http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishinDishin & Swishin takes a look at the world of women's basketball, from the pros to the amateurs, direct from the mouths of those involved.enBlogTalkRadio.com. All Rights Reserved.Sat, 15 Jun 2019 08:30:00 GMTTue, 05 Dec 2017 17:00:00 GMTBasketballBlogTalkRadio Feed v2.0http://www.blogtalkradio.com/img/btrbetalogo.gifhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds@blogtalkradio.comBlogTalkRadio.combasketball,wnba,women's basketball,uconn,south,carolina,angeles,los,ncaa,sparksDishin and SwishinnoDishin & Swishin takes a look at the world of women's basketball, from the pros to the amateurs, direct from the mouths of those involved.episodichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/12/05/dishin-swishin-podcast-espns-debbie-antonelli-on-the-college-season-and-moreBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/12/05/dishin-swishin-podcast-espns-debbie-antonelli-on-the-college-season-and-more/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/12/05/dishin-swishin-podcast-espns-debbie-antonelli-on-the-college-season-and-moreTue, 05 Dec 2017 17:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: ESPN's Debbie Antonelli on the college season and moreDebbie Antonelli is more than just an analyst or studio host, she is a driving force for improving the quality, the exposure, and the awareness of women's college basketball. A former point guard in her own right, Antonelli is still directing, leading, promoting. One of the more active social media participants, Antonelli also directs two holiday tournaments, is a voter in the AP polls, and visits schools and their teams to help breakdown the game and give media training. Often a guest on Dishin & Swishin, it is a pleasure to welcome Antonelli back to talk about some of the players and happenings in this college basketball season.     00:27:00Dishin and SwishinnoWomen's Basketball,NCAA,WNBA,FanRag SportsESPN analyst & studio host Debbie Antonellihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/11/16/dishin-swishin-podcast-kara-lawson-previews-the-ncaa-womens-hoops-seasonBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/11/16/dishin-swishin-podcast-kara-lawson-previews-the-ncaa-womens-hoops-season/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/11/16/dishin-swishin-podcast-kara-lawson-previews-the-ncaa-womens-hoops-seasonThu, 16 Nov 2017 14:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Kara Lawson previews the NCAA women's hoops seasonTalk about living life to the fullest! Kara Lawson is the trailblazing analyst on Washington Wizards NBA telecasts, women's basketball analyst as part of ESPN's lead team of coverage, and just for fun, a contributor to USA Basketball, including helping manage the 3 x 3 teams. Whew, I get tired just thinking about that schedule, but Lawson was kind enough to squeeze in some time for a Dishin & Swishin podcast on her way to the airport for a Mystics road trip of five games in eight days. One of the more knowledgeable people in the game, Lawson helps breakdown the NCAA women's basketball season, and the first games played, including the unreal game between Louisville and Ohio State she helped broadcast from Columbus. Which teams should we be looking out for this year and can anyone beat UConn? Who are some of the top players to keep an eye on? What should we expect from her alma mater, Tennessee? These are just a few of the topics covered on this week's Dishin & Swishin. It's NCAA women's basketball season! Enjoy! And Enjoy the podcast! 00:24:00Dishin and SwishinnoWomen's Basketball,NBA,USA Basketball,Kara Lawson,FanRag SportsESPN analyst Kara Lawsonhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/11/07/dishin-swishin-podcast-nicki-collen-is-living-the-dreamBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/11/07/dishin-swishin-podcast-nicki-collen-is-living-the-dream/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/11/07/dishin-swishin-podcast-nicki-collen-is-living-the-dreamTue, 07 Nov 2017 20:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Nicki Collen is Living the DreamNicki Collen is living the Dream; the Atlanta Dream that is. The former Connecticut Sun assistant coach is the new head coach of the Atlanta Dream, becoming the second assistant coach to be elevated to a head coaching job in the WNBA this offseason (Katie Smith in New York is the other). She takes over a team that is an enigma, to say the least. Their best player sat out last season. They still had three all-stars, and a very strong candidate for Rookie of the Year. Yet they finished the season 10th in a twelve team league, closing the year with a 2-8 record in their last ten games. It will be Collen's job, her first head coaching job at the pro or college level, to stabilize the franchise, bring Angel McCoughtry back to the team, and get the returning players to buy into the spacing, fast paced and three-point shooting offense that she wants to run. Not having a first round draft choice will hurt that progression, but without question Atlanta will pursue free agents and trades to improve their chances. It is a pleasure to welcome coach Collen to Dishin & Swishin for the first time! We wish her well as she builds her staff and sets up her support system and team. Enjoy the podcast! 00:23:00Dishin and SwishinnoWNBA,Women's Basketball,Atlanta Dream,Nicki Collen,FanRag SportsNicki Collen, new head coach Atlanta Dreamhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/10/31/dishin-swishin-podcast-can-2018-be-as-good-as-this-year-was-for-dawn-staleyBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/10/31/dishin-swishin-podcast-can-2018-be-as-good-as-this-year-was-for-dawn-staley/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/10/31/dishin-swishin-podcast-can-2018-be-as-good-as-this-year-was-for-dawn-staleyTue, 31 Oct 2017 15:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Can 2018 be as good as this year was for Dawn Staley?No tricks, just treats from Dishin & Swishin on Halloween! There's no question about it; 2017 was one hell of a year for Dawn Staley. Coach of NCAA women's basketball national champion South Carolina would be great on its own, but to also be elevated by USA Basketball to the head coach of the Senior National team makes it phenomenal. It is a pleasure to kick off Dishin & Swishin's NCAA coverage by talking with one of our favorite guests, coach Staley, to discuss the upcoming NCAA season and her summer camp with USA Basketball. After touring the country and Japan with her new bestie, the "netlace" in tow, Staley also had her first USA camp as head coach this summer. Now, though, it's back to business; winning the difficult SEC, returning to the NCAA tournament, and a trip to Columbus, Ohio, site of this year's Final Four. Even though the Gamecocks lost three WNBA first round draft choices in Rookie of the Year Allisha Gray, Kayla Davis, and Alaina Coates, the cupboard is far from bare. Returning is the odds on favorite for national player of the year honors, forward A'ja Wilson. Already a tremendous talent, on Dishin & Swishin Staley talks about what she asked Wilson to improve on for this season, and it is enough to make even the best of teams nervous at the thought! A loaded backcourt featuring returnees Tyasha Harris and Bianca Cuevas-Moore will be counted on for more offense this year. Graduate transfer Lindsey Spann from Penn State is already being a leader, according to Staley, and transfer post Alexis Jennings from Kentucky will need to make an  impact on both ends of the court.  Can South Carolina repeat? It won't be easy, but the possibility is real! One this is certain, their coach will be pushing them to reach their maximum potential. And really, what else can you ask for in a coach? 00:24:00Dishin and SwishinnoWomen's Basketball,South Carolina,Dawn Staley,FanRag SportsDawn Staley, Head coach South Carolina & USA Senior national teamhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/10/23/dishin-swishin-podcast-katie-smith-takes-charge-in-new-york-1Basketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/10/23/dishin-swishin-podcast-katie-smith-takes-charge-in-new-york-1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/10/23/dishin-swishin-podcast-katie-smith-takes-charge-in-new-york-1Mon, 23 Oct 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Katie Smith takes charge in New YorkThere are few people in the women's basketball world with a more complete resume than Katie Smith, and that was before she was named head coach of the New York Liberty. A record breaking college career, ABL sucess and championships, WNBA records and championships, the player's representative for the USA Basketball senior national team selection committee, assistant coach in the WNBA, and broadcaster for NCAA games. Now add head coach of one of the most important franchises in the WNBA, the New York Liberty.  The Liberty is not just any franchise. It's New York City, right by the league offices, playing in Madison Square Garden, "the mecca." On the court they have had success, albeit not championship level success. Off the court they are community leaders, winners of the first WNBA season long Community Assist award. It is Smith's job to take them to the next level on the court, a first championship for the Liberty. Smith not only has her own pedigree, she has played and coached with some of the very best, including Brian Agler and Bill Laimbeer. It will be fun to see the evolution of head coach Katie Smith and where she can take the Liberty. It is a pleasure to welcome Smith back to Dishin & Swishin.  Topics covered include: What is next for the Liberty? How do you make inconsistent players more consistent? The importance of being a part of the community  The changing of the guard in USA Basketball, when and how do you turn over roster spots Good luck to Katie Smith as she begins the next chapter in her career! Enjoy the podcast!  00:19:00Dishin and SwishinnoWomen's Basketball,WNBA,New York Liberty,FanRag SportsKatie Smith, new head coach New York Libertyaff1fcfa-6b5a-4a23-929c-431934d5b475http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/10/05/dishin-swishin-podcast-dan-hughes-is-seattles-new-head-coachBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/10/05/dishin-swishin-podcast-dan-hughes-is-seattles-new-head-coach/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/10/05/dishin-swishin-podcast-dan-hughes-is-seattles-new-head-coachThu, 05 Oct 2017 17:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Dan Hughes is Seattle's new head coachThe WNBA season came to a close this week in a blaze of glory, with the two best teams for the second year in a row battling for five entertaining and exciting games. Congratulations to the Minnesota Lynx on their fourth WNBA championship. In addition to game five being played, the off-season maneuvers of WNBA franchises began in earnest with the Seattle Storm hiring veteran coach Dan Hughes as their new head coach, replacing Gary Kloppenburg, who was Seattle's interim coach after the team fired Jenny Boucek on August 10th. Hughes "retired" after the 2016 season as coach and general manager of the San Antonio Stars, but a year away from the WNBA convinced him and his family he needed to go back into coaching. Hughes returns to Dishin & Swishin where he has been a guest previously both as coach of the San Antonio Stars and college basketball analyst. Topics covered include: - Impressions of the WNBA finals, and how to compete in the same conference as Minnesota and Los Angeles - How to stabilize the inconsistencies and improve the Storm's playoff seeding - What to say to those that see him as "just another coach" instead of someone new and younger - Building a roster for 2018 and what to expect. - Can he catch a fish? 00:22:00Dishin and SwishinnoWNBA,Women's Basketball,Seattle Storm,FanRag SportsDan Hughes, head coach of Seattle Storm (as of 10/04/17)http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/29/dishin-swishin-podcast-carol-callan-on-usa-basketballBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/29/dishin-swishin-podcast-carol-callan-on-usa-basketball/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/29/dishin-swishin-podcast-carol-callan-on-usa-basketballFri, 29 Sep 2017 14:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast | Carol Callan on USA BasketballThis weekend at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, the USA Basketball Senior Women's National team will have their official changing of the guard. It is there that the first training camp A.G. (After Geno), will be held. Dawn Staley takes over as head coach, and between players in the WNBA finals and a few missing for other reasons, the 18 participants will generally speaking be a group of young players vying for the few spots that may be available. Carol Callan returns to Dishin & Swishin for this week's podcast, and if anyone knows about transitioning to new coaches and new ways of conducting business, it is Callan. Callan is responsible for all USA Basketball women's team programs, including competitions, trials, training camps, and serves as a liaison to women's competition committees. Topics covered include:  - How do players not in the USA pipeline get camp invites  - Eligibility before and after international representation of other countries   - Adjusting to a new head coach and the importance of this and other camps this year  - Building a cohesive team when you only meet for a few days, a couple of times per year, including the importance of veteran players like Bird and Taurasi  - USA Basketball's first "Women in the Game" conference being held this weekend for high school and college students Enjoy the podcast! 00:32:00Dishin and SwishinnoWomen's Basketball,WNBA,USA Basketball,FanRag SportsCarol Callan, Women's National Team Director for USA Basketball joins the show.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/20/delisha-milton-jones-on-the-wnba-finalsBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/20/delisha-milton-jones-on-the-wnba-finals/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/20/delisha-milton-jones-on-the-wnba-finalsWed, 20 Sep 2017 17:00:00 GMTDeLisha Milton-Jones on the WNBA FinalsNo team has won back-to-back WNBA championships since the 2001-2002 Los Angeles Sparks. That means incredible championship teams like the Detroit Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and Minnesota Lynx have not been able to pull it off. Our guest on this week's Dishin & Swishin was part of that Sparks team that defeated the Charlotte Sting and then the New York Liberty to win back-to-back titles, DeLisha Milton-Jones. It is a pleasure to welcome Milton-Jones back to Dishin & Swishin.  Why is it so dfficult to repeat?  What is different in the second year than the first year? Do the 2017 Sparks have what it takes to repeat?  Do the 2002 Sparks celebrate when a defending champion gets knocked off like the 1972 Miami Dolphins celebrate being the last team to go undefeated? Insightful conversation with a person who has played with and against many of the important players and the coaches in this year's WNBA finals. Milton-Jones gives you some key things to look for early in the series. Will this be the year? Enjoy the podcast! 00:16:00Dishin and SwishinnoWNBA,Women's Basketball,FanRag SportsDeLisha Milton-Jones, head coach at Pepperdine and former LA Sparks player on last team to win back-to-back WNBA titleshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/15/dishin-swishin-podcast-curt-miller-on-wnba-semi-finals-and-the-sunBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/15/dishin-swishin-podcast-curt-miller-on-wnba-semi-finals-and-the-sun/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/15/dishin-swishin-podcast-curt-miller-on-wnba-semi-finals-and-the-sunFri, 15 Sep 2017 18:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Curt Miller on WNBA Semi-finals and the SunAs the WNBA playoffs continue, it is a pleasure to welcome the Coach and Executive of the Year, the Connecticut Sun's Curt Miller, back to Dishin & Swishin to help break down the semi-final round. Minnesota and Los Angeles, the top two seeds, both hold 2-0 advantages over Washington and Phoenix, respectively, with game three on the trailing teams home court on Sunday afternoon. Miller takes the time to talk about what happened in the first two games, the impact of the short turn around between series, whether the second should be single elimination or a series, and what both teams need to do to survive and advance. Then, it's a fun "fill in the blanks" conversation, as Coach and GM Miller discusses the answers to questions like "I won coach of the year when my team did _______" and "the thing I was most pleased with this season was ____________."   Of particular interest, "If I could have a do-over, on one thing this year, it would be _______." A fun conversation with the man that has turned the Connecticut franchise around, and made them a contender in only his second year with the team.  Enjoy the podcast! 00:42:00Dishin and SwishinnoWNBA,Connecticut Sun,Women's Basketball,FanRag SportsGuest: Curt Miller, Head coach and General Manager of Connecticut Sunhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/08/dishin-swishin-podcast-tribute-to-muffet-mcgrawBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/08/dishin-swishin-podcast-tribute-to-muffet-mcgraw/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/08/dishin-swishin-podcast-tribute-to-muffet-mcgrawFri, 08 Sep 2017 14:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Tribute to Muffet McGrawThe elite coaches, the very best in their field, become synonymous with their programs. Pat Summitt and Tennessee, for example, or Geno Auriemma and UConn. The newest member of the Naismith Hall of Fame, Muffet McGraw and Notre Dame fit the bill. If you look at McGraw's bio on Notre Dame's website, the very top line is a quote from former Notre Dame athletic director Gene Corrigan when McGraw was hired in 1987: ""If we searched for an entire year. I don't think we would find anyone better suited for our program." He could have said 30 years and he would have been right! Over 750+ wins and 30 years later McGraw is still a dynamo; the type of coach that demands excellence on and off the court, and pushes her student-athletes to be strong, diversified and dynamic women. It is a pleasure to salute McGraw on her induction into the Hall of Fame with two of her very best players. Both have had tremendous success on and off the court, and personify the coaching career and achievements with student athletes achieved by McGraw.. First, we chat with San Antonio Stars General Manager Ruth Riley, the Most Outstanding Player when Notre Dame won McGraw's 2001 national championship. Then, after a recent game in Connecticut, we talked with Dallas Wings guard Skylar Diggins, who helped trigger the resurgence of Notre Dame to the Final Four caliber team every season that it is now. Congratulations on induction into Springfield Coach McGraw.  It seems like another perfect fit. Enjoy the podcast! 00:18:00Dishin and SwishinnoWomen's Basketball,Hall of Fame,UConn,Notre Dame,FanRag SportsThe elite coaches, the very best in their field, become synonymous with their programs.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/07/dishin-swishin-podcast-a-tribute-to-rebecca-loboBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/07/dishin-swishin-podcast-a-tribute-to-rebecca-lobo/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/07/dishin-swishin-podcast-a-tribute-to-rebecca-loboThu, 07 Sep 2017 15:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast | A Tribute to Rebecca LoboThis weekend the halls of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will be opened to one of the legends of women's basketball. Rebecca Lobo is a woman whose success off the court as well as on has earned her a spot in the Hall, just down the road from where she grew up in Massachusetts, and about an hour from the University of Connecticut where she introduced women's basketball to so many now rabid Husky fans. There are articles all over talking about Lobo's career as a player, her influence on the women's basketball community and more.  We will let those show that side of Lobo. We will show you a little bit of a different side we hope.   Today we are celebrating Lobo with two people that know her as well as anyone, her ESPN broadcast partners Ryan Ruocco and Holly Rowe. As individuals, Ruocco and Rowe are two of the very best at what they do, covering everything from baseball and softball, football, and men's and women's basketball. It is a pleasure to welcome both back to Dishin & Swishin to talk about the Lobo we see and don't see; the person that greets the fans, tweets about her family and airports, but also the friend and confidant that puts in the work and prep with her colleagues to help make the broadcasts sound so good. Congratulations Rebecca on induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame!  Well deserved, and it is a pleasure to know you, and call you a friend. Enjoy the podcast! 00:26:00Dishin and SwishinnoWomen's Basketball,Rebecca Lobo,UConn,FanRag SportsThis weekend the halls of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will be opened to one of the legends of women's basketball.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/05/dishin-swishin-podcast--roundtable-wnba-previewBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/05/dishin-swishin-podcast--roundtable-wnba-preview/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/09/05/dishin-swishin-podcast--roundtable-wnba-previewTue, 05 Sep 2017 17:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast - Roundtable WNBA PreviewIt is a pleasure to welcome ESPN & ESPNw writer Mechelle Voepel and the AP's Doug Feinberg back to Dishin & Swishin for a roundtable discussion of the playoffs and also postseason award selections. The first two rounds are single elimination games, and after discussing the appropriateness of this format, the roundtable discusses and makes their prediction on the Seattle at Phoenix and Dallas at Washington matchups. Will there be an upset?  Who or what should we be looking for in these games? Connecticut and New York will host the winners of Wednesday's games on Sunday, and then Los Angeles and top-seed Minnesota await the winners of those games.   Can Connecticut turn things around after struggling their last half dozen games? Can New York's grind it out, defensive style win a playoff game this year, after getting upset by Phoenix as the number three seed last year? Then it's on to a discussion of postseason awards!  The AP has just announced their awards, and Feinberg, who is the purveyor of the votes, and Voepel, who is a voter, discuss their thoughts on postseason honors. A great way to wrap up the regular season and get you ready for the postseason! Enjoy the podcast! 00:42:00Dishin and SwishinnoWNBA,Basketball,Women's Basketball,FanRag SportsWe have reached the end of the WNBA season, and the playoffs begin on Wednesday!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/31/dishin-swishin-podcast--pat-a-legacy-of-loveBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/31/dishin-swishin-podcast--pat-a-legacy-of-love/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/31/dishin-swishin-podcast--pat-a-legacy-of-loveThu, 31 Aug 2017 13:30:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast - "Pat: A Legacy of Love"Instead of talking about the WNBA or the upcoming women's college basketball season, today we talk with Sarah Hillyer and Ashleigh Huffman, co-founders and directors of the Center for Sport, Peace, and Society at the University.of Tennessee, and producers of a new short film called "Pat: A Legacy of Love." No one has had a bigger impact on women's basketball than the late Pat Summitt, and to this day, throughout the world, that impact is still being felt. On September 7th, at the Bijou Theater in Knoxville, an "orange carpet" fund raising event will air the film Hillyer and Huffman created. In 2007, Hillyer traveled to Sulaymaniyah in Iraq's Kurdish region to host the country's first women’s basketball camp. Hillyer realized the Iraqi women's basketball players needed basketballs and other equipment. So she and Huffman asked Summitt for help. Summitt provided Tennessee orange and blue basketballs for the young women of Iraq. In 2009 the coach invited girls from Iraq to attend one of her Knoxville basketball camps. In the podcast it is fascinating to hear how the name "Pat Summitt" was helpful in negotiating the difficulties with the state department in bringing these women into the United States. Not to give away the entire story, but the love and respect the young women from Iraq had for coach Summitt, and how they showed it, after Summitt's diagnosis of Alzheimer's, is moving and betting a person like Summitt. On September 7th, at the Bijou Theater in Knoxville, an "orange carpet" fund raising event will air the film Hillyer and Huffman created. Part of the proceeds from the event will go to the Pat Summitt Foundation. Please enjoy one of the more interesting and enjoyable podcasts I've had the pleasure to record.  Congratulations to the Center for Sport, Peace, and Society and Hillyer and Huffman on their work. 00:24:00Dishin and SwishinnoBasketball,College Basketball,Women's Basketball,Tennessee,Pat SummittIt is a pleasure to bring you a special Dishin & Swishin podcast this week.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/21/dishin-swishin-in-her-own-words-diana-taurasi-on-aging-the-playoffs-and-bgBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/21/dishin-swishin-in-her-own-words-diana-taurasi-on-aging-the-playoffs-and-bg/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/21/dishin-swishin-in-her-own-words-diana-taurasi-on-aging-the-playoffs-and-bgMon, 21 Aug 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin in her own words: Diana Taurasi on aging, the playoffs, and BGDiana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury is as polarizing a player as there is in the WNBA. To some, she is the G.O.A.T., and her amazing abilities on the court and extreme competitive nature make her a joy to watch. To others, she is a whiner and complainer, whose ego trumps her talents and makes her an object of criticism. The truth is there is something to be said for both; at 35 years old she continues to score and rack up technical fouls at an alarming pace.  The Mercury, where she has won multiple championships, continues to be a middle of the pack playoff team, despite having Taurasi and dominating center Brittney Griner. Sunday’s game in Connecticut saw both sides of the Mercury. They started fast, with Griner taking control in the paint. However, they got away from going to her, Taurasi was having an off shooting day, and the Sun caught the Mercury at the half. By the end of the third quarter, the game was virtually over as Connecticut dominated on both ends, Griner did not get many touches, and a frustrated Taurasi racked up another technical foul. After the game, I caught up with Taurasi and asked her a few questions about her game, Griner, and the playoffs: In the spirit of full disclosure, I fall into the G.O.A.T. camp, but even I think her disdain for referees and ability to rack up technical fouls is a distraction. How big a distraction come playoff time is to be determined, but she cannot risk any suspensions or missed games this year, that’s for sure! 00:03:00Dishin and SwishinnoWNBA,Phoenix Mercury,Diana Taurasi,Brittney Griner,Women's BasketballDiana Taurasi discusses her game, her teammate, and the postseason.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/15/dishin-swishin-roundtable-chats-about-the-wnba-chat-with-coach-brenda-freseBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/15/dishin-swishin-roundtable-chats-about-the-wnba-chat-with-coach-brenda-frese/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/15/dishin-swishin-roundtable-chats-about-the-wnba-chat-with-coach-brenda-freseTue, 15 Aug 2017 15:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin: Roundtable chats about the WNBA, chat with Coach Brenda FreseWe have a special two part podcast for you this week. In the first part, we break out the Dishin & Swishin roundtable for a discussion of what's going on around the WNBA with NBATV's Angel Gray and Fanrag's own Eric Nemchock. Topics include:  - Two weeks in, what do we think of the Sky-Dream trade now?  - How long should it take a team to gel?  - A look at the rookies from this season  - The growth and improvement of Chicago and San Antonio; can one of these teams follow the blueprint of the Connecticut Sun and jump into the playoff race next season?  - Looking at the playoff races, including the impact of the coaching change in Seattle In part two, we talk to University of Maryland head coach Brenda Frese. Her Terps depart Tuesday for Japan, where they will represent the United States in the World University Games. It is only the third time in the history of the WUG that one school's team is representing the USA. After losing key players to graduation and transfer, Frese is looking forward to representing the United States, but also the extra game play to get ready for the upcoming NCAA season. Enjoy the podcast! 00:43:00Dishin and SwishinnoWNBA,Women's Basketball,College Basketball,Maryland,NCAAA special two-part podcast has a roundtable about the WNBA and a conversation with Maryland head coach Brenda Frese.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/14/dishin-swishin-in-his-own-words-dallas-coach-fred-williamsBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/14/dishin-swishin-in-his-own-words-dallas-coach-fred-williams/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/14/dishin-swishin-in-his-own-words-dallas-coach-fred-williamsMon, 14 Aug 2017 18:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin in His Own Words: Dallas Coach Fred WilliamsIf you are new to Dishin & Swishin, the "In their own words" segments are shorter interviews than a normal podcast, usually around five minutes or less, recorded in person and unedited other than volume and noise.  It is the subject's own words, unfiltered or several subjects. Today we caught up with Dallas Wings head coach Fred Williams after their tough loss to the Connecticut Sun. Williams discussed his young team and the surprise of being a playoff contender, rookies coming into the league at this time, and the difference in his team's home and away records. As an African-American man who coaches multi-national women, we asked Williams his thoughts about the events in Charlottesville. 00:06:00Dishin and SwishinnoBasketball,Women's Basketball,Dallas Wings,Connecticut Sun,WNBAToday we caught up with Dallas Wings head coach Fred Williams after their tough loss to the Connecticut Sun.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/08/dishin-swishin-talking-with-coach-walz-of-the-u23-usa-basketball-teamBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/08/dishin-swishin-talking-with-coach-walz-of-the-u23-usa-basketball-team/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/08/08/dishin-swishin-talking-with-coach-walz-of-the-u23-usa-basketball-teamTue, 08 Aug 2017 14:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin: Talking with Coach Walz of the U23 USA Basketball teamJeff Walz leads an impressive group of college players into the first four-team U23 tournament in Tokyo, Japan beginning August 12.   The U23 team is bridge between the popular U18 and U19 teams, and the senior national team.  Players have to be under 23 years old, but also have to have just completed their freshmen, sophomore, or junior years. Despite the absence of some marquee names like A'ja Wilson, who is injured, and a quartet of UConn players that attended camp but have a European trip instead, the committee has chosen an impressive array of talent from across the country to represent USA basketball. Coach Walz joins Dishin & Swishin to discuss the purpose of the U23 team, coaching for USA basketball, training camp and having players involved that couldn't play in the tournament, the makeup of the team, and his approach to the tournament. 00:19:00Dishin and SwishinnoWomen's Basketball,FanRag Sports,UConn,USA Basketball,Dishin & SwishinCoach Walz joins Dishin & Swishin to discuss the purpose of the U23 team, coaching for USA basketball, training camp and having players involved that couldn't phttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/07/27/in-her-own-words-courtney-vandersloot-on-the-sky-being-hungarian-and-a-new-arenaBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/07/27/in-her-own-words-courtney-vandersloot-on-the-sky-being-hungarian-and-a-new-arena/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/07/27/in-her-own-words-courtney-vandersloot-on-the-sky-being-hungarian-and-a-new-arenaThu, 27 Jul 2017 14:03:01 GMTIn her own words: Courtney Vandersloot on the Sky, being Hungarian, and a new arena Special thanks to Chris Poss for allowing us to use his amazing photos! The Chicago Sky have had a very strange season. A tumultuous off season featured the replacement of the head coach and general manager, trading of their biggest star, and a draft day debacle that either did or did not feature a trade but ended with an injured post player that has not yet played. The season opened no better, with a 1-5 May followed by a 2-7 June. Starting point guard Courtney Vandersloot and sixth woman of the year Allie Quigley missed the start of the year due to overseas commitments, then after only four games Vandersloot left to go represent Hungary at EuroBasket 2017. The bottom came on June 30th, when previously winless San Antonio knocked off the Sky, 89-82. During that game, Vandersloot took six shots. While she dished nine assists, she was not scoring the way the Sky needed her to. A funny thing happened the next game, one that could have been a disaster for a 3-12 team hosting first place Minnesota, the best team in the league. Vandersloot shot 16 times, hitting 11 of them. She scored 26 points, and dropped a then season-high 13 assists as the Sky upset the Lynx in a 100-76 blowout. That was the first of three wins in a row, and suddenly with two games to go in July, Chicago has won five of their seven games, and the playoffs aren't so far fetched. Granted this is still a team in process. Vandersloot, Quigley and Cappie Pondexter makes for a great three guard rotation, but it forces Tamera Young, who has been having an excellent season, into the crowded front court picture, where she seems to be losing minutes. There are a lot of posts dividing minutes, too ma00:05:00Dishin and Swishinnosky,chicago,courtney,vanderslootSpecial thanks to Chris Poss for allowing us to use his amazing photos! The Chicago Sky have had a very strange season. A tumultuous off season featured thttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/07/17/in-her-own-words-sa-stars-coach-vickie-johnson-on-playing-youth-and-the-plum-jefferson-mcbride-combBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/07/17/in-her-own-words-sa-stars-coach-vickie-johnson-on-playing-youth-and-the-plum-jefferson-mcbride-comb/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/07/17/in-her-own-words-sa-stars-coach-vickie-johnson-on-playing-youth-and-the-plum-jefferson-mcbride-combMon, 17 Jul 2017 13:30:16 GMTIn her own words: SA Stars coach Vickie Johnson on playing youth and the Plum-Jefferson-McBride combHello, it's been a while! It's always nice to provide WNBA fans with additional information and content, so it is time for a new "In her own words" segment here on the website. As a reminder, the "In her own words" interviews are unedited audio from a pre- or post-game interview, in its entirety, without podcast enhancements or modifications. Yesterday, the San Antonio Stars fell to 2-17 on the season, the first under the leadership of general manager Ruth Riley and head coach Vickie Johnson. Some games they are competitive, others not so much. Not in question is that there appears to be good young talent on the roster, including guards Kayla McBride and Moriah Jefferson, this year's first round draft choices Kelsey Plum and Nia Coffey, plus young posts Dearica Hamby, Isabelle Harrison and Kayla Alexander. Two questions we have "heard" on twitter time and again throughout the season though. With the young talent and a team not making the playoffs, why are the veterans like Erika de Souza and Sydney Colson starting (in Erika's case) or getting minutes that could be developing players like Alexander and Plum?  Is it time, or will there be a time, when youth shall be served and they get the minutes?Plum was drafted number one overall, and all both Plum and Jefferson have played point and off the ball during their college careers. They rarely play together. Making it more intriguing is the fact that Johnson plays Colson-Plum-McBride and Colson-Jefferson-McBride but seems unwilling to play Jefferson-Plum-McBride as a combination. Obviously McBride's ankly injury yesterday defers the option to play the combo, but why the reluctance, and will we see it? I was able to ask both of these questions to Johnson post-game yesterday. The responses are interesting, and show a coach determined to continue to try to win games, not just develop players, but also a coach trying to teach her younger player00:03:00Dishin and Swishinnosan,stars,johnson,jefferson,antonioHello, it's been a while! It's always nice to provide WNBA fans with additional information and content, so it is time for a new "In her own words" segment herhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/05/24/dishin-swishin-052417-vickie-johnson-anxiously-waits-for-her-expected-lineup-as-wnba-season-advBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/05/24/dishin-swishin-052417-vickie-johnson-anxiously-waits-for-her-expected-lineup-as-wnba-season-adv/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/05/24/dishin-swishin-052417-vickie-johnson-anxiously-waits-for-her-expected-lineup-as-wnba-season-advWed, 24 May 2017 21:40:56 GMTDishin & Swishin 05/24/17: Vickie Johnson anxiously waits for her expected lineup as WNBA season advWhen I first started watching women’s basketball, many years ago at this point, one of the teams that captured my imagination and made the game so exciting was the New York Liberty, especially in the early years of the WNBA. Those teams were loaded with talent; Teresa Weatherspoon, Crystal Robinson, Sue Wicks, Rebecca Lobo, Kym Hampton, and of course Vickie Johnson. Johnson was always one of my favorites, as she always seemed to make the big plays and be in the right spots at the right times. She wasn’t a superstar but that’s what made her all the more fun to cheer for. Fast-forward a decade or so, and after the end of her career as a player and years as an assistant coach VJ as she will always be known to her fans is the head coach of the San Antonio Stars, where she is mentoring one of the youngest teams in the WNBA but also one with some extremely interesting players. In this, her first year, Johnson still has not been able to coach the starting lineup she anticipated having when selecting her roster. Kayla McBride just returned from playing in Europe, and in fact arrived on Friday, took her physical on Friday, and played Friday night in her first game. Second-year guard Moriah Jefferson still has not played after arriving with knee soreness and getting the flu. Finally, number one draft choice Kelsey Plum played in the first exhibition game before spraining her ankle and missing the first three games of the season too. Despite dropping those first three games, there has been bright spots for the Stars, and Johnson’s trademark defense, hustle, and intensity on both ends of the court. Veteran Monique Currie has been nothing short of sensational, leading the team and playing out of position wherever Johnson plays her. Young center Isabelle Harrison has been impressive at times and will continue to improve, while forward Dearica Hamby continues to impress with growth and improvement after recently having a baby. The team’00:15:00Dishin and Swishinnojohnson,mcbride,kelsey,plum,moriahWhen I first started watching women’s basketball, many years ago at this point, one of the teams that captured my imagination and made the game so exciting washttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/05/12/dishin-swishin-051217-podcast-can-brian-aglers-la-sparks-be-the-first-wnba-champion-to-repeatBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/05/12/dishin-swishin-051217-podcast-can-brian-aglers-la-sparks-be-the-first-wnba-champion-to-repeat/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/05/12/dishin-swishin-051217-podcast-can-brian-aglers-la-sparks-be-the-first-wnba-champion-to-repeatFri, 12 May 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin 05/12/17 Podcast: Can Brian Agler's LA Sparks be the first WNBA champion to repeat The last time a WNBA champion repeated the next year was back in 2001 and 2002. That team was the Los Angeles Sparks. So, who is to say the streak of non-repeaters will not end in 2017 with the same franchise? Last year’s WNBA finals were women’s basketball at its best, and its worst. Amazing talent graced the floor for both teams, but refereeing mistakes had a huge impact on outcomes. One thing that cannot be denied though is that the Sparks are worthy champions. Loaded with transcendent players like Most Valuable Player winners Nneka Ogwumike and Candace Parker, one of the best three point shooters in the game in Kristi Toliver, and two of the best defenders in the league in Alana Beard and Essence Carson, this team was rock solid. Just as important, they had a championship coach in Brian Agler, and they bought into his system. Turn the clock forward, and while some things remain the same, some things are very different. Toliver has taken her talents to Washington, replaced on the Sparks roster by Odyssey Sims, the enigmatic but extremely talented guard acquired from Dallas. Riquna Williams signed as a free agent last year but injured all season, returns healthy and will also help fill the role of scoring guard to space the floor. Chelsea Gray showed flashes of brilliance in the playoffs, and will undoubtedly step into a much bigger role this year as well, as she continues to mature as a point guard. With the exception of Gray and sixth woman Jantel Lavender, the rest of the bench is gone from last season. From that perspective, not having Parker, Ogwumike, Carson and Lavender for most of training camp allowed Agler to look at possible replacements, including first round draft choice Sydney Wiese, and to give extra time to getting Sims time in his system. The Sparks will raise their championship banner without Parker, Carson, and Lavender this weekend, but expect them all to be back for their ring ceremony next week. 00:32:00Dishin and Swishinnobrian,los,angeles,parker,sparksThe last time a WNBA champion repeated the next year was back in 2001 and 2002. That team was the Los Angeles Sparks. So, who is to say the streak of non-repeathttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/05/01/dishin-swishin-050117-podcast-can-amber-stocks-take-the-sky-to-the-next-levelBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/05/01/dishin-swishin-050117-podcast-can-amber-stocks-take-the-sky-to-the-next-level/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/05/01/dishin-swishin-050117-podcast-can-amber-stocks-take-the-sky-to-the-next-levelMon, 01 May 2017 16:08:59 GMTDishin & Swishin 05/01/17 Podcast: Can Amber Stocks take the Sky to the next level?The fans of the Chicago Sky want one thing to happen already, get the season started and move on from off the court dramatics. First, coach Pokey Chatman gets fired after leading a short-handed team into the playoffs. Amber Stocks is named as coach and general manager to replace her. Then star Elena Delle Donne, long rumored to want out of Chicago, confirms that is the case, and forces a trade to Washington for some good pieces, including the number two draft choice. On draft night, the Sky, it is rumored, had a deal in place to send number two pick Alaina Coates in a package to San Antonio for the rights to number one overall Kelsey Plum. Then San Antonio got cold feet, or whatever else you want to believe or read, and no deal was made, leaving Chicago with a whole lot of centers. Not exactly how you want your first professional coaching or general manager job to begin, is it? Stocks is the dynamo that takes over the difficult task of righting the ship, setting this roster of many centers and guards, and satisfying a fan base that likes the taste of the playoffs they have gotten, but feels jilted by their super star Delle Donne. It is a pleasure to welcome Stocks to Dishin & Swishin for the first time, to discuss her new charge, the Chicago Sky. Stocks comes to Chicago after coaching the posts in WNBA champion Los Angeles (names Parker and Ogwumike ring a bell to anyone?). She has been a college coach and television analyst among other stops along the way, and brings an excitement and energy that is contagious. The post situation is intriguing. Imani Boyette, last year's number one pick, is a rim protector and a mobile center at 6'7 with good hands. Stefanie Dolson joins the Sky from the Delle Donne trade, and the former All-Star is one of the more skilled passers from that position. Add in Coates when (if?) she is healthy this year, and they are as deep as any team in the league there. Chicago will have mo00:19:00Dishin and Swishinnoamber,sky,chicago,stocks,courtneyThe fans of the Chicago Sky want one thing to happen already, get the season started and move on from off the court dramatics. First, coach Pokey Chatman getshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/27/dishin-swishin-042717-podcast-gm-coach-curt-miller-looking-for-growth-in-the-connecticut-sunBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/27/dishin-swishin-042717-podcast-gm-coach-curt-miller-looking-for-growth-in-the-connecticut-sun/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/27/dishin-swishin-042717-podcast-gm-coach-curt-miller-looking-for-growth-in-the-connecticut-sunThu, 27 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin 04/27/17 Podcast: GM & Coach Curt Miller looking for growth in the Connecticut SunTraining camp for the Connecticut Sun opened this week with two of last year’s first round draft choices recovering from knee surgeries, a procedurally suspended star not around due to an Achilles injury, a former all-star in camp trying to come back from multiple surgeries, and a starting point guard with her foot in a boot. Just a normal day in Uncasville, for Curt Miller right? In spite of all of the above, year two of the Miller coaching era, a/k/a year one of the Miller General Manager era began with optimism. The coaching staff and several important pieces of the roster return to the Sun, and the team, especially the backcourt, has hit the ground running. There is less time being spent on terminology, explanation, and justification, and more time spent on execution, timing, and working with each other. Part of the optimism is the offseason signings of Chiney Ogwumike, Jasmine Thomas, and Alex Bentley to new contracts. For many reasons, the Sun has been a bit of a transient franchise; a place where players have played but wanted to move on to other teams. The commitment of three core players, plus having second year players Jonquel Jones, Morgan Tuck, Rachel Banham, and Courtney Williams still under their initial deals gives the team a real basis to grow on. Only Alyssa Thomas from the starting lineup will need to be signed after the season, and there is no reason to think that would be a problem. Jones will be important this season, as Miller is counting on her to continue to grow from a very good rookie year. She had an outstanding winter in Korea, winning the league title and Most Valuable Player awards, and will be one of those counted on to fill the gap caused by Ogwumike’s absence. Lynetta Kizer, acquired from Indiana, will likewise fill in some of the gaps up front, and her physicality will be a plus with Jones being a slighter and taller player. It is a pleasure to welcome Coach Miller back to Dishin &00:21:00Dishin and Swishinnomiller,alex,curt,sun,jonesTraining camp for the Connecticut Sun opened this week with two of last year’s first round draft choices recovering from knee surgeries, a procedurally suspendehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/21/dns-in-their-own-words-kelsey-plum-arrives-to-conquer-san-antonioBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/21/dns-in-their-own-words-kelsey-plum-arrives-to-conquer-san-antonio/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/21/dns-in-their-own-words-kelsey-plum-arrives-to-conquer-san-antonioFri, 21 Apr 2017 23:26:06 GMTDNS In Their Own Words: Kelsey Plum arrives to conquer San AntonioIn their own words podcasts are just that, the words of the guest as spoken and unedited. You can hear the voice inflection, the background conversation and anything else to help frame the context of the interview. To quote the Grateful Dead, what a long strange trip it's been! And it's only been just over a week since the WNBA draft started the ball rolling. Since that time, Kelsey Plum, winner of every major award in Division I women's college basketball was selected number one overall by the San Antonio Stars, the subject of trade rumors that didn't come to happen on draft night (or after that), was rumored to be unhappy and possibly not going to San Antonio (not true), and had her agent blast the franchise for what she thought was a possible mistake in not trading Plum to a team that seemed to want her more. Today Plum arrived in San Antonio. She signed her contract. She went on a full scale promotional media blitz, including local television and meeting the beat writers covering the Stars. She handled it all like a seasoned veteran, flashing the smile that Stars' fans are going to love, talking about how much she enjoyed playing with Moriah Jefferson on USA basketball, and praising her meeting with head coach Vickie Johnson (who it was rumored did not want to draft her. To read more about Plum's meeting with the local media, Shattered Backboard's Alley Steadham has you covered here. At the end of the day, Plum still had the energy and enthusiasm to climb on the phone with Dishin & Swishin host David Siegel for the first "in their own words" segment of the 2017 WNBA basketball season. Plum talked about the whirlwind experience of becoming a pro, meeting the people of San Antonio and cracking festival eggs on their heads (video available online, playing defense for one of the great defensi00:09:00Dishin and Swishinnomike,san,stars,jefferson,antonioIn their own words podcasts are just that, the words of the guest as spoken and unedited. You can hear the voice inflection, the background conversation and anyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/20/dishin-swishin-042017-podcast-tamika-less-indiana-re-tools-under-new-coach-pokey-chatmanBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/20/dishin-swishin-042017-podcast-tamika-less-indiana-re-tools-under-new-coach-pokey-chatman/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/20/dishin-swishin-042017-podcast-tamika-less-indiana-re-tools-under-new-coach-pokey-chatmanThu, 20 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin 04/20/17 Podcast: Tamika-less Indiana re-tools under new coach Pokey ChatmanTamika Catchings casts a shadow far bigger than her frame; one could say it's large enough to cover the entire Indiana Fever organization. For the first time in 15 years the Fever enter training camp without their legendary superstar Catchings. While she is still a part of the organization, not having her leadership and stability on the court changes the whole dynamic of the Fever team. Add to that a new coach in Pokey Chatman, the first time in ten years either Lin Dunn or her hand picked successor Stephanie White has not led the team, and camp should be very interesting for Indiana this season. It is a pleasure to welcome coach Chatman back to the Dishin & Swishin podcast. After playoff years in Chicago, the Sky organization felt a need to shake things up and replaced Chatman as head coach. She was not unemployed for long, as Indiana swooped in and hired her to lead the Fever almost immediately. Replacing Catchings will be more of a challenge. She not only was the go-to scorer, she was one of the best defenders and most respected leaders in the entire WNBA. Briann January and Erlana Larkins will certainly be the heir apparent on the defensive end, and will be called up on to be more vocal leaders than in years past. January, who was named an assistant coach at Arizona State this week, as point guard is the most obvious person. Offensively, the talent is there to fill Catchings' Nikes. Marissa Coleman, Shenise Johnson, and newly acquired Candice Dupree are just a few of the skilled offensive players in camp. Defensively, as Chatman says on the podcast, it will be about keeping people out of the paint, either physically like Larkins and Devereaux Peters, or challenging and altering shots like Natalie Achonwa and rookie Erica McCall can do. This is the first time Chatman is in camp as a head coach only, with Kelly Krauskopf the longtime Fever President and General Manager, and Chatman likes the dynamic00:20:00Dishin and Swishinnofever,indiana,chatman,pokey,tamikaTamika Catchings casts a shadow far bigger than her frame; one could say it's large enough to cover the entire Indiana Fever organization. For the first time ihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/12/dishin-swishin-wnba-draft-podcast-dawn-staley-on-alaina-coates-allisha-gray-kaela-davisBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/12/dishin-swishin-wnba-draft-podcast-dawn-staley-on-alaina-coates-allisha-gray-kaela-davis/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/12/dishin-swishin-wnba-draft-podcast-dawn-staley-on-alaina-coates-allisha-gray-kaela-davisWed, 12 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin WNBA Draft Podcast: Dawn Staley on Alaina Coates, Allisha Gray & Kaela DavisStop me if you've heard this before...a team wins a national championship, and has three of their top players go into the WNBA draft immediately afterwards. Yes, the 2017 WNBA draft is nearly a repeat of 2016. when UConn won the national championship and followed that with Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, and Morgan Tuck going one, two, three in the draft. It appears Kelsey Plum is going to prevent that top slot from going to a South Carolina player this year, but it is a legit possibility that the next three players drafted could be from Dawn Staley's national championship Gamecock squad. It is a pleasure to welcome national championship coach Dawn Staley back to Dishin & Swishin to briefly discuss her team's championship, but really more to the point, to discuss her top WNBA prospects. Each may be the best in the draft at their respective positions; Alaina Coates is a pure post, Allisha Gray a versatile wing with inside/outside game, and Kaela Davis is more of an outside threat from the wing position. Whoever drafts Coates is going to have to be a little patient, as ankle surgery will delay her start date for her pro team. When she is ready though, she, as Rebecca Lobo said in a recent teleconference, is pro game ready. "She already has a pro size, she has a pro body," Lobo said. "She has a pro skill set in terms of what she can do when she gets the ball on the block. She also has a nice soft touch out to 10 feet or so." Gray's entry was a bit of a surprise; in fact in the podcast, Staley admits she did not expect Gray to leave. LaChina Robinson in that teleconference explained why she could be a great choice for a team like Chicago (second pick) because of her versatility. "Allisha Gray's versatility, her ability to rebound the ball, she can shoot the three, she can handle," according to Robinson. "She's a good decision maker. I was really impressed with the way she played, especially in th00:21:00Dishin and Swishinnodavis,gray,south,dawn,carolinaStop me if you've heard this before...a team wins a national championship, and has three of their top players go into the WNBA draft immediately afterwards. Yehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/11/dishin-swishin-wnba-draft-podcast-brenda-frese-on-shatori-walker-kimbrough-brionna-jonesBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/11/dishin-swishin-wnba-draft-podcast-brenda-frese-on-shatori-walker-kimbrough-brionna-jones/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/11/dishin-swishin-wnba-draft-podcast-brenda-frese-on-shatori-walker-kimbrough-brionna-jonesTue, 11 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin WNBA Draft Podcast: Brenda Frese on Shatori Walker-Kimbrough & Brionna JonesEven with the rise in transfers lately, one of the great things about women's college basketball is that the overwhelming majority of players stay four years, completing their eligibility in one place. When those things happen, the fans benefit, as we get the privilege of watching teammates learn and grow their games together. We get to see them shine off the court as they mature and grow up to be leaders in the community. A perfect example is this year's University of Maryland team, a team that went 32-3 this season before falling to upstart Oregon in the NCAA tournament. They were led by two tremendous seniors, both of which have been invited to attend the WNBA draft, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and Brionna Jones. It is a pleasure to welcome Maryland coach Brenda Frese back to Dishin & Swishin to to discuss her two seniors. Much like yesterday's podcast subjects Kelsey Plum and Chantel Osahor, Walker-Kimbrough and Jones were 1-2 in scoring at Maryland (18.8 and 19.9 points per game, respectively). However, it is the other aspects of both of their games that is interesting, not just their scoring ability. During a recent teleconference on the draft, ESPN analyst discussed Jones' potential in the WNBA: "Brionna obviously had an incredible college career, and I think she's an interesting one because ostensibly I think her game definitely translates. Her efficiency, her ability to rebound, her uncanny ability to score over double teams and over bigger defenders. I think if there's any question with Brionna, it would be defensively. There's so much pick-and-roll action in the WNBA; how will she handle that? That being said, I think she will be taken in the first round, and I think she has a chance to be a very good, solid pro. I really like her. I love how she's changed her body over the course of her college career, clearly a really hard worker, and if she gets in the right system, I think she can be very good." 00:10:00Dishin and Swishinnojones,maryland,draft,wnba,brionnaEven with the rise in transfers lately, one of the great things about women's college basketball is that the overwhelming majority of players stay four years, chttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/10/dishin-swishin-wnba-draft-podcast-mike-neighbors-on-kelsey-plum-chantel-osahorBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/10/dishin-swishin-wnba-draft-podcast-mike-neighbors-on-kelsey-plum-chantel-osahor/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/10/dishin-swishin-wnba-draft-podcast-mike-neighbors-on-kelsey-plum-chantel-osahorMon, 10 Apr 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin WNBA Draft Podcast: Mike Neighbors on Kelsey Plum & Chantel OsahorFor the next few days, in anticipation of the WNBA draft, being held on Thursday April 13th, Dishin & Swishin will present podcast to help familiarize you with some of the potentially top picks in the draft. Today, we start with most likely the number one pick overall, and one of the more interesting prospects to come around in years, the University of Washington's dynamic duo of Kelsey Plum and Chantel Osahor. We are happy to discuss them with their former coach at Washington, Mike Neighbors, the new head coach at Arkansas. Plum is surely at the top of the list of the San Antonio Stars, owners of the number one pick. How could she not be? After breaking records throughout the Pac-12 and nationally, Plum won the Naismith and Wooden Awards as top player in the country, Lieberman award as best point guard, and Staley award given to the top guard in the country, among other honors. What should make her the number one overall pick, however, according to one former coach and GM we talked to, is the leadership she brings to the court. According to that coach and GM, talented players are coachable, and there are several worthy of the number pick based on their game, but when you take the number one overall pick, you want more. You want that person that will come in, and accept the responsibilities on and off the court that go with that position. Plum is that person. Her teammate Osahor makes for a much more interesting situation come draft day. Osahor's statistics scream first round pick: 15.8 points per game, 15.3 rebounds per game, 4.1 assists per game. She is extremely intelligent, and has tremendous hands. Her size and speed, as well as concerns about injuries could scare off WNBA teams. She did average over 33 minutes per game this season, and played in 33 of 34 games, so her stamina and ability to stay healthy should be less of a concern. As coach Neighbors discusses on the podcast, Washington kept a schedule00:17:00Dishin and Swishinnosan,stars,washington,antonio,kelseyFor the next few days, in anticipation of the WNBA draft, being held on Thursday April 13th, Dishin & Swishin will present podcast to help familiarize you withhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/03/dishin-swishin-040317-podcast-putting-a-wrap-on-the-college-season-with-doris-burkeBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/03/dishin-swishin-040317-podcast-putting-a-wrap-on-the-college-season-with-doris-burke/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/04/03/dishin-swishin-040317-podcast-putting-a-wrap-on-the-college-season-with-doris-burkeMon, 03 Apr 2017 20:34:49 GMTDishin & Swishin 04/03/17 Podcast: Putting a wrap on the college season with Doris BurkeFrom the ESPNMediazone: Doris Burke, a versatile basketball commentator who calls both men’s and women’s college and pro contests, has covered basketball for ESPN since March 1991. She works a variety of ESPN assignments, including the NBA, women’s basketball regular-season and NCAA Championship, men’s basketball regular-season and Championship Week, in addition to other ESPN properties. As of today, you can eliminate covering women's basketball from that exhausting resume, as Burke announced yesterday's NCAA national championship game between South Carolina and Mississippi State will be her last, and she will be focusing on her other duties on the men's side. As the saying goes, she went out with a bang. This was one of the most watched women's basketball tournament final fours, with storylines, controversies, and a feel good ending, like all good drama has. I will not bore you with a recap of the weekend's theatrics and final four games; if you are reading this you have already read plenty! It is a pleasure to welcome Doris Burke to Dishin & Swishin for the first time, to help put the bow on the neatly wrapped package of the NCAA women's basketball season. Topics covered on the podcast include: The importance of Dawn Staley and South Carolina winning the championship in a historical sense, and as the heir to the UConn-Tennessee rivalryWhere to both South Carolina and Mississippi State go from here? Sustainability, and recruiting is keyVic Schaefer's decisions, especially the sitting of Morgan William in the championship game (spoiler: interesting take on her own coverage by Burke)A'ja Wilson and Alisha Gray both at this and the next levelHeir apparent to her spot, and the growth of coverage of women's basketball over the years until now For too long, I was intimidated by00:37:00Dishin and Swishinnomississippi,state,south,dawn,carolinaFrom the ESPNMediazone: Doris Burke, a versatile basketball commentator who calls both men’s and women’s college and pro contests, has covered basketball for Ehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/31/dishin-swishin-033117-podcast-a-part-of-history-breanna-stewart-talks-uconn-and-the-final-fourBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/31/dishin-swishin-033117-podcast-a-part-of-history-breanna-stewart-talks-uconn-and-the-final-four/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/31/dishin-swishin-033117-podcast-a-part-of-history-breanna-stewart-talks-uconn-and-the-final-fourFri, 31 Mar 2017 18:13:24 GMTDishin & Swishin 03/31/17 Podcast: A part of history, Breanna Stewart talks UConn and the FInal FourRebecca Lobo, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore. Probably the three biggest legends in the annals of UConn women's basketball, along with coach Geno Auriemma. Breanna Stewart is right there with them; having accomplished her incoming freshman goal of winning four national championships. She followed that last summer with a tremendous rookie year in the WNBA, winning rookie of the year honors and helping the Seattle Storm return to the playoffs. An offseason in China further developed her game, but injury eliminated her from playing in the playoffs and brought her back to the United States early. With that return, Stewart has had the longest break from basketball she has had since, well, ever. Now she is healthy, relaxed, and in Dallas cheering on her former teammates with a bunch of other alumni. At the airport she took time to talk for this combined Dishin & Swishin podcast/StormCast.  Topics include: Health and preparation for the upcoming seasonThoughts on WNBA transactions and the addition of Carolyn Swords to SeattlePlaying overseas and how that has helped her gameWhat it is like watching UConn this year, staying in touch with the team, and being a spectator instead of a player at the Final FourWhat the Final Four is like for the players, and the compressed schedule this year caused by the Friday/Sunday gamesThoughts on UConn and their seasonWhat the WNBA draft is like as a player being draftedAll-star weekend coming to Seattle We hope you have enjoyed our podcasts for Final Four week with Kelly Graves and Doug Bruno, and this one as well! Let's ho00:17:00Dishin and Swishinnostewart,uconn,breannaRebecca Lobo, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore. Probably the three biggest legends in the annals of UConn women's basketball, along with coach Geno Auriemma. Breannahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/31/dishin-swishin-033017-podcast-doug-bruno-returns-to-talk-final-four-and-moreBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/31/dishin-swishin-033017-podcast-doug-bruno-returns-to-talk-final-four-and-more/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/31/dishin-swishin-033017-podcast-doug-bruno-returns-to-talk-final-four-and-moreFri, 31 Mar 2017 18:09:48 GMTDishin & Swishin 03/30/17 Podcast: Doug Bruno returns to talk Final Four and moreIt has become an annual event, one of the most listened to Dishin & Swishin podcasts each year. For the fifth consecutive, DePaul University head coach and former USA Basketball assistant coach Doug Bruno joins Dishin & Swishin to talk about all that's going on around the Final Four, and then to break down the games. It is certainly a nice change from last year, when the Final Four was dominated by stories about if UConn dominance is good for the game and the idea of lowering the rims. This year's tournament still has its flaws, but at least they tend to be about the tournament and games themselves. These include the committee's seedings and placements, the wrap around coverage (or in some cases, lack thereof) on ESPN, the failure to include the women's tournament on the NCAA March Madness app, and the poor attendance at most of the regional sites. Most of the conversation though seems to be geared toward the performance of teams like Oregon and players like Mississippi State's Morgan William. Which is a drastic improvement. Coach Bruno's Blue Demons played UConn and Mississippi State this year, being eliminated by the Bulldogs in the second round. With his role as a leader in the WBCA, participation in USA Basketball, and years of experience, he is a leader in the women's basketball world, and every time he appears on Dishin & Swishin, we come away with new knowledge and information (no he does not reveal the WBCA All-American team). Set aside some time, because this podcast is truly worth listening to! Topics covered include: DePaul's season in review, and the injury bug continually biting his teamsThe job the selection committee did this year and the difficulty involved with seedings and placementsBruno's idea for game sites and moving the regionals' sites, where and why it would work (hello, Debbie Antonelli)!The moving of the tournament schedule this 01:08:00Dishin and Swishinnodoug,bruno,mississippi,state,southIt has become an annual event, one of the most listened to Dishin & Swishin podcasts each year. For the fifth consecutive, DePaul University head coach and forhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/29/dishin-swishin-032917-podcast-oregons-kelly-graves-breaks-down-the-final-fourBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/29/dishin-swishin-032917-podcast-oregons-kelly-graves-breaks-down-the-final-four/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/29/dishin-swishin-032917-podcast-oregons-kelly-graves-breaks-down-the-final-fourWed, 29 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin 03/29/17 Podcast: Oregon's Kelly Graves breaks down the Final FourAnd then there were four! As UConn, South Carolina, Stanford, and Mississippi State gather in Dallas, we are nearing the end of the road for the 2016-17 women's college basketball season. This week on Dishin & Swishin we will have multiple podcasts breaking down and discussing the Final Four, and we hope you enjoy listening to all of them! First up, who better than the coach that saw three of the four teams first hand? It is a pleasure to welcome back Oregon's Kelly Graves, fresh off his Ducks' incredible postseason success. Graves was nice enough to talk to us on his way to some well earned family vacation time. Oregon faced Mississippi State first, in Hawaii at a Thanksgiving tournament. Vic Schaefer's Bulldogs looked different than they do now. In that game, center Teaira McCowan only played 15 minutes off the bench, and sharp shooting Blair Schaefer only nine minutes. Both are integral parts of the rotation now. Still, the stifling defense was the same, as they held Oregon to 63 points in a 75-63 victory. UConn eliminated Oregon in the Elite Eight this past Monday night, and Graves saw first hand what makes the Huskies such a formidable opponent. On the podcast he discusses what impressed him the most, and what seeing UConn in person versus watching film is really like. Stanford had the Ducks' number this year; they played three times, and Stanford swept the series, including eliminating Oregon in the Pac 12 tournament. Having played them three times, Graves is able to discuss what makes the Cardinal so difficult to play against, the different roles each player takes, and of course, the magnificent coaching of Tara VanDerveer. Oregon did not play South Carolina this year, but Graves knows first hand about losing a quality player to injury late in the season and having to adjust. He talks about the differences in the way South Carolina plays, and what they will need to do to beat Stanford and advance to the nati00:23:00Dishin and Swishinnomississippi,state,south,stanford,carolinaAnd then there were four! As UConn, South Carolina, Stanford, and Mississippi State gather in Dallas, we are nearing the end of the road for the 2016-17 women'http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/23/dishin-swishin-032317-podcast-a-new-roundtable-breaks-down-the-regionalsBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/23/dishin-swishin-032317-podcast-a-new-roundtable-breaks-down-the-regionals/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/23/dishin-swishin-032317-podcast-a-new-roundtable-breaks-down-the-regionalsThu, 23 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin 03/23/17 Podcast: A new Roundtable breaks down the RegionalsWhat a great first week of NCAA tournament games! Near upsets, close games, sensational performances; the first and second round had something for everyone! However, while last year the tournament had party crashers, with lower seeds going all the way to the final four, this year chalk is the word.  In fact, only fifth-seeded Ohio State in Lexington, tenth-seeded Oregon in Bridgeport, and twelfth-seeded Quinnipiac in Stockton are not one of the top four seeds in their region. The NCAA women's basketball championship resumes this Friday and Saturday at four sites for the Sweet Sixteen. Games to be played on Friday are in Lexington (KY) and Oklahoma City (OK), while games on Saturday are in Bridgeport (CT) and Stockton (CA). Last week we gave you a Writer’s Roundtable to break down the sub-regionals.  We love to bring you the differing opinions and stories a roundtable presents, so this week we are going a little different; we have a Coaches Roundtable discussion to help you know what to look for and who to watch (well, two of our guests work in broadcasting too) in the Regionals. This year's NCAA Regionals preview roundtable consists of: Dan Hughes, former WNBA coach and ESPN analystKatie Smith, associate head coach of the New York Liberty, and ESPN analystShimmy Gray-Miller, longtime assistant and head coach with both Power Five and mid-major schools It is the first roundtable for all three of our guests, although they have all been on Dishin & Swishin podcasts previously. Together the panel explores topics including: Continuing to discuss the head-scratching moves of the selection committee in terms of seeds and locationsWho can pull off an upset and move on?Injuries, injuries, injuries and their impactCan UConn be knocked off in their region?A look at each regional, the00:54:00Dishin and Swishinnoohio,state,south,stanford,carolinaWhat a great first week of NCAA tournament games! Near upsets, close games, sensational performances; the first and second round had something for everyone! Hhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/15/dishin-swishin-031517-podcast-the-roundtable-previews-the-ncaa-tournamentBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/15/dishin-swishin-031517-podcast-the-roundtable-previews-the-ncaa-tournament/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/15/dishin-swishin-031517-podcast-the-roundtable-previews-the-ncaa-tournamentWed, 15 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin 03/15/17 Podcast: The Roundtable previews the NCAA tournamentIt's FINALLY tournament time! The NCAA women's basketball championships kick off this Friday and Saturday at sixteen sites throughout the country. Highest seed hosts the four teams (two games) in the bracket, with the exception of Stanford, who goes to Kansas, because Pac 12 gymnastics got to their arena first. Each year we break down the tournament, the stories, the players, and give you a roundtable discussion to help you know what to look for and who to watch. This year's NCAA preview roundtable consists of: Mechelle Voepel, ESPNwDoug Feinberg, APGabriella Levine, Freelance women's basketball writer It is always great to have Voepel and Feinberg, roundtable regulars who are two of the very best in the business, and it is a pleasure to have Levine, who has become a podcast regular on the Locked on WBB podcast, for the first time. Together the panel explores topics including: The NCAA committee's questionable decisions, including South Carolina out west (again) and Maryland as three seed in BridgeportRegion by region discussions to help you fill out your bracketsTough matchups, who can pull off the big early upset?Those 5-12 games are often upsets on the men's side but could the women's five seeds be ripe to be picked off?The respect (or lack thereof) for the Big TenHow does the loss of Alaina Coates impact South CarolinaWhich top five seeds are ready for the next step and to make it to the final fourPlayers to watch for that you may not be thinking of in each regionWe know about the importance of veteran guards, but we have freshmen point guards in position to make a huge difference this year Thank you again for the roundtable for making time to participate in the podcast! I know you are going to enjoy it! Good luck to everyone dancing this weekend, let's have01:10:00Dishin and Swishinnodoug,levine,gabriella,feinberg,mechelleIt's FINALLY tournament time! The NCAA women's basketball championships kick off this Friday and Saturday at sixteen sites throughout the country. Highest seehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/09/dishin-swishin-030917-podcast-charlie-creme-explains-the-bracketsBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/09/dishin-swishin-030917-podcast-charlie-creme-explains-the-brackets/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/03/09/dishin-swishin-030917-podcast-charlie-creme-explains-the-bracketsThu, 09 Mar 2017 17:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin 03/09/17 Podcast: Charlie Creme explains the bracketsMarch madness has arrived! Conference tournaments are either recently completed or in full swing. Selection Monday is around the corner. That also means it is time for the fifth annual Dishin & Swishin bracketology podcast, with ESPN’s women’s basketball bracket expert Charlie Creme. This year, with his social media presence on full blast and ESPN’s family of television and Internet broadcasts covering so many games, Creme is easy to find. What is hard to find, however, is more than a two minute halftime blurb or a  tweet! Well, each year Dishin & Swishin brings Charlie Creme on to expound on his brackets, the processes he undertakes, what goes into trying to predict the NCAA tournament each year, and more. It is always enjoyable and educational, with some great information disseminated and points of interest debated. On today’s podcast some of the topics covered include: S-Curve vs. Geography, which trumps the otherStockton regional, and the west coast “problem” when there is no west coast one seedLower seed teams hosting regional games against higher seedsSplitting conference and previous opponents played, and the problem with Marquette hosting StanfordOur new and improved plan for handling first and second round tickets earlier than currently handled If figuring out how the NCAA selection committee does their job is your bag, then this podcast is for you.  Enjoy, and hopefully all your favorite teams get bids and seeds you like! 00:35:00Dishin and Swishinnocharlie,cremeMarch madness has arrived! Conference tournaments are either recently completed or in full swing. Selection Monday is around the corner. That also means it ishttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/27/dishin-swishin-022717-podcast-you-cant-overlook-kevin-mcguff-ohio-state-any-longerBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/27/dishin-swishin-022717-podcast-you-cant-overlook-kevin-mcguff-ohio-state-any-longer/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/27/dishin-swishin-022717-podcast-you-cant-overlook-kevin-mcguff-ohio-state-any-longerMon, 27 Feb 2017 15:38:27 GMTDishin & Swishin 02/27/17 Podcast: You can't overlook Kevin McGuff & Ohio State any longer!In women’s college basketball, is there a more overlooked team heading into post-season tournament play than the Ohio State Buckeyes? If the season is meant to build momentum heading into March and April, then Kevin McGuff’s team is doing something right.  They sit at 25-5 overall, their only losses coming at the hands of top ten teams UConn, South Carolina, and Baylor, top twenty-five Miami, and rival Michigan State. They enter the Big 10 tournament winners of eleven in a row, including Maryland, who they shared the regular season conference title with. That Maryland game may have opened some eyes. The Buckeyes came out strong, asserted control, and held off a surging Terrapins team to win 98-87 over the number two ranked team in the country.                              Even then though, due to Maryland’s schedule and the weak Big 10 season, more people said Maryland is not that good, not that Ohio State was a top team. Frequently, Kelsey Mitchell, the Ohio State leader and All-American candidate is referred to as a shoot-first player, not a passer, or a volume shooter. In fact, Mitchell’s scoring numbers are down this year as she distributes more, her assists per game are up, and her turnovers are way down. Ohio State is a team with transfers and freshmen getting significant playing time, and instead of recognizing the amount of time it takes to blend these individual games into a cohesive unit, again heard frequently were comments that McGuff could recruit, but was not a great coach. His teams have made the postseason all but one year, his first at Ohio State.  At Ohio State, his teams improved from not making the tournament, to the second round in the NCAA tourney, to last season’s Sweet Sixteen performance. This team has potential to go deeper than that. Besides Mitchell, senior Shayla Cooper has become an outstanding second option, and has played herself into a possible WNBA first round draft choice. Sierra Calhoun00:20:00Dishin and SwishinnoIn women’s college basketball, is there a more overlooked team heading into post-season tournament play than the Ohio State Buckeyes? If the season is meant tohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/23/dishin-swishin-022317-podcast-young-and-impressive-kelly-graves-ducks-take-flight-in-pac-12Basketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/23/dishin-swishin-022317-podcast-young-and-impressive-kelly-graves-ducks-take-flight-in-pac-12/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/23/dishin-swishin-022317-podcast-young-and-impressive-kelly-graves-ducks-take-flight-in-pac-12Thu, 23 Feb 2017 14:45:51 GMTDishin & Swishin 02/23/17 Podcast: Young and impressive, Kelly Graves' Ducks take flight in Pac-12When Kelly Graves took over the helm of the Oregon women’s basketball program, he had a lot of work to do. Sure, Nike is ever present and provides the team with the latest and greatest in apparel and equipment, but previous coach Paul Westhead’s run and gun style left a program with only a modicum of success, and a culture that did not emphasize fundamentals and defense. Three years in to the Graves era, and the Ducks are entering the final weekend of the regular season with an 18-10 overall record (8-8 in conference), tied with Arizona State for fifth in the very strong Pac-12 and in the NCAA tournament per the latest ESPN bracketology. Perhaps most impressive about Oregon’s success is the fact this team is so young. They start three freshmen, a sophomore, and a junior. The combination of post Ruthy Hebard and point guard Sabrina Ionescu may be the best freshman duo in the country. Hebard, from Alaska, leads the team in scoring (14.9 per game), rebounding (8.6 per game), and field goal percentage (64.9 percent). Ionescu is second in scoring (13.9 per game), second in rebounding (7.0 per game), and first in assists (5.7 per game), plus has registered four triple-doubles already this year. As Graves points out in this week’s Dishin & Swishin podcast, consider that Ionescu is playing in a conference absolutely loaded with quality point guards night after night, including Kelsey Plum (Washington), Sydney Wiese (Oregon State), Jordin Canada (UCLA), and Kennedy Leonard (Colorado). It makes her accomplishments all the more impressive. This weekend Oregon hosts Cal on Friday and Stanford on Sunday. Tournament seedings are in play for all of the top six teams in the conference. Stanford is tied with Oregon State for first, one game ahead of Washington. UCLA seems locked in to the four spot, and Arizona State will duel with Oregon for five and six.  No matter what happens this weekend, the “Spectacle in Seattle” as Graves c00:31:00Dishin and Swishinnokelly,oregon,pac,12,gravesWhen Kelly Graves took over the helm of the Oregon women’s basketball program, he had a lot of work to do. Sure, Nike is ever present and provides the team withttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/15/dishin-swishin-021517-podcast-kim-barnes-arico-taking-michigan-to-new-heightsBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/15/dishin-swishin-021517-podcast-kim-barnes-arico-taking-michigan-to-new-heights/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/15/dishin-swishin-021517-podcast-kim-barnes-arico-taking-michigan-to-new-heightsWed, 15 Feb 2017 17:59:17 GMTDishin & Swishin 02/15/17 Podcast: Kim Barnes-Arico taking Michigan to new heightsOn February 18, 2012 St. John’s University traveled to Gampel Pavilion, and knocked off a UConn team that was going for its 100th consecutive home court victory, 57-56 on a Shenneika Smith three-pointer with time running down. This week the eyes of the women’s basketball world were again on Gampel and UConn’s quest for 100, although it was 100 consecutive regardless of location this time. Meanwhile, in Ann Arbor, Kim Barnes-Arico, the coach of that St. John’s team that beat the Huskies, has the University of Michigan women’s basketball program on the rise. They sit with a 20-5 record, 12-0 at home, and only two wins from the Michigan season victory record.  Currently they are ranked number 20 in both polls, third in the Big 10 behind Maryland and Ohio State. That 2012 season was Barnes-Arico’s last at St. John’s, culminating in a Sweet Sixteen appearance, before moving to Ann Arbor. In her fifth season now, the Wolverines have won 20 games in each season, and, after three consecutive WNIT appearances, are projected as a six seed in ESPN’s current bracketology. Her team’s improvement has been gradual; she has really been building this team over the last few years and she has been doing it by getting kids to believe that Michigan is a place that you can be successful.  Barnes-Arico has them wanting to be the "first" to do something; first to hang a banner, first to win the conference, and do things that haven't been done before. Balance is a key to their success, and it has come with pieces that were recruited and emerged one year at a time.  Senior point guard Siera Thompson came first, followed by the junior; leading scorer Katelynn Flaherty and all-hustle, all-everything player Jillian Dunston. Sophomore Hallie Thome is a force in the paint. Freshman Kysre Gondrezick has joined the fray this year, and may be the biggest difference maker in the program’s history. Gondrezick was highly recruited out of high school, with basketbal00:27:00Dishin and Swishinnobig,michigan,10,kim,flahertyOn February 18, 2012 St. John’s University traveled to Gampel Pavilion, and knocked off a UConn team that was going for its 100th consecutive home court victoryhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/08/dishin-swishin-020817-podcast-saniya-chong-is-the-backbone-of-this-years-huskiesBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/08/dishin-swishin-020817-podcast-saniya-chong-is-the-backbone-of-this-years-huskies/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/08/dishin-swishin-020817-podcast-saniya-chong-is-the-backbone-of-this-years-huskiesWed, 08 Feb 2017 21:16:53 GMTDishin & Swishin 02/08/17 Podcast: Saniya Chong is the backbone of this year's HuskiesSaniya Chong has been through, and seen a lot, during her three plus years as a part of the UConn women's basketball program. She’s been a part of three national championship teams, and hit key shots (see Maryland games 2016 and 2015); she’s missed time with injuries (last year’s IT band in particular), and sat for inconsistent play. This year though senior Chong has been the model of consistency, and while the “Core Four” of Katie Lou Samuelson, Kia Nurse, Gabby Williams, and Napheesa Collier gets most of the accolades and award nominations, it is Saniya Chong that is the backbone of the undefeated Huskies, their most consistent player. “Saniya, just looks so comfortable out there,” head coach Geno Auriemma recently said, “like she’s in charge of [her] emotions and game. Everything seems to be exactly where she wants it to be, at both ends of the floor.” On Sunday, the day we conducted this Dishin & Swishin interview, it was to the tune of 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. By the way, the nation’s leader in assists to turnover ratio, Chong had zero turnovers in that game as well, a 96-50 victory. She is poised to become the next player to win four national championships should the Huskies cut down the nets this year, joining her celebrated teammates Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, and Morgan Tuck. Her trials and tribulations as a Husky are not lost on Chong; she talks about it freely, saying “I am a senior, and I can’t get the past years back. I try to work hard, and I try to stay consistent.” Chong’s success has her teammates thrilled; each praises Chong’s teamwork, effort in practice, and stability in leading them. “Saniya has been really good this year, consistently in practice, and in games for us,” according to Husky leading scorer Samuelson, ”we know we can count on her and she has been doing a great job distributing the ball and playing well." We wanted Chong on Dishin & Swishin00:07:00Dishin and Swishinnochong,huskies,geno,uconn,auriemmaSaniya Chong has been through, and seen a lot, during her three plus years as a part of the UConn women's basketball program. She’s been a part of three nationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/02/dishin-swishin-020217-podcast-jose-fernandez-on-usf-competing-with-uconn-imported-players-andBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/02/dishin-swishin-020217-podcast-jose-fernandez-on-usf-competing-with-uconn-imported-players-and/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/02/02/dishin-swishin-020217-podcast-jose-fernandez-on-usf-competing-with-uconn-imported-players-andThu, 02 Feb 2017 20:13:47 GMTDishin & Swishin 02/02/17 Podcast: Jose Fernandez on USF, competing with UConn, imported players andJose Fernandez, the head coach of South Florida's women's basketball teams is one of the nicest people you ever want to talk to. With a smile as wide as a Florida sunset, Fernandez is one of those people that always makes you feel at ease in conversation. That may be why this is a little different Dishin & Swishin podcast than most. South Florida is ranked number 20 in both the AP and Coaches' polls, and 23rd in RPI, with an 18-3 record overall, 7-1 in the American Conference. This comes on the heels of losing three top seniors including Courtney Williams, now on the Connecticut Sun, and counted on contributor Laura Ferreira to injury. It has been the improved play of sophomore Kit Laksa and junior Maria Jespersen that leads the offense with 19 and 15 points per game, respectively. Laia Flores is in the top ten in assist-to-turnover ratio in the country as well, and Ariadna Pujol has been a consistent rebounder and ball handler as well. One thing you notice with all of those names, is they are distinctly not American. Fernandez has over half his roster from foreign countries; two from Denmark and Spain, and one each from Portugal, Hungary, Kenya, and Latvia. One of the questions on the podcast: how does Fernandez recruit and land so many quality foreign-born players? A related topic/question then becomes, in the current climate in this country, with the President trying to enforce limitations and delays on entries into this country, what does Fernandez say to his players?  What are they thinking?  Are they concerned about leaving the country and not getting back in? As I mentioned, not your usual Dishin & Swishin topic. As mentioned above, South Florida is 7-1 in conference play, but that one loss was a 65-point loss (102-37) at the hands of UConn. In the latest version of his bracketology, Charlie Creme has four teams from the American in the tournament (UConn, South Florida, Temple, and Tulane), however UC00:19:00Dishin and Swishinnoconference,williams,american,south,joseJose Fernandez, the head coach of South Florida's women's basketball teams is one of the nicest people you ever want to talk to. With a smile as wide as a Florhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/01/24/dns-podcast-kentuckys-lin-dunn-on-the-sec-wnba-hidden-figures-the-womens-worldwide-marchBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/01/24/dns-podcast-kentuckys-lin-dunn-on-the-sec-wnba-hidden-figures-the-womens-worldwide-march/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/01/24/dns-podcast-kentuckys-lin-dunn-on-the-sec-wnba-hidden-figures-the-womens-worldwide-marchTue, 24 Jan 2017 17:00:00 GMTDNS Podcast: Kentucky's Lin Dunn on the SEC, WNBA, Hidden Figures & the Womens' Worldwide MarchWhen Lin Dunn came out of retirement in May to join Matthew Mitchell’s coaching staff at Kentucky, it raised more than a few eyebrows. Things had been turbulent at Kentucky, with player transfers and coaching staff changes in recent years. The addition of Dunn as an assistant coach, a Hall of Famer with over 40 years of experience, was exactly what was needed; a proven winner with a track record of stability. It is a pleasure to welcome the Southern Belle of women’s basketball back to Dishin & Swishin! As always with coach Dunn, the topics covered range from basketball to the “real world.” For example, on this podcast we discuss: Kentucky’s season and the rising draft stock of seniors Makayla Epps and Evelyn AkhatorStrength of the SEC this seasonWNBA, free agency, players looking to be traded versus staying with teams full careerCoaching against Stephanie White when Kentucky plays VanderbiltThe women’s rights protests and marches last weekendThe movie “Hidden Figures” and its impact, from someone who lived the “Space Race” Last night ESPN unveiled the NCAA committee’s first revealing of the possible Top 16 seeds, and Kentucky came in at number 16. With two games left against South Carolina and one against Mississippi State, plus the conference tournament, there are significant opportunities to improve that number as the season continues. The Wildcats have won four in a row, and need to stay on that roll versus Ole Miss and Missouri before the Gamecocks come to town on February 2nd. Who knows what could happen then? Enjoy the podcast! Photo courtesy of Kentucky Athletics 00:18:00Dishin and Swishinnokentucky,fever,dunn,indiana,linWhen Lin Dunn came out of retirement in May to join Matthew Mitchell’s coaching staff at Kentucky, it raised more than a few eyebrows. Things had been turbulenhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/01/05/dishin-swishin-10517-podcast-rebecca-greenwell-and-duke-on-the-rise-once-againBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/01/05/dishin-swishin-10517-podcast-rebecca-greenwell-and-duke-on-the-rise-once-again/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2017/01/05/dishin-swishin-10517-podcast-rebecca-greenwell-and-duke-on-the-rise-once-againThu, 05 Jan 2017 17:45:38 GMTDishin & Swishin 1/05/17 Podcast: Rebecca Greenwell and Duke on the rise once againTurbulent times seemed to be following Duke Basketball, and we are not discussing Grayson Allen’s habitual tripping problem. Transfers, in-house investigations, and disappointing finishes clouded the women’s program, and rumors floating around of unhappiness with Coach Joanne P. McCallie’s performance. Welcome to January, 2017 and the Duke Blue Devils are sitting at number 13 in the AP poll and 15 in the USA Today Coaches’ poll, with a 12-1 record heading into a two game road trip of Georgia Tech tonight and 6/8 Florida State this weekend. Departures from the program took 47 percent of last year’s scoring with them, and wiped away a lot of the optimism coming from the eligibility of ex-Maryland guard Lexie Brown. With the rise of some other ACC programs, the Blue Devils were picked in the coaches’ pre-season poll to finish sixth in the conference. What has happened, though, is a synergy between Brown and returning Rebecca Greenwell, herself a pre-season selection for all of the major national individual awards. The duo is the third-highest scoring backcourt combination in the country, averaging 36.6 points per game.  Both play approximately 33 minutes per game. Greenwell scores 19 per game, Brown 17.6. They are also within ten assists of each other on the season, and three turnovers. Brown gets the steals (3.0 per game); Greenwell gets the rebounds (6.6 per game). Together, they thrive. It is a pleasure to welcome Rebecca Greenwell to the Dishin & Swishin podcast to talk about the Duke women’s basketball season, highlighted by wins over South Carolina, Kentucky, and Louisville in impressive fashion. Greenwell has one of the smoothest three-point strokes out there, and is on track to shatter Duke school records in several categories, and she is only a redshirt Junior. Topics discussed include: When did the players start to believe this team could be this successful?Louisville’s i00:14:00Dishin and Swishinnoacc,brown,rebecca,duke,lexieTurbulent times seemed to be following Duke Basketball, and we are not discussing Grayson Allen’s habitual tripping problem. Transfers, in-house investigationshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/31/special-dishin-swishin-podcast-nneka-ogwumike-is-womens-basketball-ambassador-of-2016Basketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/31/special-dishin-swishin-podcast-nneka-ogwumike-is-womens-basketball-ambassador-of-2016/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/31/special-dishin-swishin-podcast-nneka-ogwumike-is-womens-basketball-ambassador-of-2016Sat, 31 Dec 2016 14:33:41 GMTSpecial Dishin & Swishin Podcast: Nneka Ogwumike is Women's Basketball Ambassador of 2016At the end of each year we tend to look back at the highs and lows of the past year,  what inspired and upset us as fans, and who were the standouts for whatever the reason. While 2016 certainly had its downside, with the passing of icons in entertainment, and distressing social and political events, women's basketball had a pretty phenomenal year, one where one could easily honor many achievements. There were great coaching performances (Geno Auriemma winning NCAA and Olympic titles, Brian Agler winning WNBA title), college performances (Breanna Stewart leading UConn to its fourth title, Kelsey Plum dominating the 2016-17 season), international successes (Diana Taurasi's three-point barrages in the Olympics), and professional success (Minnesota and Los Angeles giving us an epic WNBA final). Here at Dishin & Swishin, we spent our year end look back time searching for something more; something or rather someone, that went beyond on the court success. We asked the question, who is the person that surpassed court performance to impact people with their persona and aura. In other words who is the 2016 "Ambassador of Women's Basketball," the person that we want representing the game to anyone we would want to introduce or discuss women's basketball with. The answer came quickly and easily: WNBA MVP and Champion Nneka Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks, our first Dishin & Swishin Ambassador of Women's Basketball. On the court, Ogwumike was phenomenal. A quiet confidence and determination that was finely tuned by years competing against the best in high school, college, and both international and WNBA play. She was third in the league in scoring, third in rebounding, and first in field goal percentage. Agler's system encouraged Ogwumike to spread her wings, become the number one option on offense despite having talented teammates like Candace Parker and Kristi Tolliver, and stretch her game to include three-point shooting and ball hand00:26:00Dishin and Swishinnolos,angeles,sparks,nneka,chineyAt the end of each year we tend to look back at the highs and lows of the past year,  what inspired and upset us as fans, and who were the standouts for whatevehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/27/dishin-swishin-122716-podcast-can-brenda-frese-maryland-knock-off-undefeated-uconnBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/27/dishin-swishin-122716-podcast-can-brenda-frese-maryland-knock-off-undefeated-uconn/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/27/dishin-swishin-122716-podcast-can-brenda-frese-maryland-knock-off-undefeated-uconnTue, 27 Dec 2016 15:20:09 GMTDishin & Swishin 12/27/16 Podcast: Can Brenda Frese & Maryland knock off undefeated UConn?It is time for the next episode in the longest running series in women’s college basketball, “who can knock off undefeated UConn?’ We have already sat through the Florida State, Baylor, DePaul, Texas, Notre Dame, and Ohio State episodes, and those are only the ranked opponent episodes. It was supposed to be easier this year, wasn’t it? That is not the case thus far. This Thursday Maryland, ranked number four and an undefeated 12-0, is the next to try the Huskies. Last year Brenda Frese’s team almost knocked off UConn before falling 83-73 in the Maggie Dixon Classic at Madison Square Garden. This year the Terrapins are hosting UConn in the Xfinity Center, and there are reasons to believe this may be the best bet to end UConn’s unbeaten streak. Seniors Brionna Jones and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough are legitimate All-American candidates, and junior Kristen Confroy knocks down threes with regularity. Two of six freshmen on the squad start, wing Kaila Charles, and point guard Destiny Slocum. When Maryland won the national championship in 2006, it was an extraordinary team of two sophomores, one junior and two freshmen that did it. This year’s group is as tenacious and has the benefit of senior leadership coach Frese says on this week’s Dishin & Swishin podcast. Can they go the distance as well? It is a pleasure to welcome coach Frese back to Dishin & Swishin! Some of the topics covered in this podcast are: The similarities between this year’s team and the 2006 championship teamJones and Walker-Kimbrough performing at such a high level, even doing more than expectedSlocum being one of the top freshmen in the country, and her importance, especially against UConnUConn’s success this season, is it surprising, and Maryland’s willingness to play the Huskies each year, while some other schools waited for “the Big Three” to graduateCriticism of her early season non-conference schedule,00:18:00Dishin and Swishinnojones,maryland,brenda,uconn,freseIt is time for the next episode in the longest running series in women’s college basketball, “who can knock off undefeated UConn?’ We have already sat throughhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/22/dishin-swishin-122216-podcast-kenny-brooks-and-virginia-tech-crack-the-top-25Basketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/22/dishin-swishin-122216-podcast-kenny-brooks-and-virginia-tech-crack-the-top-25/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/22/dishin-swishin-122216-podcast-kenny-brooks-and-virginia-tech-crack-the-top-25Thu, 22 Dec 2016 19:05:45 GMTDishin & Swishin 12/22/16 Podcast: Kenny Brooks and Virginia Tech crack the Top 25The last time Virginia Tech women's basketball was ranked in the Top 25 was the week ended January 23, 2006. That means star guard Chanette Hicks was nine years old at the time, and coach Kenny Brooks was in his third year as head coach at James Madison University. Times have changed in Blacksburg, Virginia. For many years perception, real or not, was that the University was a "football school," with some occasional men's basketball success, but really did not care very much about women's basketball. It is certainly a football school still, but the hiring of Brooks, who had led James Madison to a .756 winning percentage and eleven straight postseason appearances, changes all that. Brooks' success made him a sought after commodity, but the Virginia product waited until what he considered the right time to make a move, and Tech is the lucky recipient of this talented coach. His players have bought into his style of playing; pushing the ball up court, playing good solid defense, and don't turn the ball over. They are encouraged to shoot the ball from various distances, and while not a deep team (only seven players average more than 15 minutes per game), they are outscoring their opponents by almost 20 points per game during the non-conference schedule. Granted, the ACC will be tougher than most of their opponents to date, but for a team to gel as fast as this one, and earn wins over opponents like Tennessee, Auburn, and Nebraska like the Hokies have, is an impressive feat. Sophomores Hicks and Regan Magarity lead the way, along with seniors Sidney Cook, Vanessa Panousis and Samantha Hill. All five have scored over 20 points in at least one game this season. It is a pleasure to welcome Kenny Brooks back to Dishin & Swishin, his first visit as a Hokie coach. Topics covered include: What's a Hokie?Why the jump now from JMU, and why Virginia TechWhat he is most pleased about his tea00:22:00Dishin and Swishinnojames,kenny,tech,brooks,ncaaThe last time Virginia Tech women's basketball was ranked in the Top 25 was the week ended January 23, 2006. That means star guard Chanette Hicks was nine yearhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/13/dishin-swishin-121316-podcast-a-rehabbing-morgan-tuck-talks-sun-uconn-and-time-offBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/13/dishin-swishin-121316-podcast-a-rehabbing-morgan-tuck-talks-sun-uconn-and-time-off/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/13/dishin-swishin-121316-podcast-a-rehabbing-morgan-tuck-talks-sun-uconn-and-time-offTue, 13 Dec 2016 15:38:13 GMTDishin & Swishin 12/13/16 Podcast: A rehabbing Morgan Tuck talks Sun, UConn and time offWhen the Connecticut Sun drafted Morgan Tuck with the third overall pick in last year’s WNBA draft they knew the pick came with risks. Tuck, after all, had several previous bouts of knee difficulties, one of which led to a redshirt season at UConn. However, it was an injury to the other knee that ended her rookie year after 26 games, and changed her off-season plans dramatically. Instead of playing overseas as was planned, Tuck is rehabbing the knee, turning in her basketball sneakers for a swim suit as she builds back strength after surgery. We caught up with the UConn alum right before her former college teammates played against Texas and Notre Dame in a difficult swatch of games, and talked about the blessing and curse of an injury. The blessing is for the first time since really picking up a basketball early on Tuck gets to spend some extra time around the holidays at home, where in her words, the best cook in the world prepares big holiday dinners. A blessing that she still is hanging around UConn’s Storrs campus, seeing her friends, ex-teammates and ex-coaches as she rehabs. The curse, of course, is not being able to play, not being able to build on her game and make money overseas. Still, Tuck is making the best of the situation, continuing to support and represent UConn at games, and representing the Sun at events and appearances. She knows the injury recently suffered by Chiney Ogwumike will put more pressure on her return to the court healthy, but she welcomes the challenge, as she has all others. It is great to have Morgan Tuck on Dishin & Swishin, and we know you will enjoy the podcast! Good luck rehabbing that knee, Morgan; we look forward to seeing you back in a Sun uniform this summer! 00:08:00Dishin and Swishinnomorgan,sun,connecticut,tuck,uconnWhen the Connecticut Sun drafted Morgan Tuck with the third overall pick in last year’s WNBA draft they knew the pick came with risks. Tuck, after all, had sevehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/07/dishin-swishin-120716-podcast-skylar-diggins-on-good-works-team-uconn-notre-dame-and-moreBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/07/dishin-swishin-120716-podcast-skylar-diggins-on-good-works-team-uconn-notre-dame-and-more/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/12/07/dishin-swishin-120716-podcast-skylar-diggins-on-good-works-team-uconn-notre-dame-and-moreWed, 07 Dec 2016 17:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin 12/07/16 Podcast: Skylar Diggins on Good Works Team, UConn-Notre Dame and moreAs number one Notre Dame faces number one UConn tonight in the latest version of the “Game of the Century” it is a pleasure to welcome back to the Dishin & Swishin podcast a player who left an indelible mark on the series between these schools, Dallas Wings guard Skylar Diggins. Diggins left her mark with big shots and big wins, and continues to leave her mark both on and off the court to this day. Off the court, in addition to her modeling career, representation of Nike, and authoring a book with her fiancé, Diggins is the national ambassador of the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team®. Student-athletes are nominated for the honor by their respective athletic departments, as they “have demonstrated extraordinary performance in the areas of service, academics and athletics.” Diggins is part of a panel that will narrow the 97 nominees to a group of ten that will be the Good Works team. On the court, Diggins continues to work and re-gain confidence in her surgically repaired knee. It was a disappointing season for the Wings, their first in Dallas, as they failed to achieve the lofty heights of the year before, the organization’s first playoff spot since leaving Detroit. Diggins acknowledges she tried to come back a little too soon from the injury, and it was difficult “not feeling like herself” on the court. She has high praise for the fans of the team though, and is looking forward to a healthy return this upcoming WNBA season. Some of the topics included in the podcast are: Keeping up with her busy scheduleBeing ambassador for the Good Works TeamGetting back to Purcell Pavilion and tonight’s UConn vs. Notre Dame game (Diggins will be in attendance)Niele Ivey’s induction into the Ring of Honor this past weekendRecovering from ACL surgery and the Dallas Wings’ season Enjoy the podcast! 00:16:00Dishin and Swishinnodallas,ncaa,wings,notre,dameAs number one Notre Dame faces number one UConn tonight in the latest version of the “Game of the Century” it is a pleasure to welcome back to the Dishin & Swishttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/30/collier-leads-the-way-as-uconn-defeats-utc-with-dominant-second-half-80-43Basketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/30/collier-leads-the-way-as-uconn-defeats-utc-with-dominant-second-half-80-43/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/30/collier-leads-the-way-as-uconn-defeats-utc-with-dominant-second-half-80-43Wed, 30 Nov 2016 02:02:40 GMTCollier leads the way as UConn defeats UTC with dominant second half, 80-43Audio: Napheesa Collier postgame interview , Conn. - Second-ranked UConn outscored Chatanooga 37-12 in the second half, to turn a 43-31 game into an 80-43 blowout tonight in Hartford. The game marks the 80th consecutive victory for the Huskies, who improved their record on the season to 5-0. Sophomores Napheesa Collier and Katie Lou Samuelson led the way, scoring 23 and 10 points, respectively. Collier missed her first shot, then hit all 11 of her attempts to finish 11-for-12, plus 1-for-1 from the foul line. Samuelson was 8-for-1 from the flor including one three-pointer. "Two things in life are automatic," UConn coach Geno Auriemma joked after the game, "you throw the ball to Napheesa and she's going to score, and throw it to the guy she's guarding on the other end, and they're going to score. You can count on those two things." Junior Gabby Williams had a strong all-around game, racking up her second consecutive double-double, with 11 points and 10 rebounds, plus four assists and four steals. Chattanooga scored the first five points of the game, and led 14-13 with four minutes left in the first quarter before UConn went on an 8-0 run to close the quarter with a 21-14 lead. The Mocs hit 5-of-15 three pointers in the first half, with 3-of-5 coming from Lakelyn Boudin. However, they only hit 1-of-16 in the second half, as UConn increased their perimeter pressure. Chattanooga is now 3-6 on the season. Jasmine Joyner, Queen Alford, Lakelyn Boudin, and Chelsey Shumpert all had nine points to lead the Mocs. UConn enters a difficult stretch beginning Thursday with DePaul at home, followed by games with Texas at Mohegan Sun Arena and Notre Dame at Purcell Pavilion. Auriemma took a philosophical approach to the upcoming games: "I hope these ranked teams are as good as everybody says they are because we need to get our butts beat soon and bad so some of our guys will co00:02:00Dishin and Swishinnocollier,uconn,napheesaAudio: Napheesa Collier postgame interview , Conn. - Second-ranked UConn outscored Chatanooga 37-12 in the second half, to turn a 43-31 game into an 80-43 blowhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/24/stormcast-catching-up-with-the-seattle-storm-breanna-stewart-episode-iBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/24/stormcast-catching-up-with-the-seattle-storm-breanna-stewart-episode-i/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/24/stormcast-catching-up-with-the-seattle-storm-breanna-stewart-episode-iThu, 24 Nov 2016 01:15:14 GMTStormcast! Catching up with the Seattle Storm: Breanna Stewart, Episode IDishin & Swishin has partnered up with the Seattle Storm to keep all the WNBA fans, especially the Storm Crazies, with what's going on with their favorite members of the Storm for a series of "Stormcasts" throughout the offseason. New content can always be found on the Storm website under the "Storm Overseas" banner, and then also over here on our site. Here is Episode I with Breanna Stewart, playing in China this winter, her first overseas, for Shanghai Baoshan Dahua. Enjoy! Photo courtesy of the Seattle Storm website 00:11:00Dishin and Swishinnostorm,stewart,seattle,breanna,stormcastDishin & Swishin has partnered up with the Seattle Storm to keep all the WNBA fans, especially the Storm Crazies, with what's going on with their favorite membehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/24/stormcast-catching-up-with-the-seattle-storm-alysha-clark-episode-iBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/24/stormcast-catching-up-with-the-seattle-storm-alysha-clark-episode-i/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/24/stormcast-catching-up-with-the-seattle-storm-alysha-clark-episode-iThu, 24 Nov 2016 01:12:00 GMTStormcast! Catching up with the Seattle Storm: Alysha Clark, Episode IDishin & Swishin has partnered up with the Seattle Storm to keep all the WNBA fans, especially the Storm Crazies, with what's going on with their favorite members of the Storm for a series of "Stormcasts" throughout the offseason. New content can always be found on the Storm website under the "Storm Overseas" banner, and then also over here on our site. Here is Episode I with Alysha Clark, playing in Turkey this year after a couple of years in Israel. Her team is Adana Aski Enjoy! Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm website 00:09:00Dishin and Swishinnostorm,clark,seattle,alysha,stormcastDishin & Swishin has partnered up with the Seattle Storm to keep all the WNBA fans, especially the Storm Crazies, with what's going on with their favorite membehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/24/stormcast-catching-up-with-the-seattle-storm-jewell-loyd-episode-iBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/24/stormcast-catching-up-with-the-seattle-storm-jewell-loyd-episode-i/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/24/stormcast-catching-up-with-the-seattle-storm-jewell-loyd-episode-iThu, 24 Nov 2016 01:07:48 GMTStormcast! Catching up with the Seattle Storm: Jewell Loyd, Episode IDishin & Swishin has partnered up with the Seattle Storm to keep all the WNBA fans, especially the Storm Crazies, with what's going on with their favorite members of the Storm for a series of "Stormcasts" throughout the offseason. New content can always be found on the Storm website under the "Storm Overseas" banner, and then also over here on our site. Here is Episode I with Jewell Loyd, playing in China for the Shanxi Flame. Enjoy! Photo courtesy of the Seattle Storm website 00:12:00Dishin and Swishinnostorm,seattle,loyd,jewell,stormcastDishin & Swishin has partnered up with the Seattle Storm to keep all the WNBA fans, especially the Storm Crazies, with what's going on with their favorite membehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/21/in-her-own-words-muffet-mcgraw-eyes-the-big-prize-in-this-wide-open-yearBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/21/in-her-own-words-muffet-mcgraw-eyes-the-big-prize-in-this-wide-open-year/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/21/in-her-own-words-muffet-mcgraw-eyes-the-big-prize-in-this-wide-open-yearMon, 21 Nov 2016 21:58:59 GMTIn her own words: Muffet McGraw eyes the big prize in this wide open yearIs this the year? Is this the team? Can Notre Dame win Muffet McGraw her second NCAA championship? Of course we will not know until April, but it sure looks like it could be. This team is loaded, top to bottom, with talented players. Pre-season All-American Brianna Turner and senior point guard Lindsey Allen received the early press, but now it is sophomore guard Arike Ogunbowale that is leading the team, earning ESPNw Player of the Week honors today for her performance in the Preseason WNIT. Ogunbowale's 19.5 points per game has been a revelation, and her 67 percent from three shooting and 56 percent overall phenomenal. As mentioned above, though, top to bottom this team has the talent to keep its grasp on the number one spot it has in both polls. Ogunbowale, Allen, and Marina Mabrey are the shooters. Turner, Kathryn Westbeld, and Kristina Nelson the rebounders. Youthful exuberance comes from freshmen Erin Boley and Jackie Young. Then there's the coaching staff. McGraw and her team of associates are some of the very best minds in the game, and push their team to greatness like few other staffs can. If everyone stays healthy, especially Turner, it will be a great season for the Irish. We caught up with coach McGraw when they were announced as AP number one team to start the season and discussed what the year could be. Here is the interview and thoughts of McGraw, in her own words. 00:07:00Dishin and Swishinnomcgraw,notre,dame,muffetIs this the year? Is this the team? Can Notre Dame win Muffet McGraw her second NCAA championship? Of course we will not know until April, but it sure looks lihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/14/dishin-swishin-podcast-queen-of-the-g-hive-dawn-staley-has-south-carolina-at-the-topBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/14/dishin-swishin-podcast-queen-of-the-g-hive-dawn-staley-has-south-carolina-at-the-top/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/14/dishin-swishin-podcast-queen-of-the-g-hive-dawn-staley-has-south-carolina-at-the-topMon, 14 Nov 2016 17:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast:: Queen of the G-Hive! Dawn Staley has South Carolina at the topIf the rabid fans of South Carolina women's basketball are called the G-Hive, does that make Dawn Staley Queen G? Seems like a pretty good nickname to us! When a coach takes over a program that is in a big conference, but has been struggling, often he or she talks about changing the culture around the program to that of a winning program. Dawn Staley left a successful run as Temple's head coach to go into the heart of SEC football country. She took a program that had its moments, but never achieved sustained success and did just that. In her time with the Gamecocks, her teams won 71 percent of their games, and earned five consecutive NCAA tournament bids. Only once did those teams not make it to at least the Sweet Sixteen. Staley converted the fans with a blend of winning, exciting basketball, and local talent like National Player of the Year Candidate A'ja Wilson, and before her, Aleighsa Welch. Their home court advantage is unlike almost any other place in the country, and her team played before at least 10,000 people at every home game last year. All-American Tiffany Mitchell is gone, a member of the Indiana Fever now, but Wilson and senior center Alaina Coates are joined by two eligible transfers with big resumes, Kaela Davis (ex-Georgia Tech) and Allisha Gray (ex-North Carolina). Point guard will need to be addressed, but it appears for now that Bianca Cuevas-Moore is the incumbent. She needs to cut down on turnovers and play in control though, or Staley will need other options. It is always a pleasure catching up with coach Staley, this time at ESPN Media Day.  In an expansive conversation topics covered include: The G-Hive and the success story of SC attendanceWilson and Coates, taking over on and off the court with leadershipHow will Davis and Gray fit in?What did you do over the summer? Staley on USA basketball and what she learned from Geno Auriemma as National t00:15:00Dishin and Swishinnosouth,dawn,carolina,wilson,staleyIf the rabid fans of South Carolina women's basketball are called the G-Hive, does that make Dawn Staley Queen G? Seems like a pretty good nickname to us! Whenhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/11/in-her-own-words-kelsey-mitchell-and-ohio-state-are-ready-for-the-big-timeBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/11/in-her-own-words-kelsey-mitchell-and-ohio-state-are-ready-for-the-big-time/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/11/in-her-own-words-kelsey-mitchell-and-ohio-state-are-ready-for-the-big-timeFri, 11 Nov 2016 18:00:09 GMTIn her own words: Kelsey Mitchell and Ohio State are ready for the big timePreseason Big Ten predictions have been very interesting. Coaches, media, all have Maryland at the top of the conference, their home since the Terps left the ACC for northern pastures a few years ago. There is no denying the talent on Brenda Frese's squad, but in Columbus, Ohio, Kevin McGuff is looking at an Ohio State Buckeyes team that is coming together. Featuring highly sought recruits and key transfers, McGuff's team is ready for the big time, and is prepared to not only challenge Maryland for conference supremacy, but also to make a legitimate run at the Final Four in Texas. The Buckeyes lost five players off last year's team, including guard Ameryst Alston, their second leading scorer, but add transfers Sierra Calhoun and Stephanie Mavunga, both McDonald's All-Americans before matriculating at Duke and North Carolina, respectively. At the end of December they will add former Kentucky standout Linnae Harper as well. They Return last year starters Kelsey Mitchell, Alexa Hart, and Asia Doss plus key components Shayla Cooper and Makayla Waterman. Add in freshmen Tori McCoy, Kiara Lewis and Jensen Carotti, and this is the deepest team McGuff has had at Ohio State. Mitchell is the prize though, a point guard with an amazing ability to score as needed. The left-hander possesses a lightning quick release and outstanding range on her jump shot, plus great speed in the open court and ability to crossover at any moment. She has been labeled, somewhat unfairly, as a "volume shooter" with negative connotations to that title, when in fact, Mitchell shot 45 percent from the field last year. In other words, why not take the shot? There will not be too many better options on the floor at any time! A quiet and unassuming personality, Mitchell finds herself, as a junior this season, being pushed into a more vocal leadership role by McGuff. Mitchell acknowledges she is more comfortable leading by example, but is trying t00:09:00Dishin and Swishinnokevin,ohio,state,kelsey,mitchellPreseason Big Ten predictions have been very interesting. Coaches, media, all have Maryland at the top of the conference, their home since the Terps left the Ahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/08/dishin-swishin-podcast-diamond-deshields-aims-high-in-pivotal-seasonBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/08/dishin-swishin-podcast-diamond-deshields-aims-high-in-pivotal-season/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/08/dishin-swishin-podcast-diamond-deshields-aims-high-in-pivotal-seasonTue, 08 Nov 2016 19:35:10 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Diamond DeShields aims high in pivotal seasonWe'd like to begin today's podcast synopsis with a congratulations to "friend of the show" Howard Megdal, who now has a podcast, Locked on WBB. We wish him luck with it. On media days, such as the one recently held at ESPN, sometimes it is difficult to get extended one on one time with your subject, in this case, Tennessee's Diamond DeShields. So much like she'll see during the regular season, DeShields was double teamed by both Megdal and myself; you will hear both of us asking questions and talking to her. This is a pivotal year for both DeShields and the Lady Vols program in general. As South Carolina, Mississippi State, and other have grown in the SEC, they are gaining ground on the Tennessee territory at the top of the conference. DeShields came to Tennessee on the heels of a phenomenal freshman year at North Carolina, and brought high expectations. She was never fully healthy last season, and her desire to push through and lead the team led to some questionable decisions and shot selections, which she freely admits in the interview. It was a difficult summer, with injury recovery time combined with the sorrow and difficulty of coach Pat Summitt's passing impacting the entire program. They are trying to embrace, but put behind them the legacy of Summitt at the same time, no easy endeavor, especially for young women in their late teens or early twenties.  The championship won by former Lady Vol Candace Parker and the Los Angeles Sparks, where she declared the victory for Summitt, helped them bring a bit of closure as well. DeShields is healthy, and along with center Mercedes Russell, DeShields aspires to lead the Lady Vols to the top once again. The bench is not very long, and DeShields talks about not being able to take games off, and her teammates needing to realize they have roles and responsibilities that cannot be left behind either. Sounds like a leader if you ask me. December includes games with Baylor, Texas a00:17:00Dishin and Swishinnotennessee,diamond,deshieldsWe'd like to begin today's podcast synopsis with a congratulations to "friend of the show" Howard Megdal, who now has a podcast, Locked on WBB. We wish him luckhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/07/in-his-own-words-is-this-the-year-jeff-walz-leads-louisville-back-to-the-final-fourBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/07/in-his-own-words-is-this-the-year-jeff-walz-leads-louisville-back-to-the-final-four/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/07/in-his-own-words-is-this-the-year-jeff-walz-leads-louisville-back-to-the-final-fourMon, 07 Nov 2016 18:15:42 GMTIn his own words: Is this the year Jeff Walz leads Louisville back to the Final Four?Note: Dishin & Swishin "In his or her own words" is a series run on the website. Instead of a larger podcast, and rather than give you transcribed bits and pieces of interviews where the reader cannot hear the context of each statement, we will share the entire interview audio with you, the listener. We hope you enjoy the concept. Even casual women's basketball fans know that UConn and Notre Dame, maybe even South Carolina and Baylor are perennial powers in the sport, and leading candidates for the Final Four each season. Louisville? Maybe not so much. The Cardinals, though, in nine seasons under coach Jeff Walz, have six trips to the NCAA Sweet 16, two of which culminated with NCAA runner-up finishes. The ACC is a difficult conference, but Louisville has put themselves right at the top, and this may be the year that Walz leads the team beyond the Sweet 16. They are loaded with talent, and despite having only two seniors, it is a team that plays wise beyond their years and is a threat against any opponent. It starts with junior forward Myisha Hines-Allen, last year's Blue Ribbon Panel ACC Player of the Year, and a preseason Dishie 3rd team All-American selection. Hines-Allen led the team in scoring and rebounding last year, and looks to improve on her 17.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. On the wing she is joined by 6'0 Mariya Moore, who was second on the team in scoring (14.1 ppg) and led the team in assists (4.4 apg). Briahanna Jackson provides senior leadership and speed on a team that loves to get out and run. In the interview attached though, Walz seems most excited by the early performances of a healthy Asia Durr. Despite playing with nagging injuries that almost forced her to redshirt last year, Durr still was a conference all-freshman selection. Durr would be a k00:05:00Dishin and Swishinnojeff,asia,louisville,walz,durrNote: Dishin & Swishin "In his or her own words" is a series run on the website. Instead of a larger podcast, and rather than give you transcribed bits and piechttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/03/in-her-own-words-brianna-turner-chases-legendary-status-at-notre-dameBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/03/in-her-own-words-brianna-turner-chases-legendary-status-at-notre-dame/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/03/in-her-own-words-brianna-turner-chases-legendary-status-at-notre-dameThu, 03 Nov 2016 18:28:19 GMTIn her own words: Brianna Turner chases legendary status at Notre DameThe last few years, Geno Auriemma and Connecticut had the best center and the best point guard in the country.  The result was multiple national championships. Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw said that this year the Irish have the best point guard in Lindsay Allen and the best center in junior Brianna Turner. Obviously this all means at the end of the season Notre Dame will be cutting down the nets in Texas come April, right? If only it were that easy! Turner is the perfect example of why foregone conclusions in November are sometimes disappointments in April. Turner is supremely talented, and her on court performance has certainly not disappointed. However, her shoulder has been a problem, and injuries have not allowed her to complete one of her two seasons unscathed. McGraw, Turner, and all of Notre Dame nation hope that the surgery Turner had in the spring will solve the problems, and allow Turner to lead this year's squad to an NCAA championship. Blessed with extraordinary instincts and jumping ability, Turner is extremely hard to deal with in the paint on both ends of the court. Despite missing time, last season she was still ACC conference player of the year, and Defensive player of the year. Turner averaged just under 15 points per game, and over seven rebounds per game, shooting 59 percent from the floor. Turner is a member of our inaugural Dishie All-American team, and is ready to show everyone what she can do in a full, healthy season. Good luck Brianna, and for you, here is Brianna Turner from ESPN Media Day, in her own words. 00:06:00Dishin and Swishinnoturner,notre,dame,briannaThe last few years, Geno Auriemma and Connecticut had the best center and the best point guard in the country.  The result was multiple national championships.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/02/in-her-own-words-aja-wilson-is-the-dishie-pre-season-poy-time-for-pre-season-honorsBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/02/in-her-own-words-aja-wilson-is-the-dishie-pre-season-poy-time-for-pre-season-honors/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/02/in-her-own-words-aja-wilson-is-the-dishie-pre-season-poy-time-for-pre-season-honorsWed, 02 Nov 2016 15:42:58 GMTIn her own words: A'ja Wilson is the Dishie Pre-season POY; Time for Pre-season Honors!Into the great wide open we go! It is time to look into the Dishin & Swishin crystal ball and see what we can come up with for pre-season “Dishie” selections for the NCAA women’s basketball season! There will be no talk about “UConn dominance is not good for the sport” this year! There are probably ten to twelve teams that can realistically look to April and say “why not us?” We cannot wait to see what this does for interest and ratings in the sport, and whether or not the possible parity that so many have wished for brings rewards in terms of viewers, ratings, interest and excitement. Similarly, there is no Breanna Stewart this year, a clear cut, obvious Player of the Year, before the season even began. It will be a race to see who can elevate their game, and who can take their team to the top; because the Player of the Year does not have to have dominant stats, just be a dominant player on the court. That is something that can be done in victories, improving your game and your teammates, and that is just a beginning. Without further ado then, the Dishies for Pre-season All-American and Player of the Year: National Player of the Year: A’ja Wilson, South Carolina The subject of the attached “In her own words,” Wilson needs to be the difference maker for Coach Dawn Staley’s team if they are to contend for the national title.  As Staley said, with leaders like Aleighsa Welch (freshman year) and Tiffany Mitchell (second year), Wilson was able to just go about her business on the court. This year, the junior will be asked to be a leader on and off the court. The local product has been a difference maker in the community, helping the G Hive grow to epic proportions, as the team has moved up the ranks and contended nationally. This year could be the year South Carolina wins it all.  Already a conference player of the year and All-American, there is no reason to doubt that Wilson will make t00:07:00Dishin and Swishinnosouth,dawn,carolina,wilson,staleyInto the great wide open we go! It is time to look into the Dishin & Swishin crystal ball and see what we can come up with for pre-season “Dishie” selections fhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/01/dns-podcast-110116-kara-lawson-on-the-wnba-finals-and-ncaa-womens-hoopsBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/01/dns-podcast-110116-kara-lawson-on-the-wnba-finals-and-ncaa-womens-hoops/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/11/01/dns-podcast-110116-kara-lawson-on-the-wnba-finals-and-ncaa-womens-hoopsTue, 01 Nov 2016 23:42:14 GMTDNS Podcast 11/01/16: Kara Lawson on the WNBA finals and NCAA Women's HoopsThis week is the time to put a wrap on the WNBA season, and begin the NCAA women's basketball season! The Sparks won the WNBA title, giving Candace Parker her elusive first title, and teams are tipping off their exhibition games and gearing up for the regular season. Who better to talk about both than WNBA player and ESPN analyst Kara Lawson? It was a pleasure to catch up with Lawson today at ESPN's Women's College Basketball media day. Topics covered include: The Sparks and Candace Parker winning the WNBA championship, and her thoughts about Parker and coach Pat SummittThe refereeing conundrum the WNBA finds itself in; the players are better than the officialsThe Kara Lawson World Tour 2016, Lawson's trips to various schools to watch them practice, see the transfers and freshmen to get a feel for their teamsHer impressions on team's she's seen thus far, and been impressed with,  including Ohio State, Notre Dame, and more.The wide open nature of this NCAA women's season, and the excitement that comes with it. This is just the beginning of our podcasts and "In their own words" segments from Media Day; check back regularly to our site for more content! Enjoy the podcast! 00:13:00Dishin and Swishinnoespn,basketball,ncaa,womens,parkerThis week is the time to put a wrap on the WNBA season, and begin the NCAA women's basketball season! The Sparks won the WNBA title, giving Candace Parker herhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/20/dns-podcast-the-guards-have-it-sue-bird-briann-january-co-host-layshia-clarendon-break-down-gamBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/20/dns-podcast-the-guards-have-it-sue-bird-briann-january-co-host-layshia-clarendon-break-down-gam/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/20/dns-podcast-the-guards-have-it-sue-bird-briann-january-co-host-layshia-clarendon-break-down-gamThu, 20 Oct 2016 16:00:00 GMTDNS Podcast: The guards have it! Sue Bird, Briann January & Co-host Layshia Clarendon break down gamWe started our Dishin & Swishin look at the WNBA finals with two posts breaking things down, Jayne Appel-Marinelli and Mistie Bass. Yesterday, ESPN play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco gave his thoughts on the series and game five. Today, we are bringing you the thoughts of some of the best point guards in the WNBA in two separate segments: Seattle Storm and All-WNBA first team member Sue Bird, and then five time All-Defensive team honoree Briann January of the Indiana Fever. We have a special co-host on the show, Atlanta Dream point guard Layshia Clarendon, who helps moderate both segments! It has been a fun series to watch, with all of the elements of great theater: protagonists and antagonists (depending on who you are cheering for, except for the referees, which both sides agree are antagonists!), last second drama, and of course the big prize awaiting the winner. On this podcast you will hear from our guards on a myriad of topics including: The importance of guard play in this series, including the "pure point guard" Lindsay Whalen versus the "combo guard" Kristi ToliverDecision making down the stretch of gamesYou Must play defense and rebound!Staying home versus overseas play, improving game play versus resting the bodyHome court advantage? Road team has won 5 of 7 games played between these two teams this seasonWhat does each team need to do tonight in game five to winWho steps up? Which stars, which role players A special thanks to Layshia for co-hosting this week, she did a great job! Enjoy the podcast!!! 00:57:00Dishin and Swishinnominnesota,fever,indiana,finals,lynxWe started our Dishin & Swishin look at the WNBA finals with two posts breaking things down, Jayne Appel-Marinelli and Mistie Bass. Yesterday, ESPN play-by-plahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/19/dns-podcast-espns-ryan-ruocco-on-covering-the-finals-and-game-fiveBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/19/dns-podcast-espns-ryan-ruocco-on-covering-the-finals-and-game-five/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/19/dns-podcast-espns-ryan-ruocco-on-covering-the-finals-and-game-fiveWed, 19 Oct 2016 19:00:00 GMTDNS Podcast: ESPN's Ryan Ruocco on covering the finals and Game FiveAs I said to Ryan Ruocco to start the podcast today, he must have called a great game four, because on social media and message boards I saw even amounts of "they are so biased for the Lynx" and "I'm tired of all this Sparks love." If nobody is "happy" with the way you called the game, you must be doing something right! Ruocco's first love is play-by-play. A student of the game, well, of many games, Ruocco covers NBA for ESPN and YES network, as well as college basketball, and is part of ESPN's number one broadcast team with Rebecca Lobo, and Holly Rowe, plus  LaChina Robinson for the finals for the WNBA. After working with Stephen A. Smith on talk radio in New York, this has to be a great crew to work with, right? Ruocco takes his WNBA duties very seriously, and enjoys his broadcast team and covering the league. Ruocco returns to Dishin & Swishin this week for the first time since 2014, to discuss the finals and help prepare us all for game five, Thursday night. Topics covered include: The first four games, including what worked and did not for both teamsThe referees, the eight second call and the foul on ParkerRebounding, the key to success?Parker inside, Parker outside. How to find that happy medium and can it be  done in one game?Maya taking over, Sylvia rebounding, and what to doThe point guard "issue" for Los Angeles versus Minnesota's point guard extraordinaireOverall thoughts on the new playoff format Enjoy the podcast! 00:36:00Dishin and Swishinnominnesota,los,angeles,sparks,finalsAs I said to Ryan Ruocco to start the podcast today, he must have called a great game four, because on social media and message boards I saw even amounts of "thhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/07/dns-podcast-lynx-coach-cheryl-reeve-is-a-champion-on-and-off-the-courtBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/07/dns-podcast-lynx-coach-cheryl-reeve-is-a-champion-on-and-off-the-court/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/07/dns-podcast-lynx-coach-cheryl-reeve-is-a-champion-on-and-off-the-courtFri, 07 Oct 2016 16:00:00 GMTDNS Podcast: Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve is a champion on and off the courtI was struck recently by Cheryl Reeve, the head coach of the Minnesota Lynx and WNBA coach of the year, tweeting about the lack of media coverage for women's sports. Not just lack of coverage of the WNBA or of her team, but of ALL women's sports. In other words, she is champion of a cause while her team is seeking the WNBA championship. Here it is, the most important and busiest time of the year for Reeve, and she was tweeting about something she felt was unfair. That strikes at the heart of why Cheryl Reeve is the best coach around, she sees the big picture. Minnesota is a supremely talented team, there is no denying that, but she gets them to buy into her system, to play the roles she wants them to play. Look at Maya Moore, the MVP candidate who this season became a strong ballhandler and helped take pressure of Lindsay Whalen with her ball handling.  Seimone Augustus, a tremendous scorer during her career, has accepted a role of sometimes being second, third or even fourth scorer on some nights. It helped the Lynx set a franchise record with 28 wins this season, and the reason they are the favorite to win their fourth title in six years. It is a pleasure to welcome Coach Reeve back to the podcast. Topics discussed include: Her pushing for better coverage for all women's sportsThe health and roles on the rosterDealing with the refereeing and foul plagued games that have been a part of the playoffs this yearFowles and Brunson versus Parker and OgwumikeThe job Brian Agler has done in Los AngelesWhalen being strong this post-season and making an impact It should be a great series, and we wish both teams luck in the finals! Let's hope for a good series, with minimal refereeing involvement, and the better team winning. 00:27:00Dishin and Swishinnominnesota,cheryl,lynx,reeveI was struck recently by Cheryl Reeve, the head coach of the Minnesota Lynx and WNBA coach of the year, tweeting about the lack of media coverage for women's sphttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/05/dns-podcast-a-wnba-finals-preview-with-mistie-bass-jayne-appel-marinelliBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/05/dns-podcast-a-wnba-finals-preview-with-mistie-bass-jayne-appel-marinelli/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/10/05/dns-podcast-a-wnba-finals-preview-with-mistie-bass-jayne-appel-marinelliWed, 05 Oct 2016 19:00:00 GMTDNS Podcast: A WNBA Finals preview with Mistie Bass & Jayne Appel-MarinelliIf you have been listening to our podcasts over the years, you know that the Roundtable discussions are some of our most enjoyable and most popular podcasts. Today we bring you a roundtable featuring two of the most competitive players you will ever find, Jayne Appel-Marinelli, recently retired from the San Antonio Stars, and Mistie Bass, who just completed the season with the Phoenix Mercury. These two played the WNBA finalist Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks a combined total of 15 times during the 2016 WNBA season and playoffs, so they are well equipped to discuss the success and difficulties playing with and against the finalists. Based on the finals, at least a portion of the new WNBA playoff format is a success. For perhaps the first time in WNBA history, the league has the two best teams meeting in the finals, which should make for some great basketball and a fun series to watch. First place Minnesota comes in with a 28-6 record, featuring a Lynx quartet of United States Olympians in Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen. Rebekkah Brunson is an experienced veteran completing their starting lineup, and the bench is deep right to the end, with even more experience. Los Angeles finished second in the regular season with a 26-8 record, and while they don't have a great deal of WNBA finals experience (Ann Wauters is the only Sparks player with finals experience), they are long and athletic, with talented scorers from inside and out, led by Most Valuable Player Nneka Ogwumike and former MVP Candace Parker. Ogwumike and Parker combined to average 43 points and almost 19 rebounds per game in the semi-final series against Chicago, and are a difficult matchup. When they are on their game, it opens up the outside for Kristi Toliver, Alana Beard and Essence Carson for their shots. Jantel Lavender could be starting for most teams and is Sixth Player of the year in the league, and Chelsea Gray has be00:32:00Dishin and Swishinnominnesota,los,angeles,sparks,lynxIf you have been listening to our podcasts over the years, you know that the Roundtable discussions are some of our most enjoyable and most popular podcasts. Thttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/28/dns-podcast-know-your-role-jantel-lavender-tamera-young-help-la-and-chicago-to-semifinalsBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/28/dns-podcast-know-your-role-jantel-lavender-tamera-young-help-la-and-chicago-to-semifinals/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/28/dns-podcast-know-your-role-jantel-lavender-tamera-young-help-la-and-chicago-to-semifinalsWed, 28 Sep 2016 14:12:39 GMTDNS Podcast: Know your role! Jantel Lavender & Tamera Young help LA and Chicago to semifinalsThe WNBA semi-final playoff rounds begin tonight, with Phoenix at Minnesota at 8 pm ET, and Chicago at Los Angeles following that at 10 pm ET. Both have star power and should be a lot of fun to watch, but we are particularly interested in the second series, the second-seeded Sparks and fourth-seeded Sky going at it. These teams both have tremendous stories and had tremendous years. Los Angeles rolled through a historic beginning of the year, and battled the Lynx for top spot in the league most of the season. They feature the league's Most Valuable Player, Nneka Ogwumike, and one of the most versatile players the game has seen in Candace Parker. Chicago has their own MVP candidate in Elena Delle Donne, who finished fourth in the league balloting, but is out for the series after a thumb injury required surgery. The versatility and overall skill of the Sky has been on display with players like Cappie Pondexter and Courtney Vandersloot picking up their scoring, and Jessica Breland and Imani Boyette rebounding and screening. Both of these teams also feature talented players that know their roles and execute them to near perfection. Jantel Lavender of the Sparks was a 2015 All-Star, starting every game for the season. She came into camp a little bit late due to her international commitments, and, as she says on the podcast, there was already some roles defined. Lavender is a win before stats player, and slide seamlessly into the 6th player role, and thrived. She was already named AP and our own "Dishie" 6th player of the year, and the league award is expected to follow. It is a pleasure to welcome Jantel Lavender to Dishin & Swishin to discuss the Sparks, her team, playing Chicago, looking ahead to a possible date with Minnesota, and more. Meanwhile on the Chicago Sky side, Tamera Young has been a vital cog in the team's success all season, especially down the stretch with Delle Donne absent. The longest te00:25:00Dishin and Swishinnoyoung,los,angeles,sky,chicagoThe WNBA semi-final playoff rounds begin tonight, with Phoenix at Minnesota at 8 pm ET, and Chicago at Los Angeles following that at 10 pm ET. Both have star phttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/20/dns-podcast-the-roundtable-on-wnba-post-season-awards-and-playoff-first-round-gamesBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/20/dns-podcast-the-roundtable-on-wnba-post-season-awards-and-playoff-first-round-games/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/20/dns-podcast-the-roundtable-on-wnba-post-season-awards-and-playoff-first-round-gamesTue, 20 Sep 2016 16:00:00 GMTDNS Podcast: The Roundtable on WNBA Post-season awards and Playoff first round gamesThe WNBA season is over and it is time for the playoffs and the post-season awards. There have been some phenomenal seasons, and, at least when looking at the awards at surface value, there are many people that can be considered for individual honors. But are the choices really that difficult? It is a pleasure to convene a new edition of the Dishin & Swishin roundtable discussions for you! Today’s topic: post-season WNBA honors. ESPN commentators LaChina Robinson and Rebecca Lobo, and ESPN.com women’s basketball writer Mechelle Voepel return to Dishin & Swishin to discuss their thoughts (and ballots) for the WNBA’s annual honors. Categories covered include: Most Valuable PlayerAll-WNBA First and Second teams (and the position conundrum)Coach of the YearMost Improved PlayerDefensive Player of the YearAll-Rookie team (Rookie of the Year is pretty obvious) Oh yes, there are also two first round playoff games coming up on Wednesday night, and the roundtable weighs in with their thoughts on those two games, and whether the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm can upset the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream, respectively. Thank you again to the panel for their time and participation, and I hope you enjoy the podcast! 00:33:00Dishin and Swishinnocharles,lobo,robinson,rebecca,tinaThe WNBA season is over and it is time for the playoffs and the post-season awards. There have been some phenomenal seasons, and, at least when looking at thehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/14/in-her-own-words-tamika-catchings-on-the-playoffs-a-legacy-and-the-futureBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/14/in-her-own-words-tamika-catchings-on-the-playoffs-a-legacy-and-the-future/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/14/in-her-own-words-tamika-catchings-on-the-playoffs-a-legacy-and-the-futureWed, 14 Sep 2016 15:49:58 GMTIn her own words: Tamika Catchings on the playoffs, a legacy, and the futureLast night in Connecticut Tamika Catchings wrapped up her "Legacy Tour," making stops in every WNBA city, meeting the fans in a postgame celebration of her career, and making a $2,000 donation to various charitable organizations in each city. The whole concept of the tour speaks to the person Catchings is; instead of just having her amazing career celebrated like most going into retirement do, it was more important to her to give back to the WNBA communities and fans. Prior to last night's game with the Connecticut Sun, I talked with Catchings one on one. What you find here is our chat, uncut as all our "In her own words" interviews are. I point this out, because when Catchings talks about the future, and helping children, you can hear the excitement in her voice. Catchings the WNBA legend is embarking on a new chapter in her life, and she is absolutely determined to make an even bigger impact than that of her basketball career. And make no mistake, her basketball career has made a huge impact. Her impact can be found in Indiana, where the Fever thrive not too long after they were in financial difficulties. In the praise and comments in arenas everywhere, from players' comments in tributes and the fans coming out to see her. Yesterday at halftime, as the two teams were headed toward the locker room, a voice rang out from the crowd, I'm not sure where from, but it was that of an older woman.  Up until then, the crowd had been yelling at the referees and imploring the Sun to pick up their game. That one voice yelled, "We love you Tamika!" What better tribute can a player have than that?  We are going to miss you Catch. 00:08:00Dishin and Swishinnofever,indiana,tamika,catchingsLast night in Connecticut Tamika Catchings wrapped up her "Legacy Tour," making stops in every WNBA city, meeting the fans in a postgame celebration of her carehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/13/in-her-own-words-penny-taylor-on-the-mercury-the-opals-and-retirementBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/13/in-her-own-words-penny-taylor-on-the-mercury-the-opals-and-retirement/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/13/in-her-own-words-penny-taylor-on-the-mercury-the-opals-and-retirementTue, 13 Sep 2016 14:04:26 GMTIn her own words: Penny Taylor on the Mercury, the Opals, and retirementWhile the WNBA and their franchises celebrate the departures of Tamika Catchings and Swin Cash to retirement, one of the most unsung stars of the last 15 years is quietly going about her business, and heading into her final games as well. Penny Taylor will be retiring after this season, and she deserves to be celebrated too. The Mercury has announced a formal retirement ceremony will be held in 2017, but for some reason, there are no plans for a celebration this year. That in itself is unfortunate, but probably how Taylor would like it. Part of what makes Taylor such a special player throughout her career is her ability to be the chameleon of her team, changing roles and positions as needed. One day scorer, one day facilitator, one day defender, one day rebounder. Three times Taylor has been a WNBA All-Star, which equals the number of WNBA championships she has too. That tells you something right there; it is never been about the individual accolades and honors, it has been about the wins. On the international stage, the Opals have earned much of Australia’s success because of Taylor and the retired Lauren Jackson.  It was Taylor though, who was Most Valuable Player in the 2006 World Championships, when the Opals won it all, not Jackson. Unfortunately, injuries deprived Taylor (and us) from some of her career, and are now part of why she is retiring after this season. It has been a trying summer for her. The Mercury has struggled to get on the same page and earn a playoff spot despite being the General Managers’ pick to win it all. The Opals failed to reach the medal round in the Olympics despite Taylor’s near Herculean effort, as what seems to be a poorly constructed team struggled. T Still, Taylor is comfortable in her decision to retire, and said that she knows that it is time. Recently before the Mercury’s game in Connecticut (which they lost, 87-74), we caught up with her and talked about 00:05:00Dishin and Swishinnotaylor,phoenix,australia,penny,mercuryWhile the WNBA and their franchises celebrate the departures of Tamika Catchings and Swin Cash to retirement, one of the most unsung stars of the last 15 yearshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/09/dishin-swishin-podcast-curt-miller-has-the-sun-shining-in-connecticutBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/09/dishin-swishin-podcast-curt-miller-has-the-sun-shining-in-connecticut/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/09/dishin-swishin-podcast-curt-miller-has-the-sun-shining-in-connecticutFri, 09 Sep 2016 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Curt Miller has the Sun shining in ConnecticutIt has been a tough last few years for the Connecticut Sun franchise. When the team decided to part ways with long-time head coach Mike Thibault, it ended an era of success on many levels, except for the biggest achievement, a WNBA title. To get to the next level the management thought former Seattle Storm coach Anne Donovan was the answer, but that did not work out well at all, as players disappointed in Thibault’s departure or not satisfied with Donovan’s approach either left or underperformed. Enter Curt Miller, a long-time and very successful college coach, one-year WNBA assistant coach, who was hired to be the head coach on December 17, 2015. Miller had his own visions for the team, and they were much different than that of Donovan. Gone from the 2015 roster are Chelsea Gray, Kayla Pedersen, Elizabeth Williams, Jennifer Lacy, and after a July trade, Kelsey Bone. In their place are rookies Morgan Tuck, Rachel Banham, Jonquel Jones, and Courtney Williams, and free agent Aneika Henry-Morello. The team started slowly, dropping seven of their first eight as the rookie coach and young team adjusted to each other and tried to learn new systems. At the end of June, the Sun had a 3-13 record, and rumblings about whether Miller was in over his head started. Suddenly, things began to click. The addition of Williams brought athleticism off the bench, and the dispatching of Bone opened up the middle for Chiney Ogwumike to operate and increased the minutes for both Ogwumike and Jones.  They went 5-3 in July, and have been 3-2 since the Olympic break, including a 2-1 record versus first place Minnesota. With success there is reward. Miller is no longer rumored to be on the hot seat; he is now also the General Manager of the team, replacing the retiring Chris Sienko. It is a tough battle to reach the playoffs still, but the Sun has clearly turned a corner and has a bright future ahead of them. It is a ple00:25:00Dishin and Swishinnomiller,curt,sun,connecticutIt has been a tough last few years for the Connecticut Sun franchise. When the team decided to part ways with long-time head coach Mike Thibault, it ended an ehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/08/in-her-own-words-as-you-listen-to-this-moriah-jefferson-is-becoming-an-elite-point-guardBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/08/in-her-own-words-as-you-listen-to-this-moriah-jefferson-is-becoming-an-elite-point-guard/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/08/in-her-own-words-as-you-listen-to-this-moriah-jefferson-is-becoming-an-elite-point-guardThu, 08 Sep 2016 19:26:14 GMTIn her own words: As you listen to this, Moriah Jefferson is becoming an elite point guardThe San Antonio Stars knew it was going to be a rebuilding year. When they lost Sophia Young-Malcolm to retirement, Jia Perkins requested a trade, Danielle Robinson suffered a season-ending injury, and Danielle Adams was released, they were without 41 points per game from a 2015 team that only averaged 68 to begin with. Injuries have acerbated the problem, with Kayla McBride breaking her foot and various other miscellaneous ailments sidelining other key players. The result is a 6-23 team; not exactly the way coach Dan Hughes hoped to end his career. One of the bright spots though has been the play and development of the Stars’ number one draft choice, Moriah Jefferson. In a perfect world you don’t throw a rookie point guard out there and say here you go run the team, but with Robinson out, that’s exactly what Hughes had to do. Jefferson has not disappointed. Sure there have been some lessons learned, but assistant coach Vickie Johnson was quick to point out recently that Jefferson is not making the same mistakes she made at the start of the season, when she relied on some of the successful athleticism plays that worked at UConn, but don’t work against veteran WNBA guards. There is no denying her success though, as she currently sits second among rookies in scoring with 12.6 points per game, behind only her ex-Husky teammate Breanna Stewart. That is also second to McBride on the Stars. Jefferson leads all rookies in assists at 4.0 per game, good enough for eighth in the league.  Perhaps most notable though, is she only has committed five turnovers or more once this season, an impressive stat, especially for a rookie point guard. As a comparison, Sue Bird has committed five turnovers four times this season. With a role in a new Adidas commercial hitting television tonight, which you can see here, Jefferson will be getting more a00:03:00Dishin and Swishinnosan,stars,jefferson,antonio,moriahThe San Antonio Stars knew it was going to be a rebuilding year. When they lost Sophia Young-Malcolm to retirement, Jia Perkins requested a trade, Danielle Robhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/07/dishin-swishin-podcast-as-retirement-nears-swin-cash-wants-moreBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/07/dishin-swishin-podcast-as-retirement-nears-swin-cash-wants-more/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/07/dishin-swishin-podcast-as-retirement-nears-swin-cash-wants-moreWed, 07 Sep 2016 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: As retirement nears, Swin Cash wants moreEarlier this year Swin Cash was included in the list of the WNBA's 20 greatest and most infuluential players. She has won two NCAA championships, three WNBA championships, and two Olympic gold medals. As she celebrates her career with a ceremony at Madison Square Garden after tonight's New York Liberty versus Seattle Storm game, Cash is happy, but not satisfied. Swin Cash wants more. More on the court, as in a WNBA championship for the Liberty. More off the court, as a leader in the community, a philanthropic athlete with a highly successful organization in Cash 4 Kids, and more in terms of involvement by the league and its players in raising social awareness. It is a pleasure to welcome Swin Cash back to Dishin & Swishin for today's podcast, on the night she is to be celebrated. All of the above mentioned items are discussed in the podcast including: The growth and maturity of Tina Charles as a player, leader and individualWhat jersey would she wear if Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductees had to choose (like baseball's Hall of Famers choose cap to wear)Toughest opponent and favorite teammatesThe next step for the WNBA players in terms of activism and the Black Lives Matter movement It is a pleasure to see Swin Cash getting honored tonight. Personally, I have seen her since her days at UConn, known her since her days with the Springfield Spirit in the NWBL. She has grown into an accomplished and professional woman, with a tremendous fighting spirit that shows itself on and off the court. Congratulations Swin, enjoy the rest of the season! Enjoy the podcast! Photo by DaveSaffran/MSG PhotoServices. 00:14:00Dishin and Swishinnocash,swinEarlier this year Swin Cash was included in the list of the WNBA's 20 greatest and most infuluential players. She has won two NCAA championships, three WNBA chahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/04/in-her-own-words-seimone-augustus-on-the-lynx-olympics-and-moreBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/04/in-her-own-words-seimone-augustus-on-the-lynx-olympics-and-more/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/04/in-her-own-words-seimone-augustus-on-the-lynx-olympics-and-moreSun, 04 Sep 2016 16:56:18 GMTIn her own words: Seimone Augustus on the Lynx, Olympics, and moreSometimes it seems easy to overlook the smooth, mid-range game of Seimone Augustus on a team with the spectacular play of Maya Moore, the power of Sylvia Fowles, and the controlled aggression of Lindsay Whalen, but that would be a big mistake. Augustus, 32 years old, is happy to let you think she is less of a threat, but consider this, without Augustus on the court beside them, would the others be as effective? The mid-range jump shooter is a dying breed it seems, with the rise in three-point shooting and coaches professing their love for the shot. Augustus though has been a six-time All-WNBA selection, and 2011 WNBA finals Most Valuable Player thriving on that shot. In fact, over 628 minutes played this season, Augustus has attempted 29 three-pointers. As a comparison, the Lynx's Keisha Hampton has taken 27, in 141 minutes! With Augustus averaging a career low 11 points per game, rumblings inevitably begin about someone her age. Still, the Lynx are in first place overall (tied with Los Angeles), and while different players are doing different things than on last year's championship team, Augustus is still rolling along, doing what she does best, hitting big shots. Before the recent game in Connecticut, we caught up with Augustus and talked about her recent Olympics experience, including a great story of her nerves before her first Olympic start and how they manifested themselves. We discussed the Lynx, and the way her shot seemed to improve in the Olympics, and more. Enjoy Seimone Augustus, in her own words! 00:04:00Dishin and Swishinnominnesota,lynx,augustus,seimoneSometimes it seems easy to overlook the smooth, mid-range game of Seimone Augustus on a team with the spectacular play of Maya Moore, the power of Sylvia Fowleshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/01/dns-podcast-most-improved-player-atlantas-elizabeth-williams-leads-the-packBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/01/dns-podcast-most-improved-player-atlantas-elizabeth-williams-leads-the-pack/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/09/01/dns-podcast-most-improved-player-atlantas-elizabeth-williams-leads-the-packThu, 01 Sep 2016 16:00:36 GMTDNS Podcast: Most Improved Player? Atlanta's Elizabeth Williams leads the packEvery year there are some great candidates for the WNBA Most Improved Player award. Some have just gotten better, some have moved to better situations, some are healthier than before, and some are getting more opportunities to show their skills. So which category does Atlanta Dream center Elizabeth Williams fit into? All of the above, thank you very much. Drafted number four overall last year, Williams had an inconsistent rookie season in Connecticut, which ended early with a return of recurring leg and foot problems. She started the season sharing time with Kelsey Bone, but with Bone having an all-star season and coach Anne Donovan struggling to squeeze every win out of the team, she saw her playing time reduced. With a new coaching staff in place and a change in system, Connecticut decided Williams did not fit, and sent her to Atlanta for the fourth pick in this year's draft. The trade worked out really well for Williams, and the Dream. Williams is playing without pain in her troublesome leg and foot problems from the past, and thriving in Michael Cooper's offensive and defensive game plans in Atlanta. It is a pleasure to welcome Elizabeth Williams to the Dishin & Swishin podcast! Even Williams admits surprise in the podcast that with her health history, for her to be second in minutes per game in the entire league right now at over 34 minutes per game. Defense has always been her strength, and with gambling backcourt and wing players like Angel McCoughtry and Layshia Clarendon, Williams is the anchor, swatting shots away at 2.6 per game, also second in the league. She is currently seventh in the league in rebounding at 7.6 per game. Some of the topics covered in the podcast include: Being healthy, the better situation in Atlanta and enjoying her roleThe playoff picture, single game eliminations and approaching regular season gamesThe return of back to the basket posts to the WNBA00:12:00Dishin and Swishinnousa,williams,elizabeth,basketball,angelEvery year there are some great candidates for the WNBA Most Improved Player award. Some have just gotten better, some have moved to better situations, some arehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/08/25/dishin-swishin-podcast-can-the-sparks-keep-it-up-brian-agler-explains-why-they-canBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/08/25/dishin-swishin-podcast-can-the-sparks-keep-it-up-brian-agler-explains-why-they-can/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/08/25/dishin-swishin-podcast-can-the-sparks-keep-it-up-brian-agler-explains-why-they-canThu, 25 Aug 2016 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Can the Sparks keep it up? Brian Agler explains why they canThe Olympic break certainly adds an interesting dynamic to the 2016 WNBA season, doesn't it? On one hand, most players received a "mini-vacation" they needed; considering the year round playing schedule most deal with, not too many were unhappy about that. On the other hand, players and teams that had positive momentum in July have to try to sustain it after a month absence from game play. On the other, other hand, if a player or team was slumping, or banged up, it gave them a month to turn things around, and get in some practice time the regular season does not usually allow. All of these apply to the first place overall Los Angeles Sparks. They entered the break with an incredible 21-3 record, one-half game ahead of the Minnesota Lynx for overall top seed in the new playoff format. However, the Sparks dropped two of their last three games, dropping back to back road games to Atlanta and Indiana, respectively, before defeating Washington to wrap up the first part of the season. Can the Sparks build on their pre-break success? Or did the time away hurt the mystique they built through their tremendous play in the first part of the season? It is a pleasure to welcome Sparks head coach Brian Agler back to Dishin & Swishin to discuss why he feels his team was successful in the first part of the season, and why they will be able to at least sustain if not improve during the rest of the season. Topics covered include: Buying in to the system, including playing good defense and accepting rolesThe amazing, record-setting season of Nneka OgwumikeCandace Parker, the things she does on and off the court for the team and her willingness to sacrifice her own game for the teamRoad games, and more road games it seems on their scheduleHow the team handled the break and getting ready for the second part of the seasonThe revival of Alana Beard as a defensiv00:19:00Dishin and Swishinnobrian,los,angeles,parker,sparksThe Olympic break certainly adds an interesting dynamic to the 2016 WNBA season, doesn't it? On one hand, most players received a "mini-vacation" they needed;http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/08/22/dishin-swishin-podcast-how-stephanie-white-spent-her-summer-vacationBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/08/22/dishin-swishin-podcast-how-stephanie-white-spent-her-summer-vacation/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/08/22/dishin-swishin-podcast-how-stephanie-white-spent-her-summer-vacationMon, 22 Aug 2016 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: How Stephanie White spent her "summer vacation"What did you do during your "summer vacation" while the WNBA was on break? Without those games to see, I watched a heavy dose of the Olympics, and caught up on various other tasks I had let slide. Now if you are Stephanie White, pulling double duty right now as head coach of the Indiana Fever and head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores, you did a whole lot more than that! It is a pleasure to welcome Coach White back to Dishin & Swishin. When we talked in May, she had just taken the head coaching job at Vanderbilt, and was starting her final WNBA season with the Fever. Since then, the Fever have been on a ride of highs and lows this season, but find themselves with ten games to go right at .500, 12-12, and in the fifth spot in the current playoff race. The Olympics did not come at the best time for the Fever, as they went into the break winners of three straight and five of their last six. They come back to a pretty tough schedule, including games with league leaders Los Angeles and Minnesota, and the final ten games in the storied career of Tamika Catchings. It will be a demanding, emotional ride to the finish. So getting back to the break, while some coaches did soul searching, vacationed, or watched film prior to their team returning, White spent that part of that time hitting the road looking for future Commodores to play for her. If you are a Vandy fan, the first part of the podcast is for you! We talk about what it was like to recruit, settling in to her new surroundings and with her new coaching staff, and getting ready for her first season in the SEC. If you are a Fever fan, the second part of the podcast is for you! Topics turn to the return from the break, including how to monitor the playing time for Catchings the rest of the way, the need for more consistency out of her team, the return to health of Briann January and her impact, the improvement of Lynetta Kizer, playing time for Natalie Achonwa w00:24:00Dishin and Swishinnofever,white,indiana,stephanie,vanderbiltWhat did you do during your "summer vacation" while the WNBA was on break? Without those games to see, I watched a heavy dose of the Olympics, and caught up onhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/08/15/dishin-swishin-podcast-katie-smith-on-the-olympics-liberty-moreBasketballhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/08/15/dishin-swishin-podcast-katie-smith-on-the-olympics-liberty-more/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/dishin-and-swishin/2016/08/15/dishin-swishin-podcast-katie-smith-on-the-olympics-liberty-moreMon, 15 Aug 2016 16:00:00 GMTDishin & Swishin Podcast: Katie Smith on the Olympics, Liberty & moreKatie Smith has just about done it all. WNBA champion, over 7,000 points scored as a professional, three-time Olympic gold medalist, a member of the USA basketball selection committee, and now an assistant coach for the New York Liberty, one of the best teams in the WNBA. With that resume, it made perfect sense to welcome Katie Smith back to the Dishin & Swishin podcast during the Olympic games and WNBA break to talk about all of these things and more. The Liberty sit comfortably in third place overall, on top of the Eastern Conference, with an 18-8 record. They have a legitimate MVP candidate in Tina Charles, and a mix of veterans and youth that give them the energy and the guile to be a legit force come playoff time. Smith was a member of the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympic gold medal winning teams. She played with the "old guard" including Teresa Edwards, Ruthie Bolton, and Dawn Staley, and current Olympians Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Tamika Catchings. As she points out on the podcast, this gives her the somewhat unique ability to look at those teams and the current USA team and consider their places in history. So is 2016 the greatest Olympic team ever, as some have suggested? Well, you will have to listen to find out Smith's response, but suffice to say the defense from those earlier teams, with Lisa Leslie, Yolanda Griffith, Sheryl Swoopes, Nikki McCray, Edwards and more is pretty darn impressive and tough to compete with. Other topics covered include: The Liberty season to date, dealing with the break and the second halfThe new playoff format's impact on the second part of the seasonTina Charles' season, getting her back into the fold after the Olympics, and getting proper rest after those extra gamesHer own experience coming back from playing in the Olympics and then returning to the WNBAHer feelings on playing for USA Basketball and being a part of those gold med00:24:00Dishin and Swishinnonew,york,usa,basketball,smithKatie Smith has just about done it all. WNBA champion, over 7,000 points scored as a professional, three-time Olympic gold medalist, a member of the USA basket