Special Contributor // Jon Marshall
Whether you live under a rock or not, chances are you probably didn’t hear about the milestone reached in women’s basketball just a few weeks ago. The New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks met up at the Staples Center in L.A. to celebrate the WNBA’s (can we refer to it as the Working National Basketball Association?) fifteen year anniversary.
The night was festive with former greats Lisa Leslie and Rebecca Lobo witnessing the likes of Candace Parker elevate the women’s game. Fifteen years is quite the accomplishment, especially in a time where pro teams are hurting financially and labor strife is abundant. The WNBA has kept it all about the game.
Basketball has had its fair share of greats come out of the women’s game. Some who don’t even get the respect they deserve.
Chamique Holdsclaw, Dawn Staley, Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper and others share responsibility with how far the game has come.
You can’t forget about the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson of the female game. Nancy Lieberman was nicknamed “Lady Magic” during her hooping days in the late 1970s and 80s. At 17-years old, she was named to the USA Basketball team and even played in the United States Basketball League. This is a men’s league.
Of course there is the great Cheryl Miller, who Sports Illustrated crowned as the best college players in the nation in 1986, male or female. Some even argue if she is better than little brother Reggie of Indiana Pacers fame. Cheryl was certainly considered the better player hands down as she dropped unworldly numbers including 105 points in one game.
Today, Parker, Candace Wiggins and Diana Taurasi are among the new generation of lady ballers who have a chance to do even more with the game. But perhaps Maya Moore could elevate it on an international stage.
The former UCONN standout and current Minnesota Lynx rookie has the smile, personality and the all-around skill that could attract not only fans of the men’s game, but young girls holding their place on the playgrounds with the boys. Moore will have the stage now with the announcement of her signing to Jordan Brand. By the way, the shoe company is headed by Michael Jordan.
Moore is Jordan’s first female basketball endorser. The signing not only shows the level of Moore’s game but the progress the game of basketball has made. Just ten years ago, no one would even fathom a female player wearing a shoe historically tailored for the NBA. Sure, WNBA players in the past have had their own line of shoe, but having the name Jordan backing you is a level few reach.
The day Moore’s debut signature shoe hits shelves will be a huge moment. Maybe some NBA players will even rock them. Aside from the financial and popularity gains from this deal, Moore’s contract shows the next generation of girls the endless possibilities. Fifteen years ago the WNBA used the phrase “We Got Next” to promote its arrival. Fifteen years later they still have it. The future is uncertain but all the while exciting. The lady ballers have stepped up their skill. It’s time for fans to step up the love.
Leave a Reply