Still recovering from a Friday work day, trip to the airport and three flights to get to Tenerife proper. Didn’t help that passport control in Madrid had lines so long that I missed my connecting flight. I made do.
Thanks to @Iberia (and NOT to @AmericanAir, who were 1-800-MissingInAction) did get to the island just after 11pm. Missed the US v. Senegal excitement, but was happy to have arrived.
Learning to modify my Spanish to say “GraTHIas.” Everyone I’ve interacted with has been absolutely kind, patient and helpful.
Sunday was a super-full day of basketball, starting at 11am with two games, a break to wander outside and grab some lunch, then a return for a 6pm start to two more games. I got tickets to both sessions at the door – 5euro each. Small but enthusiastic crowds for first two games. Nicely packed for first evening game (US v. China) Check out some of the top plays here.
Australia v. Argentina was pretty much a wipe out. Liz is just as aggrieved about physical contact and officiating here as she is in the W. Argentinian’s played hard start to finish, but the were simply overmatched.
High Post Hoops: Ezi Magbegor learning from Liz Cambage at World Cup
Japan v. Belgium was a bit of a stunner. With only one post, I expected Meesseman and the ever-present Belgian Waffle/Brussel Sprout Ann Wauters to dominate. Instead, Japan used their relentless energy and quickness, savvy play by Takada (knowing not to foul) and a timely three to send the game into overtime. And then they didn’t fade.
Fiba: Takada too hot to handle as she jump starts Japan’s campaign
Bullets Forever: Belgium vs. Japan final score: Emma Meesseman perseveres in 77-75 overtime loss
Good showing by Belgian fans.
China v. US showed that folks need to keep an eye on the Chinese team – for possible draft picks AND future competitions. They were a delight to watch. MIA on the US side were Griner and Delle Donne. And defense. But, if you’re gonna score 100 points…Wilson was impressive – poised and effective. Stewart found a strong groove.
TeamUSA.org: US Women Hold Off China To Go 2-0 At Basketball World Cup
Hashtag Basketball: How Americans playing in China are growing Chinese basketball
Nigeria v. Turkey was thrilling and sad to see. Hard to see a program that was so feisty in Istanbul struggle so (injuries didn’t help, nor did Q’s temper). A heart-lifter to see the Nigerian team pull together and earn an epic win (on the same day Senegal did).
Great shot! Nigeria only just getting started after historic success
Pulse Nigeria: D’Tigress beat Turkey 74-68 in 2nd group game
Punch: I left WNBA for Turkey to enhance my career — D’Tigress star Akhator
.com: How International WNBA Players Performed on Day 2 at FIBA World Cup
Some art in the street before a late night dinner
Monday: Sleep and the walk through Santa Cruz…
…and then up to the Botanical Garden.
Tomorrow: Permutations: All to play for on exciting last day of Group Phase
News:
From Doug: At World Cup, Puerto Rico hopes to lift spirits back home
Puerto Rico guard Dayshalee Salaman remembers huddling with her family in her grandmother’s house as the wind from Hurricane Maria howled outside.
For 12 hours they sat and prayed that the storm would spare them. They made it through relatively unscathed. One of her cousins lost a house when the roof was ripped off.
Salaman knows that many other Puerto Ricans weren’t so lucky when the storm hit on Sept. 20, 2017. An estimated 2,975 people died in the aftermath of the Category 4 storm, according to Puerto Rico’s governor.
”I’m blessed and glad that my family was OK and that I was able to help other families that went through a lot,” she said. ”A lot of people lost everything and it was hard to see.”
ESPN: Team USA’s Tina Charles, Liberty teammates stepping up in FIBA World Cup
ESPN: Atlanta’s finest WNBA players (plus Dwight Howard) bring the heat on ‘Wild ‘N Out’
WaPo: Residents hope new arena means new life for long-neglected area
Las Vegas Review Journal: Aces’ A’ja Wilson previews FIBA World Cup, USA Basketball
MSP: International players to watch at Women’s World Cup
TBT: Fun facts and tidbits from the Women’s Basketball World Cup
Swish Appeal: A primer on the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
ICYMI: Why isn’t Maya Moore with Team USA in Spain? Lynx star is taking a much-needed break
HashTag Basketball: The 2018 Seattle Storm: How a Winning Formula turned into a WNBA Title
WATN? Heat add former WNBA Miami Sol player Ruth Riley as radio, television analyst
‘ello! Why not the Liberty? (Sob) Dodgers, WNBA Sparks Adding Billie Jean King As Minority Owner
NCAA
After nearly quitting basketball, WNBA prospect Cierra Dillard has ‘unfinished business’ at UB
And your future host will be….San Antonio, Minneapolis, Dallas, Cleveland. Reminder: If you want the F4 on the East or West coast SOMEONE HAS TO BID. Here’s something I wrote about that for the WBCA in 2009. NCAA TOURNAMENT HOSTING: Hidden Hurdles and Helpful Hints
