So C and R have been taking in the WNBA playoff games, when televised on a channel we actually get, even though we have no vested interest, meaning we have no home team to root for, thank you very much Sacramento and the Moo-oaf brothers. So the next best thing is to root for teams that have ex-Stanford women’s basketball players and after that, players we just admire.
We were delighted Jayne Appel’s team, the San Antonio Silver Stars, were in the playoffs. Unfortunately they had to play Phoenix, which is lead by Diana Taurasi, who falls under the category of players we admire. We admire the heck out of her.
Predictably, Phoenix beat San Antonio two games to none, but we did get to see Jayne Appel play, and C and R must admit, for the first time all season it finally looked as if Jayne belonged in the WNBA.
For those of you not in the know, Jayne had a stellar career at Stanford and in her senior year lead her team to the championship game, where, hampered by a painful stress fracture in her foot plus a sprained ankle, went scoreless and left college with a bad taste in her mouth. Her summer in the WNBA has not gone well either, and it is hard to tell if it is the lingering effects of her injuries or the higher level of play or a combination.
Anyway, she looked good in the loss. At one point, Jayne was being guarded by another former Stanford women’s basketball player, Brooke "The Hook" Smith. They were guarding each other so C and R took turns punching each other on the arm and saying, "Look, Brooke’s guarding Jayne, Jayne’s guarding Brooke!" We noticed both women play very similarly, but we believe Jayne is just better. Not that we have anything to back it up with, we just believe that!
Well, at least we can now root for Nicole Powell on the NY Liberty.
More former Stanford players at the original C and R's Stanford Women's Basketball Blog
0 recs | 5 comments
Who's C and R?
We ain’t lettin’ Phoenix play prolific offense!
WaveOcean - August 29, 2010
C&R are the resident Stanford fans
This was a Fan Post – anyone can make one as described here:
http://www.swishappeal.com/2010/8/25/1649787/calling-all-lurkers-come-out-come
Would love to have your opinions. :)
Nate Parham - August 29, 2010
Second that!
Yeah I’m giving it to Seattle as well. At least from what I’ve seen from the other teams in the playoffs thus far. Atlanta and Phoenix obviously have some very talented players that helped get them to the playoffs, but were in large part helped through to their respective conference finals by their first round opponents’ sub par play.
NY and Indy, both great teams but based on their postseason play this year seem erratic as far as their focus and mental game. I think Seattle’s (obviously) got the talent but more significantly, I think they have the mental edge over everyone else this year. More than any other team they have shown the ability to keep their emotions in check and not just stay focused, but regain focus when they lose their rhythm. And I think that will prove an invaluable asset with three very talented teams left in contention.
solipsistess - August 30, 2010
Agree with all of your points except you forgot one thing...
Seattle stole Willingham from the Merc. That could play a huge role in the WCF considering she was part of the 2009 championship squad. She was the Candace Dupree of 08-09, high rebounding rate and high percentage shooting. So, elaborating on your “focus” edge, I think having a serviceable bench allowed the Storm to maintain rhythm.
ajotanelsona - August 30, 2010
The Seattle Storm
should win it all. Anything less would be a disappointment for this awesome team.
But. I am utterly incapable of rooting against a team with Diana Taurasi and/or Penny Taylor because I am weak. :D
Honestly, can we have Seattle-Phoenix go five games? So much love for both those teams.
fadeoutin - August 31, 2010
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