WNBA chat and how my trip had gone thus far. Post-game, we continued our chat a local eatery with other Lynx fans. It was a quick visit, but still a memorable one.

Me, "reflecting" on meeting Stephen at the Target center in Minneapolis.

  It would be later on facebook that I would get to know more about Stephen, particularly the two things he is most fond of – his son and daughter. Obviously a very proud papa, he often posted pictures of his kids whenever he could get the chance, and brag about them as well. If you follow Stephen on facebook, you know exactly what I am talking about. It is the kind of pride that speaks to his character as a father – something I wish more fathers in this world would aspire to.

A playful "photo-shopped" rendition of Stephen after a twitter banter about  mustaches. 

  When the idea came to write a book about my journey, I called upon Stephen to contribute. He was more than willing and after a read of the rough draft (quite rough as a matter of fact) he sent me the review that I used for the back cover. The one thing I really loved about it was that it was quite objective and honest – and a few kind words didn't hurt either.

Stephen pointing to one of his finer works that adorns the back cover of my book. 

 This past July I was planning a journey on a smaller scale, one that would conclude in Minnesota. However, the day before I was to head out to the twin cities, I got a call from Stephen, and it wasn't good news. For reasons I cannot get into in this blog, he told me that he would not be able to make the game that I was attending.  I was somewhat consoled when we agreed to meet for lunch the next day. It was that afternoon over a very tasty bloody mary, that Stephen not only shared with me the situation he was facing, but that he was also considering hanging up his media credential…for good.

  It was after the reasons he gave, two of them to be exact, that it became perfectly clear what his priorities were.  He expressed how he was realizing that his children were only going to be young once, and it was time to do some reporting of a different kind, by taking the time to witness his children grow up. Just can’t argue with that.

  I assured Stephen that whatever he chose, I would be behind him, 100%. A few weeks later, I read the blog post that I knew was inevitable, but I was happy that he found peace.

Stephen is one of our own – a tireless supporter of the WNBA, a hard working dad, and a friend to all those alike.  His words will be missed by fans, and no doubt, the athletes in this league will miss his support. 

  This is not a goodbye, but a hello to a new chapter of life for Stephen. You can read up on Stephen at: http://stephenlitel.wordpress.com/.  Best wishes to you man; your words will be missed, but not forgotten.

Stephen and I, 7/7/2012

Hey All,
 Normally I wouldn't use my blog for trying to hock anything... (except for my book of course, lol! ) however, this is for a good cause. Friend, baller and fellow WNBA fan Caitlin is in need of financial support to attend a collegiate summer academic program for high school students. I am all for helping out a fellow W fan, especially if it is in the name of education!


  In order to help her raise money, she is auctioning off a pair of shoes - not just any shoes mind you - a pair of Nike Air Jordans - Maya Moore edition. Oh, and did I mention that they were autographed by the one and only 2011 WNBA Champ and Rookie of the year Maya Moore? Check out the pic below.


You can CLICK HERE to go to the Ebay page and bid on them. It's for a great cause and they are an awesome pair of shoes! 

Here we are, after much waiting, the "All I Really Need to Know About Basketball" T-shirts featuring several quotes & "Diana-Isms" are ready to order.

Click here to go to the t-shirt store.

Just wanted to note a few things:

1. You can choose which style of shirt you would like & color. The shirt I am wearing is an American Apparel basic T. They run small, so if you like your shirts baggy, I would order a few sizes up. There is also a sizing chart on the order page. There are men's, women's & kids styles available.

2. There is a dark shirt, a light shirt (white), a hoodie & a mug.

3. These products were not designed by or are they endorsed by Diana Taurasi. I am just a fan sharing my image for others who want to purchase it.

4. I do not set the prices on zazzle.com - that is up to the website. I am also selling them for no profit (which means I am not making any money off of them) - like I said I am just sharing my image if others want to buy it.

5. If you have any problems with your order, contact zazzle.com. They have pretty good customer service, and will make sure to correct any errors on the product, if needed.

Enjoy your t-shirt!! (or mug)

Click here to go to the t-shirt store.