WNBA All-Star Game Entertainment? Richgirl and Elliott Yamin

Beyoncé’s "I Am…" tour opening act, Richgirl, and former American Idol contestant Elliott Yamin will provide the halftime entertainment during the 2009 WNBA All-Star Game at Mohegan Sun Arena, Saturday, July 25.
Richgirl members include Audra, Brave, Lyndriette and Seven. The R&B quartet is currently working on a self-titled debut album. The group opens for Beyoncé [...]

2009 WNBA All-Star Game reserves announced

The WNBA announced the reserves for this weekend’s All-Star Game today. Head coaches selected the reserves by voting for six players within their conference, including two guards, two forwards, one center and one player regardless of position. Coaches are not permitted to vote for players on their team.
Eastern Conference Reserves

Katie Smith (Detroit Shock), Guard
Jia [...]

Some good news for Phoenix: Penny Taylor is back and Temeka Johnson wins service award

Ending days of anticipation from fans and the media, the Phoenix Mercury announced the re-signing of Penny Taylor today complete with a new splash page for its Web site (pictured right). The Australian forward arrived at a perfect time for a team that has seen its fair share of negative publicity this month after [...]

Diana Taurasi’s statement on suspension

The Phoenix Mercury suspended guard Diana Taurasi for two games without pay for conduct detrimental to the team. The team announced that Taurasi will begin serving her suspension in the Mercury’s next game on Saturday, July 18 versus the Detroit Shock and will conclude with its matchup against the Minnesota Lynx on July 22.

Taurasi [...]

Phoenix Mercury’s DeWanna Bonner named WNBA Rookie of the Month

DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury was named the WNBA’s adidas Rookie of the Month for games in June. She appeared in all 10 games for the Mercury to start the 2009 season and led all rookies in rebounding (6.1 rpg). The 6’4” guard was second among rookies who played at least six games [...]

Starting lineups announced for WNBA All-Star Game, Tamika Catchings tops balloting

Tamika Catchings received the most votes (94,316) in WNBA All-Star Balloting. It was the second time the Indiana Fever guard led in voting, having also earned the honor in 2006.
San Antonio Silver Stars guard Becky Hammon (88,991), Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson (88,685) and Storm guard Sue Bird (88,591) followed closely behind and topped [...]

Bad news for Diana Taurasi, Mercury star faces extreme-DUI charge

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi pleads not-guilty to three drunk-driving related charges stemming from a July 2 incident in which she was cited for a DUI. The charges, filed in Phoenix Municipal court, originate from an early morning police traffic stop, the day after her team won a game versus Seattle. Taurasi scored 22 [...]

Now starring as the fall guy: Jenny Boucek

Just when it seemed the Sacramento Monarchs had enough momentum to reverse its losing streak, the axe fell on former head coach Jenny Boucek. With a third of the season underway, the team announced Boucek’s firing late Sunday evening. Monarchs General Manager John Whisenant will assume the team’s head coaching role while still maintaining [...]

Unfortunately, Taurasi is not the first and will not be the last

Update: Taurasi’s statement
The diatribes have started regarding Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi’s DUI citation. Hand-wringing to follow. Team General  Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale spoke to local television station ABC15 last night after learning about the incident. That is certainly not how a GM with a superstar player on the roster wants to spend the evening, [...]

How do you say….? Adventures in creative WNBA player name pronunciations

Some fans get really annoyed when TV and radio announcers repeatedly mispronounce player names. A few of the most common names that are botched are Nicky Anosike, Matee Ajavon and Cappie Pondexter. Believe it or not, the league prints an official pronunciation guide for the media that looks like it is updated throughout the season. [...]