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Staying safe for Sydney
U.S. Olympic team coach Nell Fortner has a lot on her mind right now with the 2000 Games right around the corner. Opening ceremonies are Sept. 15 in Sydney. With the days ticking away, one of the most predominant thoughts has got to be "Please, please be careful." So far, members of the U.S. Olympic team have escaped serious injury. Sheryl Swoopes missed Tuesday's game between the Comets and Washington because of a dislocated finger, but isn't expected to be sidelined long. The U.S. should consider itself fortunate. Other national teams haven't been so lucky, with Russia's Maria Stepanova missing the rest of the WNBA season with a knee injury along with Australia's Michele Timms. Both are expected to recover in time for the Olympics, although Timms has said she will give up her spot if she doesn't feel she can contribute. Russia, in the same pool as the Americans, lost center Elena Baranova before the WNBA season with several torn ligaments in her knee. She won't be back in time for the Olympics, putting even more importance on Stepanova's recovery. This season was a particularly demanding one because the condensed schedule allowed for very few rest days. "We're definitely tired," said Minnesota's Katie Smith, whose team was eliminated from the playoffs with Phoenix's win over Orlando on Tuesday. "The traveling and practice drains you. It's important that we've taken it upon ourselves to make sure you get enough rest and eat well, and not stay out late at night or things like that." Several teams are still fighting for a playoff spot, meaning many Olympians will probably be playing longer, and harder than ever, as coaches shorten their benches and go with their horses. Trainers around the league are doing a lot of preventative medicine, like taping and therapy, to keep everyone healthy. "When you come out to play, you can't hold back," Smith said. "We didn't get where we are by holding back. My focus is definitely starting to shift. I'm leaving a few days after the season, so I'm already thinking about what I have to do before I leave and what I need to pack." The U.S. Olympians not involved in the playoffs will start training in Colorado Springs on Aug. 14.
Playoff picture still fuzzyWith the season coming down to its final days, the playoff picture is only a bit clearer. New York's late-season surge, combined with slides by Orlando and Washington, have helped the Liberty take control of the East. Cleveland, currently second, continues to be the surprise after losing Eva Nemcova for the season while Detroit and Washington are battling for third. Finally, a team in the West, Los Angeles, is challenging the Houston Comets. Phoenix and Sacramento are dogging each other for third place.
Unfortunately, attendance has only increased slightly, and probably will finish lower than 10,000 for the first time in three years.
As a whole, the league is averaging 8,862 fans. Washington leads the league averaging 15,003, and is one of four teams drawing more than 10,000.
Charlotte, not surprisingly, is at the bottom of the league drawing 5,340.
Areas that are raising some eyebrows are Los Angeles, the best team in the league, but drawing just 6,563, and expansion teams Miami (7,867) and Portland (8,195).
As far as individual recognition is concerned, the only thing better than being named an All-Star is being named All-WNBA, or earning one of the other post-season awards.
Naming the 2000 All-WNBA team is going to be tougher than ever. The first team is fairly easy, with Houston's Sheryl Swoopes and Cynthia Cooper, Los Angeles' Lisa Leslie, Utah's Natalie Williams and Sacramento's Ticha Penicheiro all standing out as the best in their positions.
But the second team? That is a tough one. Sacramento's Yolanda Griffith, Houston's Tina Thompson and New York's Teresa Weatherspoon are probably safe picks, but those other spots will be hard to decide, especially in the forward area.
What deserving player gets the boot? New York's Tari Phillips, Minnesota's Katie Smith, Phoenix's Brandy Reed and Washington's Chamique Holdsclaw all have had deserving seasons.
Los Angeles' Tamecka Dixon credits the off-season diet she went on for her improved play, dropping about 15 pounds to help her quickness and defense ... New York's Tamika Whitmore continues to improve her shape, and has dropped 30 pounds since the start of the season ... In light of all the Phoenix Mercury's injuries, Jennifer Gillom has stepped up and made herself the go-to player, averaging 19.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in the last five games ... Cleveland's Helen Darling had a break-out game against Detroit, scoring a career-high 17 points against the Shock ... Orlando has lost a team-record six straight, and is below .500 for the first time since June 17 ... Andrea Stinson and (33 points) and Dawn Staley (13 assists) set franchise records in Charlotte's win over Washington.
Lya Wodraska is a sports writer for the Salt Lake Tribune.
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