NBA Playoffs Schedule and Comets Dixon

Please listen comments from new Houston Comets' guard
Tamecka Dixon: "...championships here..."--(brought to you by Yvonda Lewis)

Here is the definite game schedule for Monday, May 1.

Times listed are Central Daylight Time.

Gm 4 Dal at Mem-- 7:00 PM TNT
Gm 4 Det at Milw-- 7:30 PM NBATV
Gm 5 Den at L.A.C-- 9:30 PM TNT

Here is the definite game schedule for Tuesday, May 2.
Times listed are Central Daylight Time.

Game 5 Indiana at New Jersey-- 6::00 PM NBATV
Game 5 Chicago at Miami-- 7:00 PM TNT
Game 5 Sacramento at San Antonio-- 8:30 PM NBATV
Game 5 L.A. Lakers at Phoenix-- 9:30 PM TNT

Comments from a few of the Comets rooks

fyi--each of the following mp3s features a sponsor tag.

Sponsor tags will only be parts of 1-on-1 interviews I conduct as opposed to comments generated from media huddles. If I'm able to generate enough of these tags, much of TheHRR.com will be able to remain free.

Liz Shimek: "...faster pace..."--Down Home Barbque

Megan Moody: "...dream come true..."--Down Home Barbque

Tiffany Stansbury: "...knack for rebounding..."--Down Home Barbque

Barnes Waived by Comets

The Houston Comets waived forward Adia Barnes today.

An official press release is forthcoming.

I'm glad I got the chance to interview her earlier this week.

Comments from Mistie Williams and Van

Please listen to a few more mp3s:

Mistie Williams: "...good at the intangibles..."

Van Chancellor: "...improve our talent level..."
Van Chancellor: "...players down the road..."

A few thoughts from M.D. Anderson

I'm typing on a computer in the ACB at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. My mom is having a second biopsy; so, I'm anxiously waiting for that procedure to be done. Over these last few weeks, I've realized how tiring and draining this whole process can be for the patient and their loved ones. I'm amazed at the number of people I've seen here at the Center which tells me we're definitely not alone in our battle against cancer.

Obviously, I'm not at Comets practice; but, I'll try to post a few mp3s later today. The team waived Cynthia Jordan today; but, as HRR Members know, that move was expected based on how I described her performances in the practices.

Adia Barnes at Houston Comets' Camp

This interview with new Comets forward, Adia Barnes, is about 3.5 minutes long.
Adia Barnes: "...great legacy..."(The People's Realtor)

Here are a few comments from Van the Man during practice:
Van Chancellor: "...max players..."
Van Chancellor: "...score for the Comets..."

New arrival in Comets' Camp

A new arrival from the Congo was in camp today. Apparently, Pauline (I don't know how to spell her last name) was referred to the Comets by the Mwadi Mabika. Pauline doesn't speak any English -- she speaks French and Swahili. Naturally, she struggled a little bit; but, she did make a few nice passes to Tina Thompson for buckets. Pauline looks to be about 6'1 or so; but, she's not as explosive as Mwadi used to be.

I interviewed Charlene Smith after practice; but, my recorder messed up which means no mp3s from Charlene today. However, I'm not too old to remember a few of her comments to me. Charlene said she's 100% recovered from her ACL injury (fall of 2004). She played ball in Turkey for about one month; but, she was cut. Then, she realized she needed to work on her game and improve in order to play at the next level.

I asked Charlene what's the biggest difference between college and the pros; and, she told me, "Everybody is good in the pros."

Charlene was a scorer at DePaul; but, thus far, she's spent about 50% of her time at point guard for the Comets. She admits she needs to improve her individual defense as well as do a better job running the offense. It's going to be tough for Charlene to make the Comets 2006 roster; but, she could be a keeper.

Comets' First Day of Training Camp

A lot of new faces participated in the first day of Houston Comets training camp today while many veterans (Kayte Christensen, Dawn Staley, Astou Ndiaye-Diatta, Sheryl Swoopes, Tari Phillips, and Dominique Canty) have not yet arrived in H-town due to commitments overseas and / or personal or business reasons. New signee, guard Anastasia Kostaki, is yet to arrive to Houston, too. Renae Camino, 3rd round draft pick, is not expected to join the Comets until 2007.

Team White (mostly rookies and / or newcomers) competed hard; played tough and smart. Team White, for the most part, featured Cynthia Jordan, Mistie Williams, Sancho Lyttle, Crystal Givens, Megan Moody, Charlene Smith, Tiffany Stansbury, and Liz Shimek. Yes, that's right, despite suffering a torn ACL injury in November, Sancho participated in a few of the "5 on 0" (full-court, non-contact drills). She didn't show any sign of a limp while racing up and down the floor.

Van told us he plans to use his bench more this season because of the new 24-second shot-clock. The new clock should result in more possessions which means Van may actually be true to his word and, indeed, use the bench this season. "I really like our team," said Van. "I think this is a team I'm going to love to coach. We're going to run the ball more. We're going to have to adjust to the 24-second clock."

More info later...

...In trying to make this blog unique from all the others, here's a few mp3s from Comets' practice:

Tamecka Dixon: "...still adjusting..." (Academy Sports & Outdoors).

rookie F Mistie Williams: "...I feel like I belong here..." .

Comets on Houston radio sports talk shows

The Houston Comets will begin training camp tomorrow.

The Comets' games are aired on their flagship station -- Sports Radio 610.

Though I have friends and colleagues at 610, I'm not affiliated with that station because I'm part of the KCOH 1430 AM radio family -- producing for Ralph Cooper's Sports Rap show.

In the past, Comets fans have stated their desire for more coverage and / or radio appearances by Comets players on 610. In past seasons, I've tried to meet their desire by arranging appearances by players and coaches on 1430 am (www.kcohradio.com).

Ideally, I'd like to have a Comets' basketball segment (as part of my own basketball segment) airing on Sports Rap.

The best way for a recurring segment on KCOH's Sports Rap is support: from sponsors; listeners and callers.

Comets fans an opportunity for more Comets coverage in Houston does exist; but, we need to work together to make it happen.

Sponsor Tags

I'm offering “sponsor tags” to businesses. A “tag” will appear before and after an HRR interview (in mp3) on www.TheHRR.com.

The tag will be similar to:
"This interview is made possible by XYZ...” or
“This segment is presented to you by XYZ...” etc.

The price of the tags are as follows:
one tag: $25.
two tags: $50.
three tags: $70.
four tags: $85.
five tags: $100.
ten tags: $175.

The “tagged” mp3 will be posted on the website for at least one week; then, it will be moved into the “MP3 Archive” and listed by month and year.

Covering Women's Basketball

I enjoy covering women's basketball. That's no secret. I enjoy promoting women's hoops -- especially in the Houston area -- because not many media outlets promote the high school and college athletes, teams, and coaches as opposed to just covering the Houston Comets. However, for me to continue covering the sport I love, a few options are open to me:

1. win the Lottery (Texas) or the MegaBall.
2. continue working 8 to 5 (which is a good thing because it provides steady income); but, unfortunately, it also limits my coverage to just night games. Working a day job means I can't attend practices; press conferences held during the day; tele-conferences; or events like Media Day.
3. generate more paying sponsors to help cover expenses.
4. generate more subscribers / HRR Members to help cover expenses.
5. work for a women's basketbll publication / magazine.

The Houston Roundball Review is not the only source of information for Houston area women's hoops; but, "it doesn't take a long time to call the roll" for the media that does cover women's hoops in Houston.

Van Talks about the Comets Draft Moves

I got back from Boston this evening; and, I was able to get some comments from Comets coach Van Chancellor on the four players the team acquired in today's 2006 WNBA Draft.

Here's some of what he told me:
Van: We traded our 15th pick for 18 and 21. At 18 we picked Liz Shimek from Michigan State. She's a solid, hard-nosed player who can play the 3 or the 4 position. At 21, we picked Mistie Williams who can play the 4 or the 5 spot. With our 24th pick, we chose Renae Camino from Australia. She just 19; but, she's put up great numbers in Australia.

HRR: Coach, What position does Camino play? Is she a big or a guard?
Van: She's a 6'1 wing player. She's got a good upside. With our 29th pick we chose Tiffany Stansbury from North Carolina State. Stansbury is 6'3 and she's a very good athlete.

HRR: One last question, Coach. How is Sancho Lyttle progressing from her knee injury?
Van: You know, Kris, a lot of people think I made these moves because Sancho wasn't progressing well; but, she's well ahead of schedule. I made these moves as insurance.

Terps beat Duke for NCAA Championship

Trailing 45 to 32 in the second half, the Maryland Terrapins marched back to force overtime on a three-point shot by freshman sensation, guard Kristi Toliver, to tie the game at 70. Then, the Maryland Terrapins defeated the Duke Blue Devils 78 to 75 and claim their first NCAA Women's Basketball Championship.

I don't know why Duke didn't foul Maryland when they led 70 to 67 with 15 seconds remaining in the second half. Yes, I know Toliver hit a tough jump shot to tie the game; but, I wouldn't have allowed her to even attemp a three-point shot. Oh well.

Plus, Duke didn't get the ball to Alison Bales enough. Bales had an advantage inside; plus, besides Currie in the overtime period, no other Duke player wanted the basketball in her hands down the stretch.

The Terps played well and came through in the clutch. Maryland is such a young team; but, they won a championship when no one outside of Terp Nation expcected them to do so. Kudos to them.

In a battle of point guards, Duke's Lindsey Harding won the match-up with Kristi Toliver in the first half. However, Toliver stepped up big time in the second half.

Check out the numbers:
First half -- Harding shot 6 for 8, scored 13 points and pulled down 2 boards. Toliver shot 1 for 9 and scored just 2 points.
Second half -- Harding shot 0 for 6 and scored just 3 points. Toliver shot 5 for 9 and scored 14 points.

All Tournament Team:
M.O.P. -- Laura Harper, Maryland.
Alison Bales, Duke.
Monique Currie, Duke.
Erlana Larkins, North Carolina.
Kristi Toliver, Maryland.

WBCA Coaches' Luncheon

I'm back from the WBCA / Russell Athletic National Coaches of the Year luncheon.

Congratulations to each of the winners:
Bill Jauss, Mel Greenberg Media Award
Dana Ferguson, DePauw Univ. -- WBCA Grad Asst. of the Year
Kevin Kiernan, Troy HS -- High School Coach of the Year
Seth Goodman, Monroe College -- National JC/CC Coach of the Year
Marty Rowe, Lee Univ. -- National NAIA Coach of the Year
Brian Morehouse, Hope Coll. -- National NCAA Division III Coach of the Year
Glenn Wilkes, Jr., Rollins College -- National NCAA Division II Coach of the Year
Sylvia Hatchell, UNC -- National NCAA Division I Coach of the Year

The second half of the luncheon featured a panel of breast cancer survivors. Rebecca Lobo emceed this portion of the luncheon. The panel consisted of Kathy Delaney-Smith, Harvard Univ. head coach; Amy Ruley, North Dakota St. head coach; Kay Yow, NC State head coach; RuthAnn Lobo; and Dr. Lisa B. Weissman, MD at Yale New Haven Hospital. The panel was sponsored by AstraZeneca. Their stories of surviving breast cancer were courageous, inspiring, and funny.

My Honor

This morning, I attended my first United States Basketball Writers Association brunch; and, I truly enjoyed myself. I got the opportunity to listen to Mr. Mel Greenberg and Mike Terry -- two pioneers of promoting women's basketball.

University of North Carolina head coach Sylvia Hatchell was presented with the 2006 USBWA Coach of the Year Award; and, Coach Hatchell was great in her acceptance speech. She talked about her beginnings as a coach; the people who've influenced her; the players she's coached; how important it is to her to promote women's basketball; her love for her players; etc. I really enjoyed it.

Next, since Ivory Latta had to go back to school to attend class, Coach Hatchell accepted the 2006 USBWA Player of the Year Award on Ivory's behalf. Coach talked with us about how much she enjoys coaching Ivory. She also told us Ivory called her yesterday to ask her how she was doing (after losing in the NCAA semifinals). Ivory is truly a special player; but, more importantly, she's also a special person.

I truly enjoy covering women's basketball; and, it has definitely been my honor to attend Boston these last few days and spend time with so many fantastic people.

Watching Team USA Practice

I finally got the chance to see the Senior Women's USA Basketball Team practice today.

Fourteen stellar ladies participated in today's practice:
Seimone Augustus (LSU); Alana Beard (Washington Mystics); Sue Bird (Seattle Storm); Swin Cash (Detroit Shock); Shameka Christon (New York Liberty); Jessica Davenport (Ohio State); Sylvia Fowles (LSU); Kristin Haynie (Sacramento Monarchs); Candace Parker (Tennessee); Cappie Pondexter (Rutgers); Ruth Riley (Detroit Shock); Katie Smith (Detroit Shock); Sheryl Swoopes (Houston Comets); and Tina Thompson (Houston Comets).

I truly enjoyed watching the competition as well as listening to Asst. Coach Dawn Staley's jokes with the referees. Practice was spotty in spurts; but, trust me when I write this, when they got rolling, these ladies are truly spectacular to watch.

Team Red (made up mostly of the vets like Swoopes, Tina, Katie, Swin, Sue, etc.) took it to Team White (the youngsters) toward the end of practice in a "Make it-Take it" session. I lost count how many consecutive baskets Team Red dropped on Team White; but, it was quite a lot.

I spoke with Kristin Haynie; Seimone Augustus; Cappie Pondexter; and Sylvia Fowles after practice to get a different perspective from some of the younger players.

Take a listen:
Seimone Augustus
Sylvia Fowles
Kristin Haynie
Cappie Pondexter

Comments from the WNBA's Pre-Draft Camp

Media availability was limited at today's WNBA Pre-Draft Camp; but, I was really impressed by two of the participants: UConn's Barbara Turner and UCLA's Lisa Willis. I'd be shocked if Barbara doesn't get selected in the first round. Lisa Willis is talented; but, she just needs to get more consistent.

I interviewed a few players with ties to the state of Texas: Erin Grant and LaToya Davis (from Texas Tech) and Abiola Wabara (Baylor). Then, I spoke with Tennessee's Tye'sha Fluker and Renee Brown from the WNBA.

Check out the interviews.
Renee Brown
LaToya Davis
Tye'sha Fluker
Erin Grant
Abiola Wabara

More comments may come later.

Terps beat Tar Heels

Well, I got that prediction wrong. I knew Maryland had a chance; but, I didn't believe they'd beat the Tar Heels tonight.

With a combined 26 turnovers, the first half was very sloppy; and, though they shot poorly in the first half, I thought North Carolina was extremely fortunate to trail by just two points at halftime. I believed UNC would take control in the second half; but, they couldn't make a basket and the Terps started to roll.

Maryland's Laura Harper was sensational -- 25 points and 9 rebounds!

Congrats to Maryland and their extremely rabid fans. Though the Terps began pulling away, their fans were constantly ripping the refs for what they perceived were bad calls.

Comments from Connecticut's Barbara Turner

After Saturday's WBCA All-Star Challenge Game, UConn senior F Barbara Turner spoke with the media about the game; her performance; Geno Auriemma; the upcoming WNBA Draft; and more.

Here are a few of her comments transcribed:

Q: Is there anything in particular you're looking forward to about the Draft?
A: I don't know...wearing a nice outfit I guess (laughing)...for once in my life.

Q: Why is Geno a Hall-of-Famer?
A: He's made this women's game grow a lot. If you walk around, a lot of people are looking at Connecticut. He's put that program on the map. He's put the game on the map. Everywhere that we go, people want to know how he is; and what does he do that makes him so good. I think all of that makes him a Hall-of-Famer. The way he helps his players grow as people. All of them come back to see him. He has a great relationship with them. All of those things make him a Hall-of-Famer.

Q: With the Draft on Wednesday, do you feel yourself getting closer to one of your goals?
A: Oh yeah. That's something that every little girl dreams of growing up is to have the opportunity to play in the WNBA. I'm not going to sugarcoat it or anything like that. You know I always wanted the chance (to play in the WNBA). No matter where or when it is (I get drafted), I really don't care as long as I get the opportunity --- I'm going to take advantage of it.

Q: Did you always believe you could play in the WNBA?
A: Oh yeah. It was just a matter of, every year, growing as a player. I think the more you do that, the more scouts tend to look at you. When you continue to progress from your freshman to sophomore to junior to senior-year, scouts look at you a lot. (Growing) is something I wanted to do throughout my career; and, that was something I was able to do for the most part.

Q: Do you believe the NCAA Tournament told WNBA coaches "You just can't overlook me."?
A: I hope so. I hope so. Like I said, whichever team selects me, I'm going to feel real fortunate; and, I hope that they know that I'm going to do everything in my power to represent the franchise really well.

Q: What position will you play in the WNBA? 3, 4, or are you just a player?
A: It doesn't matter. A lot of people question my size being able to play at the 4 in the WNBA which is realistic because there a lot of bigs, a lot of really good bigs like Yolanda Griffith in the league; but, as long as I get the chance, it really doesn't matter where they play me. I'm going to try to make the best of it.

Q: Are you good enough to play the 3 in the WNBA?
A: Yea. A lot of people haven't seen that because I played with my back to the basket in my college career; but, it's something I've always worked on and it's something I've always had in my back pocket. Hopefully, I'll be able to show that a lot on the next level. Improving my perimeter game is something I know I have to work on.

Step up Houston!

I'm enjoying myself here in Boston at the Women's Final Four and the WNBA Draft festivities; however, while moving from site to site, I keep asking myself why doesn't the city of Houston host the Women's Final Four?

Houston recently hosted the NBA All-Star Game; has hosted the NFL's Super Bowl; the MLB's All-Star Game and the World Series. The Men's Final Four is heading to Houston in a few years; so, why not Houston? We have the facilities: the hotels; the venues; etc.

For those of you who are not subscribers to the HRR's "Members Section", I want you to know, for the last two years, I've worked with the Harris County Houston Sports Authority, the University of Houston, and Toyota Center in hopes of Houston being selected as a host city for the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship. For various reasons, so far, our efforts have failed; however, hopefully, as women's basketball continues improving and growing in popularity, maybe more and more Houstonians (with pull) will get involved to help improve Houston's chances of being chosen as a host city.

Here's hoping the wait is a short one...

HRR at WBCA College All-Star Game

The WBCA College All-Star Game was very competitive; a lot of fun; and very informative. Team Bisque defeated Team Chowder 90 to 87 Saturday night at Matthews Arena on Northeastern University's campus. Young ladies flocked to Sheryl Swoopes for her autograph as coaches and WNBA personnel checked out the talent and took notes for Wednesday's Draft.

Candice Dupree (12 for 16) and Sophia Young (11 for 12) each scored 24 points for Team Bisque. Young added 10 rebounds; and, she was named Team MVP. Ann Strother added 18 points.

UConn's Barbara Turner and Tennessee's Shanna Zolman each scored 19 points for Team Chowder. Turner (19 points; 5 rebounds; and 4 assists) was named Team MVP. Michigan State's Liz Shimek added 14 points and 8 rebounds.

Here are a few mp3s from Sophia Young and Candice Dupree:
Sophia: "...stay in Texas..."
Sophia: "...lot of adjustment..."
Candice: "...five or six..."
Candice: "...continue to work out..."

Words with the Tennessee Lady Vols

I know I'm a member of the media; but, I'm also a fan of the Tennessee Lady Vols.

I interviewed Kara Lawson this morning at the ESPN tip-off breakfast; then, I interviewed Kodak All-America Candice Parker; and, finally, I interviewed Tennessee Lady Vols assistant coach Nikki Caldwell.

Take a listen...
Kara Lawson: "...the Draft is important..."
Candace Parker: "...my spring back..."
Coach Caldwell: "...we'll be back..."
Coach Caldwell: "...versatility..."
Coach Caldwell: "...root for our conference..."

ESPN Tip-off Breakfast

I spoke with ESPN's Trey Wingo at this morning's ESPN media tip-off breakfast.

Listen to the HRR interview with Trey.

Then, I attended the Kodak All-America Team announcement.

Congrats to the team:
Seimone Augustus, LSU.
Monique Currie, Duke.
Jessica Davenport, Ohio State.
Tasha Humphrey, Georgia.
Ivory Latta, North Carolina.
Courtney Paris, Oklahoma.
Candace Parker, Tennessee.
Cappie Pondexter, Rutgers.
Candice Wiggins, Stanford.
Sophia Young, Baylor.

Seimone was named the State Farm / Wade Trophy Player of the Year for the second consective year. She joins Nancy Lieberman as the only player to win the award in consecutive seasons.