I think the GSV recipe was not just bringing in Euro players. There seemed to be such a strong culture of trust (and joy) that imo helps players stay connected and locked in. Mental health and those outside voices in our heads really messes with performance, not just in sports.
Hate to read it. I hope Naphessa injury isn't as bad as it seems.
"Collier was then in tears as she was helped to the locker room with an unspecified injury, though the television replay appeared to show her rolling her left ankle, which is the opposite ankle that kept her out of action for about three weeks during the regular season."
No matter what, everyone complains about the refs. But in this case, the WNBA really does underpay and under-support their refs so much that something definitely has to change.
I think what Ohemaa means is that - as a first year team made up of players from mostly the expansion draft, they picked available international players that already had experience and good bball IQ. (Carla being the exception) Other teams already had established stars, so the Valks had to turn elsewhere to get talent.
But now that they've shown the world how fun and rewarding it can be to be a Valk, in the 2nd year - they can change their strategy to court talented free agents. Every year is its own story. So the 2nd year, the Valks can be expected to land 1 or 2 big-name free agents (Stewie or Sabrina :) and they won't need to rely too much on "diamonds in the rough" international players. They're now in chapter 2, and they can use their "clout" to recruit free agent all stars. Adding just one superstar can totally change the trajectory of their season. Who knows? If the Vegas don't make it all the way, maybe A'ja would want to play in Ballhalla :) Or Chelsea Gray might want to come home to the Bay.
Chapter 1 - make a splash, showcase the Bay and Ballhalla and how rewarding it is to be a Valkyrie.
Chapter 2 - use Lacob resources to land 1 or 2 stars and go to the next level.
I think this is generally right, and to elaborate, the internationals that made the biggest splash were Carla, Janelle, Iliana and Cecilia, who had no or very little WNBA experience. But they did have European club / national team experience, which was underrated in the W.
New piece up!
I think the GSV recipe was not just bringing in Euro players. There seemed to be such a strong culture of trust (and joy) that imo helps players stay connected and locked in. Mental health and those outside voices in our heads really messes with performance, not just in sports.
I agree. Ohemaa even said their secret sauce was in how they got the players to buy into the team.
Alyssa Thomas NBA comp: Playoff Jimmy?
Draymond Jimmy love child for sure.
Hate to read it. I hope Naphessa injury isn't as bad as it seems.
"Collier was then in tears as she was helped to the locker room with an unspecified injury, though the television replay appeared to show her rolling her left ankle, which is the opposite ankle that kept her out of action for about three weeks during the regular season."
https://www.reddit.com/r/wnba/comments/1nrldmm/cheryl_reeves_gets_ejected_after_phee_goes_down/
Cheryl Reeve dropping f bombs in the post game. No censoring by ESPN.
https://www.reddit.com/r/wnba/comments/1nrm7i9/cheryl_reeves_rips_wnba_officials_unlike_anything/
No matter what, everyone complains about the refs. But in this case, the WNBA really does underpay and under-support their refs so much that something definitely has to change.
Underdog tweeted she was seen ina wheelchair postgame. Cheryl said in her postgame presser that Phee might have a fracture...
Really sad if this is how Napheesa's season ends.
Underdog posted an updated...it was a wheeled scooter.
I meant all *West* finals.
Veronica Burton talks with Sue Bird in an extensive interview covering a lot of ground
https://youtu.be/OeoPwFyV9ps?si=v6eg6Hvzh9_k3cFT
Love seeing VB get her flowers and recognition!
Laeticia Amihere did have WNBA experience, drafted 8th by Atlanta in 2023
Thanks for catching that. I changed it to
> 2 yrs technically but only 147 and 83 total minutes
Mo Billings mo buckets is joining Unrivaled.
Good, we'll have something fun to watch in Feb and March while we wait for the JK impasse to finally get resolved
I'm thisclose to being out on the Warriors season. Too much fucking around by the FO. They're supposed to be the adults in the room.
Also Kate and Veronica…..so far.
Good to see it official. She said she would in her exit interview.
I think what Ohemaa means is that - as a first year team made up of players from mostly the expansion draft, they picked available international players that already had experience and good bball IQ. (Carla being the exception) Other teams already had established stars, so the Valks had to turn elsewhere to get talent.
But now that they've shown the world how fun and rewarding it can be to be a Valk, in the 2nd year - they can change their strategy to court talented free agents. Every year is its own story. So the 2nd year, the Valks can be expected to land 1 or 2 big-name free agents (Stewie or Sabrina :) and they won't need to rely too much on "diamonds in the rough" international players. They're now in chapter 2, and they can use their "clout" to recruit free agent all stars. Adding just one superstar can totally change the trajectory of their season. Who knows? If the Vegas don't make it all the way, maybe A'ja would want to play in Ballhalla :) Or Chelsea Gray might want to come home to the Bay.
Chapter 1 - make a splash, showcase the Bay and Ballhalla and how rewarding it is to be a Valkyrie.
Chapter 2 - use Lacob resources to land 1 or 2 stars and go to the next level.
My 2 cents...
I think this is generally right, and to elaborate, the internationals that made the biggest splash were Carla, Janelle, Iliana and Cecilia, who had no or very little WNBA experience. But they did have European club / national team experience, which was underrated in the W.
Fascinating analysis. Thanks Eric!