Congratulations to Candace Parker and the Tennessee Vols
(Photo:AP)
Expected to be the first pick in todays draft by the LA Sparks
Candace Parker played the last three games with a separated shoulder, united her Tennessee team with a deft sense of urgency and led them to the 2008 National Championship with a 64-48 win against the Stanford Cardinal last night. Pat Summitt picked up her 8th title. Tennessee has at least made it to the Sweet Sixteen all 27 years of the tournament. It’s simply an amazing program led by one of the best coaches–man or woman–of all time regardless of sport.
Is she the best of all time? Debatable. She’ll be the first woman to leave early for the WNBA draft (she graduated this year). So in three seasons, she’s garnered two championships.Cheryl Miller is the greatest player I’ve personally seen followed by Chamique Holdsclaw, Diana Taurasi (her jumper was sick), Candace Parker–who reminds me of Kobe–and Sheryl Swoopes.
You left with two straight Candace. Congratulations.
Parker might be able to infuse some well needed popularity into the WNBA because of her skill and looks. The talent is there, and it remains to be seen if folks continue to flock to the pro game with consistency. We’ll see if Parker is all the WNBA needs.
Candice Wiggins, who became the only woman to have two 40 point games in the tournament and is 4th all time in tournament points with 151 (Swoopes 177 in 1993), had a great post season for Stanford. She was ridiculous this year. She could be the next great. Good luck Candice.
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April 9th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
When I was at Knoxville College - our campus was a good mile or so from UT, the town was Orange and White they love the Vols. Believe me when I tell you Pat Summit is bigger than anyone in that town sports, politics whatever.
One of the few coaches you may hear mentioned in the same breath as John Wooden in terms of championships.
April 9th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
A guy at work had the audacity to call Candace Parker over rated and the 5th best player in women’s college basketball. I nearly beat him within an inch of his life. Seriously though….his comments are becoming increasingly ignorant, such as this one….
April 9th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Wow! She is amazing. I hope the WNBA get the props they need after this draft. I will pay to see her because she is blessed.
NCAA WOMENS BASKETBALL GETS NO COVERAGE!
DAM SHAME! I AM A NEW FAN AND I HOPE SHE STRIVE WHEN SHE GOES TO THE NEXT LEVEL. SIMON
April 10th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Congrats to the Lady Vols and Coach Summit. I would love to see her take the plunge and coach men one day but it probably wouldn’t work because she’s a damn tough coach and there’d probably be a mutiny but it would be good to see.
Ms. Parker is going to be a beast in the WNBA but in all media as a whole because not to come off as sexist or a dirty old man, she’s got the goods especially with those looks because she could very easily strut on a runway as well as drive down the lane. Can’t wait to see what path her career takes.
April 10th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
its not being sexist Harvey. The truth is she’s got the skill, the charisma, the crossover appeal and the resume.
However… a dark horse for that crossover appeal is Essence Carson with the Liberty. I’d keep an eye on her too.