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The Popular Storm

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Neil Enns/Storm Photos

For no particular reason, the past week has provided a variety of methods to quantify the popularity of WNBA players. That started, naturally, with the release last Thursday of results from this year’s All-Star voting, which saw Sue Bird finish second among all players in fan balloting, with Swin Cash second among Western Conference forwards.

Over the weekend, Harris Interactive announced the results of its survey of America’s sports fan favorites. This year’s polling, conducted online and weighted to adjust for demographic factors, saw Bird place among the 10 most popular female athletes, coming in seventh. Bird was the lone WNBA player on the list and ranked second among female athletes in team sports, trailing retired U.S. soccer star Mia Hamm.

The series of releases wrapped up today with the WNBA sharing the top 10 most popular jerseys at WNBAStore.com, a list that features both Bird (eighth) and Lauren Jackson (fourth). Overall, Storm jerseys are the second most popular team at WNBAstore.com, trailing only the Minnesota Lynx – buoyed by No. 1 overall pick Maya Moore, who has the highest-selling individual jersey.

No matter how popularity is measured, the Storm in general and Bird in particular come out near the top.

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Jackson Makes Tough Choice for Surgery

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

When Storm Head Coach Brian Agler stepped to the microphone during Wednesday’s ceremony at the White House honoring the Storm as 2010 WNBA champions, he had a surprise for everyone watching on NBA TV and via the Internet. Agler revealed that Storm center Lauren Jackson will undergo surgery on Thursday to repair the labrum in her left hip. Jackson’s decision to have surgery came following what Agler described as a difficult decision-making process after she initially opted to see whether the injury would heal with rest – something that was not guaranteed.

“I think she was torn,” Agler said by phone from Washington, D.C. “She had to really go based on how she was feeling. I think she felt like this would be the best action to take in regard to potentially getting back this year and, most importantly, getting healthy again.”

The Storm was involved as Jackson debated surgery and supported her decision. As soon as Jackson elected for surgery, the team helped her schedule the procedure with Dr. Marc J. Philippon of the Steadman Clinic, considered an expert on the hip. Previously, Philippon has performed surgery on the likes of NHL legend Mario Lemieux, former Seattle Sounders star Freddie Ljungberg and New York Yankees MVP Alex Rodriguez.

Had Jackson waited and eventually had surgery, it would have been difficult for her to return this season. The approximate 8-12 week timetable for recovery – an estimate that could be refined after the procedure is complete, though it will depend on how Jackson’s hip responds to rehab – could potentially put her back in time for the playoffs. Eight weeks from the surgery would be Aug. 25, with seven games left in the regular season, while 12 weeks would be Sept. 22 – around the start of the Western Conference Finals, should the Storm get that far.

For now, Agler can’t worry about when Jackson might return.

“There are really two things I’m focused on right now,” he said. “One is for her to be healthy. Two is our team, getting better day by day. It wouldn’t matter if LJ was with us or is not with us; we’re still focused on trying to get better and getting ready for each game.”

The Storm showed that kind of improvement at the defensive end Friday against the Minnesota Lynx, holding Minnesota 19 points below its previous season low for scoring. The Storm’s strong record without Jackson under Agler will be tested during a three-game road trip that kicks off Friday in Connecticut.

- Polish post Ewelina Kobryn, whom the Storm expects to sign, will meet the team tomorrow in Connecticut. Agler anticipates having her in uniform for Friday’s game.

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LJ Update

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Storm All-Star Lauren Jackson will not play in Friday’s game against the Minnesota Lynx due to a left hip strain. Going forward, Jackson is considered day-to-day. Le’coe Willingham, who filled in for Jackson during the second half of Tuesday’s come-from-behind win over the Tulsa Shock, will replace Jackson in the starting lineup against the Lynx.

Jackson will be on hand for MVP Bobblehead Night (TIX). The first 4,000 fans will get collectible bobbleheads celebrating Jackson’s third MVP award for the 2010 season.

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Jackson Returns to Australia to Rehabilitate

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images

Storm star Lauren Jackson has returned to her native Australia to rehabilitate at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra after suffering an injury to her left Achilles. The injury kept Jackson from playing for her Spartak Moscow Region team after the holiday break.

Storm Head Coach Brian Agler has been in contact with Jackson and reports she is still awaiting a final diagnosis and a firm timetable for her return to the floor. In the meantime, Jackson is home and working with the staff at the AIS that she credited for helping her rehabilitate from a stress fracture in her back to get in the best shape of her life before her MVP 2010 WNBA season.

In speaking to the Australian press, Jackson also reaffirmed her commitment to the Storm.

“I’ve been in the WNBA now 11 seasons and I regard Seattle as my second home,” she told The Australian.

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Jackson Named Euroleague PotW

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

The honors keep coming for Storm star Lauren Jackson, who was picked as this week’s Euroleague Player of the Week based on her efficiency rating in an 85-52 blowout of VICI Aistes – the Lithuanian squad that, you will recall, upset Spartak Moscow Region in the first meeting between the two times. Jackson did not play in that game, and her performance certainly made a difference in the rematch. Jackson was a perfect 5-of-5 from beyond the arc en route to 28 points and 14 rebounds in 31 minutes.

Epiphanny Prince added 21 points, six assists and six steals to supply all the support Jackson needed. By halftime, Spartak had more than doubled up VICI, 45-22. The visitors shot 1-of-17 from the three-point line and committed 18 turnovers.

Elsewhere in Euroleague action, Ros Casares Valencia suffered a surprising first defeat at home against Nadezhda, 87-82. A 12-4 run got Ros Casares within three points in the final 30 seconds, but Nadezhda held on for the win behind a dominant performance from Tina Charles, who had 27 points and 18 rebounds. Anastasia Verayemenka added a double-double of her own with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Ros Casares’ offense lacked its usual balance. 60 of the team’s 82 points came from Katie Douglas (24), Marta Fernandez (19) and Rebekkah Brunson (17). Jana Vesela chipped in five points in 15 minutes.

In today’s EuroCup action, Dynamo-GUVD topped Elizur Ramla 77-64, taking first place in Group F away from previously unbeaten Ramla. Playing in Russia, Ramla could never make up a 10-point deficit after the first quarter. Le’coe Willingham led Ramla with 24 points, 11 rebounds (seven offensive) and four steals. Dynamo did a better job of defending Tanisha Wright, who was held to 11 points on 5-of-16 shooting. Wright added six rebounds and four steals. Ana Dabovic and Sheana Mosch scored 25 points apiece for Dynamo.

Ramla had a better time of things in Israeli play, topping Camille Little and previously undefeated Electra Ramat Hasharon 74-50 on Monday. Willingham had 18 points and 14 rebounds, making six of her nine shot attempts inside the arc. Wright scored 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Little scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds, but was the only Ramat Hasharon player in double-figures as the team shot 27.0 percent from the field. Alexis Hornbuckle had an especially tough night, missing 12 of 14 shots.

The Ramla win produced a tie atop the Israeli DI league, with both Ramla and Ramat Hasharon at 6-1.

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Jackson Nominated for USSA Athlete of the Year

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010

The United States Sports Academy announced Wednesday the nominees for its annual Male and Female Athlete of the Year awards, as selected by fan voting. Storm star Lauren Jackson is one of the nominees for Female Athlete of the Year. Jackson, who won her third WNBA MVP award in 2010 and was named Finals MVP after leading the Storm to the second championship in franchise history, is up against a strong field of women from a variety of sporting disciplines. Other nominees include UConn’s Maya Moore, tennis stars Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams and skier Lindsey Vonn.

Voting, which is co-sponsored by NBCSports.com and the USA Today, will run through Dec. 25. Make sure to cast your vote for LJ and help her win USSA Female Athlete of the Year!

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The Influential Lauren Jackson

Friday, November 5th, 2010

Seattle Magazine is out with its November edition highlighting “The Most Influential of 2010,” a group that includes Storm star Lauren Jackson. Here’s what Seattle Magazine’s John Levesque – a former P-I sports columnist – wrote about the WNBA’s three-time MVP.

Storm coach Brian Agler says what makes Jackson complete is her desire to play stout defense. “There are going to be a lot of players with [offensive] numbers in this league,” Agler says, “but no one can do both like her.”

This aversion to being one-dimensional is classic Jackson. She knows her basketball career will end someday—she’d like to play until she’s 35—so she is pursuing a degree in gender studies at Macquarie University outside Sydney and hopes one day to help women who have suffered discrimination, dislocation and disenfranchisement.

This month’s Seattle Magazine is on newsstands now.

Mason Kelley of the Seattle Times spoke to Adia Barnes about her new role with Seattle Academy.

What are your long-term plans with this opportunity?

“I just retired from basketball, so this is my first year not playing in the winter. It’s a change for me. I’m going to be in Seattle. I’m going to be doing television for FSN. I’m going to be doing some marketing and some non-profit work with the Seattle Storm. Long-term, I hope to establish and build a relationship with Seattle Academy. I hope it’s not something that’s just this year. I hope it’s something I continue to do for many years.

“I know they do a lot with their non-profits. I hope to establish programs for girls. I live in that area, so I hope it’s something we can build on and I hope it’s something we can do for a long time. I already have been mentoring kids for different organizations for many years. It’s just that I’m doing in on a different level in a different way. For me, it’s a great opportunity.”

Before heading to Russia, Jackson took some time to visit youth basketball players in nearby Moruya.

(Official Donna) Berry said Jackson would be welcome to return to Moruya at any time.

“We are all so lucky to meet such a wonderful ambassador for the sport of basketball and we are all hoping she may call in again when in Moruya.”

You’ve still got a couple of days to vote for your favorite Storm shot as part of the HP Photo of the Year contest.

WNBA.com provides an interactive map covering the entire league to complement our map of Storm players overseas.

Mechelle Voepel writes on ESPN.com about the Lynx topping the lottery once again.

“Well, we’re going to keep our options open,” Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said in a teleconference Tuesday. “We’re not afraid to make big trades.”

OK … seriously? Nah, probably not. Provided everyone stays healthy (crossing fingers), the Lynx are expected to include Moore in with what Reeve said was a “core group” that she hopes will bring success sooner rather than later to Minnesota.

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Spartak Falls in Jackson’s Season Debut

Monday, November 1st, 2010

Spartak Moscow Region got the benefit of Lauren Jackson’s return to the lineup for Sunday’s Russian Superleague game, but fell nonetheless at home to new rival Nadezhda, 82-74. Jackson, just days removed from traveling from Australia to Moscow, pulled down seven rebounds but struggled to find her shot, finishing with points on 1-of-9 shooting. Meanwhile, Spartak struggled to contain Nadezhda’s stars Becky Hammon and Tina Charles. Hammon tied teammate Anastasia Veremeenko for game-high scoring honors with 20 points in addition to six rebounds and five assists, while Charles finished with a double-double of 18 points and 13 boards. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota was the only Spartak player to make a three-pointer. The team finished 3-of-18 from beyond the arc.

It would be hard to find a more balanced scoring effort than Ros Casares Valencia had in Saturday’s 88-50 win over C.B. Olesa. Eight players scored between seven and 10 points, with only Rebekkah Brunson (23 points and 12 boards) surpassing that total. Jana Vesela was part of the scoring by committee, totaling nine points on 3-of-6 shooting and handing out six assists.

A tough weekend for Dandenong started with the team undefeated and ended with the Rangers in third place after consecutive losses. On Sunday, it was winless Townsville that got off the schneid with a 73-66 home win over Dandenong. Abby Bishop led the team with 15 points, but got little help as the Rangers misfired from beyond the arc, shooting 4-of-17. Bishop was the only Dandenong player in double-figures. Ashley Robinson chipped in seven points and seven rebounds.

Meanwhile, Canberra surged into the top spot with consecutive wins over the weekend. The Capitals outlasted the Sydney University Flames 87-83 in overtime on Saturday night to improve to 7-1. Alison Lacey enjoyed her best game of the season with 17 points. Carly Wilson led Canberra with 19 points and Michelle Cosier added 18 for the defending champs.

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An MVP Performance

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images

When she presented Lauren Jackson with the 2010 WNBA Most Valuable Player Award presented by Kia Motors, league President Donna Orender paid tribute to Jackson’s skill and her role in the Storm’s 28-6 regular season. However, Orender’s prose could not compare to the argument Jackson made for her value on the KeyArena court hours later in the Storm’s 82-74 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

It was Jackson who got the Storm going after a slow start on offense, knocking down a pair of early three-pointers. By halftime, Jackson’s production (17 points and 12 rebounds) was already prodigious. When the Mercury contained Jackson with more aggressive double-teams and extra attention within its rover zone defense in the second half, she responded by going to the glass and relentless ripping down rebounds. It was, in short, a complete performance from a well-rounded superstar.

“I think Lauren got us off to that start with her presence inside, catching the ball, finishing,” said Head Coach Brian Agler. “She didn’t score in the first three or four minutes of the game, but from the middle of the first quarter on into the second she was really doing some damage inside. She had a chance to hit some threes; we got her on a flare screen one time. She was feeling it.”

As notable as Jackson’s scoring was, it was her rebounding that ultimately stood out. Her 17 boards were a franchise playoff record and the most by any player in this year’s postseason to date.

“Rebounding is key against this team,” explained Sue Bird. “Defensively, obviously it doesn’t allow them to score with second shots, and offensively it doesn’t allow them to run. Lauren was huge on the boards.”

Jackson’s teammates might have been impressed by Jackson’s performance, but they weren’t surprised by it. They’ve come to expect these kinds of efforts from the three-time MVP.

“That’s Lauren. That’s why she’s the MVP,” Bird said. “She can get it done in a variety of ways, both offensively and defensively, and she came up big for us.”

“She’s the MVP,” added Svetlana Abrosimova. “Those are the games that you really step up, and she was amazing. When I looked at the scoreboard and saw 17 points in the first half, I was like, ‘Whoa.’ And she just gets rebounds. As a teammate, you’re so happy because that’s what wins the game for you. It’s easy opportunities for you to score, extra possessions. It’s crucial.”

It’s not only crucial, it’s valuable. And, as Jackson reminded again tonight, there is no one more valuable in the WNBA.

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Bishop Named to Opals’ Preliminary World Squad

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Basketball Australia trimmed its preliminary roster for next month’s FIBA World Championship to 13 today. The group features a pair of Storm players – Lauren Jackson, of course, as well as rookie post Abby Bishop. Bishop was one of a number of post players battling for spots on the roster. Among others, she beat out former Connecticut Sun forward Laura Summerton.

Bishop is still not assured a place on the defending World Champions’ roster for the tournament in the Czech Republic. The Opals – coached by former Storm Assistant Coach Carrie Graf - will have one more move to make to get down to 12.

The cuts came after a training camp this week in Australia with everyone but the players who are busy in the WNBA – a group that includes Indiana’s Tully Bevilaqua and Phoenix’s Penny Taylor as well as the Storm’s duo. The Opals will reunite to travel to the U.S. on Sept. 7 for exhibitions against the USA National Team and Spain before heading to Europe. The World Championship tips off Sept. 23.

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