The WNBA is here to stay...Deal with It.

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

August 1997

As the WNBA's inaugural season is winding down -- the championship game is August 30th, I hope the doomsayers have had a change of heart. If they haven't, why not?!

Perhaps, the negative talk continues because the WNBA failed to meet their expectations. (Does anyone notice how we as a society get upset with others for not meeting our expectations of them). No, there hasn't been a dunk; but, have you noticed almost everyone has gotten bored of the All - Star Game's Slam Dunk Contest?

The play at the beginning of the season was sloppy; but, I believe that is mainly because the players had a very limited training camp. Many players are just now getting used to their teammates' style of play. Lately, the level of play has improved along with the excitement. Anyone who saw the double overtime thriller between the LA Sparks and the Cleveland Rockers or the Sparks - Comets' nail biter would attest to that.

Naturally, the league has some areas of improvement. The salaries are low; however, the majority of the players will receive due compensation overseas for the fall basketball season. The league flies coach, not first class or charter, which has to cramp players like LA's 6'8" Haixia Zheng. Plus, the wear and tear the players experience by flying coach playing back to back games. The schedule is too short; but, hopefully, the league will expand the schedule next year.

Enjoy the ball handling of LA's Penny Toler; the quickness of teammate Tamecka Dixon; the all around talent of Charlotte's Andrea Stinson; the 3 pt. shooting of Utah's 6'5" Elena Baranova; the enthusiasm of the Liberty's Teresa Weatherspoon; the lightning quick shot release of Sacramento's Ruthie Bolton; the leadership of Cleveland's Michelle Edwards; the intensity of Phoenix's Michelle Timms; and the MVP play of Houston's Cynthia Cooper.

"In my opinion, she's the MVP already," said Timms, who has guarded Cooper. "She's a flat - out fantastic shooter and leads them mentally. "She's the man in the league."

To all the doomsayers, I say, like the commercial: "Basketball is basketball."; so, accept it and enjoy!