Hoops Hoopla: UConn Champs, WNBA Draft & more

In case you’ve been living in a hole, or under a rock (I’ve been neither but I have been on vacation) here’s an update on what’s been happening in the world of women’s basketball.

On Tuesday night, the UConn women finished out their perfect season by beating Louisville 76-54 and capturing the NCAA championship for the 6th time.  With that one final blowout, Connecticut grabbed the national title and a piece of basketball history.

It wasn’t just that Connecticut claimed another title. It was how the Huskies did it. They won every one of their 39 games by double digits, an unprecedented run in college basketball.

Associated Press Player of the Year Maya Moore and senior point guard Renee Montgomery played well  throughout the season but it was center Tina Charles who really delivered in the championship game.

Louisville’s Angel McCoughtry finished off her stellar career with 23 points in the final collegiate game.

On Thursday, the WBNA Draft took place and McCoughtry led the class as a surprise first pick for for the Atlanta Dream. With the second pick the Washington Mystics chose Maryland’s Marissa Coleman while her Terps teammate Kristi Toliver went third to the Chicago Sky. UConn standout Renee Montgomery was picked fourth by the Minnesota Lynx.

My local team, the Los Angeles Sparks, picked forward Ashley Paris who will join her sister Courtney in California (Courtney was drafted by Sacramento). See Complete Draft Board.

Megan Hueter (from Because I Played Sports and Women Talk Sports) was at the Draft and has some fun behind-the-scenes footage and commentary including a great interview with Nancy Lieberman.

Congrats to all on a great season and a great future with the WNBA.