Gotnext Women's Basketball Boards

eaction83 · Joined: 14 Jun 2002 Posts: 130 Location: Fremont, CA

Just got to ask for anyone who might be "in the know" how things are going down there in the desert in regards to getting the new ownership structure in place? I assume the Suns/Colangelo haven't voiced any serious objections to taking over the team? I'd rather not wake up one morning and find out about another unpleasant surprise like the Florida franchises...

jeff metcalfe · Joined: 22 Jun 2002 Posts: 41

The Mercury is going forward under the individual ownership structure. That being said, the team is losing money and certainly not out of the woods long term any more than the league as a whole.
That's why the Shumate hiring, personnel decisions, etc. are critical going forward to improving the bottom line here. A dispersal draft if the league plays with 14 teams in 2003 would help the Mercury because the draft is weak. Adding at least one quality player in a dispersal draft to go with the return of Stepanova and Korstine or Fallon would go a long way toward improving the on-court results.

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

Let's all pray to numerous deities for the arrival for Sheri Sam ;)

mb · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2002 3:43 pm Post subject:

Sam always played well at AWA. She would be a good pick-up in my opinion. Our previous coach wanted Betty Lennox, and some still do...how do you think she would fit our team?

The Colangelos appear committed to this team. Bryan stated as much at the press conference announcing Shumate's hire. Also the Suns/Mercury organization hired Rick Weltz???...a gentleman with quite a resume who was involved in the formation of the WNBA.

My guess is they will hang in at least two years (this season and next). Then again, Jerry gives $2 million a year to United Way...hong long does he continue to lose $1 to 1.5 per year? As much as I like the Mercury, they are not a charity. Worst thing is that if they left, many would blame the D-backs. Season ticket holders would have a right to be upset, yet people would not even purchase tickets would be in uproar as well.

Fans better fill the arenas this year if they truly support the league!!!

Our local college team, ASU had a double header this past weekend...Hoops for the Cure Classic...to benefit cancer research.

ASU played #12 Notre Dame, then #6 , Purdue vs Vanderbuilt. The crowd was okay, yet not near what it should have been. Unfortunately, women's sports is a tough sell.

Mat H · Joined: 24 Jun 2002 Posts: 168 Location: Glendale AZ

The biggest steal for the Mercury would be Shannon Johnson. That girl is tough as nails and would add some serious speed to the Mercury. She's a good decision maker and runs the fastest of all fast breaks. Though I wouldn't mind Sam either. :D

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

Mat H wrote: That girl is tough as nails and would add some serious speed to the Mercury. She's a good decision maker and runs the fastest of all fast breaks. Though I wouldn't mind Sam either. :D

Eh I think there's a pretty good chance the Miracle will end up in Hartford.

I don't think Pee Wee is a good decision maker. She's quick, tremendously athletic, superb off the dribble, a great defender and a solid passer but the floor leadership aspect of her game is quite weak IMHO.

She is an Iverson-type IMHO. Her first instinct is to score, not to create. She would be a good addition to the Merc but possibly as a tandem with one of the other point guards (Vealy and Pee Wee would be an interesting tandem).

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1562 Location: Phoenix

Pee Wee would be my choice out of the whole lot of them because whatever her weaknesses are she can flat out score, and that is what we need. But odds are she'd be first gone in a dispersal draft.
I prefer Lennox over Sam, just a feeling though more then anything. Both have great games, but Lennox I think is more focused.

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

caune wrote: I prefer Lennox over Sam, just a feeling though more then anything. Both have great games, but Lennox I think is more focused.

Lennox is a lot of things but focused isn't one of them IMHO. At least not last season and she jacks up way too many stupid shots for my liking.

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1562 Location: Phoenix

OK, focused was the wrong word. I think Betty is more hungry to play then Sam. I think, even when jacking up those shots Betty tries harder then Sam who sometimes takes the night off and appears uninspired.
They both have rumored "attitude" problems, so it could be a wash either way.