WNBA News: Random Ramblings on the 2008 Opener

WNBA Fever: Catch it!

OK not really, but apparently the WNBA kicked off the season today (I know this because the MNBA made sure there were no playoff games to compete with the debut of the league's 12th, yes, 12th season). And apparently former Tennessee star Candace Parker went OFF to the tune of 34 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists as the L.A. Sparks (wtf?) defeated the defending champion Phoenix Mercury (double wtf?)  99-94.

I find all of this semi-interesting for a small myriad of reasons:

- First, the team names in the WNBA are so atrocious, that I almost kind of like them—almost.  Looking at ESPN's WNBA page, I noticed that only five of the league's 14 teams have names that end with the letter "s" (i.e. Los Angeles Sparks), which is so aggravating I cannot even begin to explain it.  Moving on...

- 99-94?  Are we sure this was a WNBA game?  Did the players in the league magically learn how to shoot and no one told me? Was it an exciting 99-94 game?  I need answers.

- I once had a friend tell me he would totally, um, have a how's-your-father with Diana Taurasi.  Really?

- OK, anyone who has watched SportsCenter over the years knows the L.A. Sparks are usually pretty good, so how did they fall off last season to the degree that they ended up with the #1 pick in the draft (Candace Parker)?  Maternity leave, that's how!  L.A.'s best player over the years, Lisa Leslie, sat out last season to have kids or something.  The WNBA, it's FAAAAAAN-tastic! 

- Speaking of Parker, she could be the player who can save this league.  Seriously.  I mean, 34, 12 and 8?  Does that not at least pique your interest, even a little bit?  No?  What if I told you she (kinda) dunks on occasion?  No?  What if I told you she is not 100% completely unattractive?  Maybe?  I mean personally, I would not play bohica with her (or anyone 6'4" for that matter), but I know plenty of dudes who would (sober).

What was my point?  Oh yeah, that girl is good, and there is a reason why David Stern rigged it so she would end up in a large market like L.A.

Now, let's just make sure Candace does not go on maternity leave anytime soon.