Staley and Lobo Discuss Comets and Final Four

ST. LOUIS, MO -- Clearly, I'm in the STL for the events (and the games) involving the 2009 NCAA Women's Final Four; however, this morning, I decided to speak to two people with ties to the now disbanded Houston Comets -- Rebecca Lobo and Dawn Staley.

Lobo works for ESPN and Staley is the head coach at South Carolina University. 

Lobo was part of ESPN's media briefing for the 2009 Women's Final Four and Staley attended the 2009 State Farm / WBCA All-America Team and Wade Trophy Player of the Year press conference. 

Both of them were disappointed at the demise of the WNBA's cornerstone franchise.

"I think it's a travesty," Staley said emphatically. "The league has lost one of the premier franchises in the WNBA. Houston is a great city to play. The fans supported the team. I think we're just have fallen onto hard times. The recession has taken away one of the best teams to play for; one of the best arenas to play in; and, hopefully, somehow, we can bounce back. It's a big blow to the WNBA."

"I was very surprised, very surprised," Staley added. "Considering the history, the rich history of the Comets, I was very surprised; but, nowadays, anything can happen."

Lobo gave her two cents as well.

"I was really sad when it happened," Lobo said. "Not only did I play for them for a year; but, when I was with New York (Liberty), the Comets were our foil. It seemed like every year we were in the WNBA Championship against the Comets. Whenever the Comets came to Madison Square Garden, we would sell out Madison Square Garden. Such a franchise, one of the best run franchises for so long, I was very, very disappointed it. They were the the WNBA -- especially those first four years. It was definitely a sad event."

Lobo tied the Comets' demise to the future of the WNBA.

"In this economy, it's tough to look around and say what's going to happen; but, we've got the WNBA Draft coming up (April 9) next week. I've got my schedule of games for ESPN; and, we'll see how it goes. But, I think everybody out there is concerned about the future of sports leagues not just the WNBA. Hopefully, it will weather the storm."

In order to shift gears to more positive news, Lobo and Staley also discussed the Final Four matchups (Louisville vs. Oklahoma and Stanford vs. Connecticut).

"I think the Connecticut - Stanford game is going to be teriffic," Lobo added. "Connecticut hasn't had a lot of trouble all season long; but, Stanford is the last team to beat them and plays a style that can give Connecticut trouble; so, I'm excited about that matchup.

"I think Louisville is going against a team that's bigger, probably stronger and more athletic; but, I think Louisville can give Oklahoma a lot of matchup problems."

Staley added, "I think they're representing the best teams that playing the best at this particular time. I think we'll have two great games tomorrow (April 5); and, then the finals, let the best team win.

"No predictions. I just want good games. I don't want thirty point blowouts. It's talent-filled with great coaches; hopefully, everybody will play their best basketball these next three games."