All Entries Tagged With: "Angel McCoughtry"
Samuels’ Stock May Be Rising, Maybe
Gotta carefully consider the source.
Remember when word came out of Jamaica that Samardo Samuels would be leaving the University of Louisville basketball team early to pursue a career in the National Basketball Association? Despite all advice to the contrary from his coaches or anyone who see him play the past two seasons?
Well, there’s an update from the island, from the Jamaica Gleaner News that Samuels’ stock may have risen dramatically during NBA workouts, according to a source close to the player:
“Samardo is showing that he has all the tools. In his workouts he shot phenomenally from the field and displayed adept basketball skills, qualities about him that were not widely known before.
“He is also hitting a lot of three-pointers, and the feedback we are getting is that in terms of shape, size and skill readiness for the NBA, he is one the most impressive.”
“He is moving like a guard while maintaining his post-up game. He is being described as similar to Carlos Boozer and Elton Brand, but with better ball-handling skills — a more dynamic player. Because of his skills and first step he is uncomfortable to handle for both the big guys and the smaller guys.”
One still wishes Samardo well but he was either keeping this arsenal of skills under wraps at U of L or someone was telling the reporter what he wanted to hear.
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McCoughtry On A Tear — Angel McCoughtry is leading the WNBA in scoring and is an early candidate for player of the year. She is averaging 24 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Her surprising Atlanta Dream team leads the Eastern Division with a 6-0 record.
Atlanta faces maybe the toughest test of the season when it takes on the 5-1 Seattle Storm. Game time is 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night on ESPN-2. A great chance to finish up that remaining potato salad, ambrosia and grilled chicken from Sunday.
McCoughtry Sizzles For 32
Angel McCoughtry, former University of Louisville All-American, scored 32 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the unbeaten Atlanta Dream to a 97-82 win over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night. Four steals, too. More details here.
The Case Of The Missing Banner
Part of the observer’s duties for a decade was managing large meetings. When one is responsible for a special event, you plan, practice and rehearse, leaving nothing to chance.
That’s why he was embarrassed for the University of Louisville women’s basketball team Sunday when the team’s 2009 NCAA National Finalist banner was to be unfurled.
Roll the highlights video, Angel McCoughtry greetings from Russia, Candyce Bingham’s remarks.
Drum roll … time to reveal the banner.
The spotlight lights up, searching, searching for the banner. The inept spotlight operator can’t find the banner, clumsily turning the beam this way and that. No idea where it is, resorting to opening the lens to full frame. Never to land on the intended.
It isn’t until the overhead lights go on that fans are finally able to spot the banner. A “teachable moment” for whoever is running the show … by the seat of his or her pants.
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Speaking of Angel McCoughtry, she has a great-looking new web site here. Thanks to Sonja for the find.
Lady Cards Prepare Minus Kenyatta Gill
By Sonja Sykes
Expectations are raised when you’re fresh off appearing in the national championship game. The situation is no different for the University of Louisville women’s basketball team. Coach Jeff Walz has set a high standard and will never coast. So what’s going on at Cardinal Arena these days:
- Kenyatta Gill, a 6-foot-1 transfer from Pensacola Junior college, has not enrolled and won’t be on the roster. She has some unresolved academic issues.
- Gwen Rucker has changed her mind, and is expected to join the basketball team after the volleyball season. She originally planned to red shirt to focus on volleyball. Her depth is needed.
- LaToya Johnson, a 5-foot-5 guard transfer from Kansas City, is expected to contribute at point guard. She may remind fans of Patrika Barlow with her ball handling skills and ability to spot the open player.
- Rachel Story, a 5-foot-7 guard from Milwaukee, is also gaining respect at point guard. The freshman came to Louisville after decommitting to Marquette.
- Angel McCoughtry, still beaming with her WNBA Rookie of the Year award, is headed to Russia. Stay away from the borscht, caviar and vodka, No. 35.
- Walz is on the go as usual. After a team/recruit dinner Friday, he’s in Iowa today and at a coaching clinic in Nebraska tomorrow. He’ll be appearing soon in a town near you.
McCoughtry Rookie Of The Year
McCoughtry Makes Her Mark
Give it up for Angel McCoughtry.
The University of Louisville All America was named to the WNBA All-Rookie team. She was, in fact, tied as the leading vote getter with DeWanna Bonner, from Auburn, with 12 votes.
McCoughtry topped all WNBA rookies in points (12.8) and steals (2.2) and ranked fifth in assists (2.1). She helped propel a team that finished with only four wins in 2008 to second place in the Eastern Conference this season.
A few weeks after leading the Louisville women to the national champion game, McCoughtry was the No. 1 draft, packing her stuff and heading to Atlanta.
Take a break, girl. You’ve earned it.
Angel McCoughtry Update
Hats off to Angel McCoughtry. Despite the 94-89 loss to Detroit in an WNBA playoff game, she had 21 points — 15 in the first half, forcing the opponent to switch defenses and game strategy in the second. Unfortunately, without starting point guard Lehning, the Dream couldn’t get its half court offense clicking. Get ‘em Friday at home, Angel.
Sonja Sykes
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