WNBA Future

March 31, 2002

San Antonio - Nikki Teasley took a trick from an And One video, putting the ball over Shannon Johnson's head and then driving baseline for a finger roll. Teasley, one of the collegiate players in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-Star game against the 2002 USA Women's National Team, showed that the torch could be passed soon.

But Lisa Leslie, who scored 30 points in the WNBA stars' 100-59 win, is not ready to do so. Neither is Sheryl Swoopes nor Tamika Catchings.

Catchings, after all, outshot Teasley in the 3-point contest. But Teasley said she is "excited" about playing on the next level. But she is not quite ready.

Along with Teasley, Ayana Walker of Louisiana Tech and Baylor's Danielle Crockrom had good showings. Crockrom, with 14 points and 10 rebounds, was named the college team's Most Valuable Player.

"This is going to be a beautiful draft for coaches this year," Dawn Staley said. "Dreams are being realized now. Young players know there's a place after college. And we don't start playing our best basketball until we're 26 or 27, just like the men. So, this is real good."

On the wing and looking upcourt, Teasley through a perfect pass to Crockrom under the basket. Crockrom's hands were ready and her arms were fully extended. The ball fell into place and she went up for the deuce.

While the national players were more in sync and patient, the younger players were a bit nervous and shaky. But with the help of Teasley's long 3-pointers or Crockrom's aggressive board-grabbing, they began to loosen up and not play so much individual ball.

It might not be time just yet for the newcomers to be the one, but at least the vets know the torch will be in good hands.

Niki will be covering the 2002 Women's Final Four  (March 29 and 31) in San Antonio and providing stories from the big event.  Check back here for her articles.

Read: more "Pure Hoops"