I used to watch the WNBA during the Cynthia Cooper years. I stopped for a couple of reasons. I noticed that the skill level was rather low, which was exacerbated by the condescending announcing. A woman would miss a shot by three feet and the announcer would say, "Oh, so close." Then I'd watch an NBA game and a shot would hit the back rim and the announcer would say, "Way off."
I want to follow the WNBA. But this season, their ad campaign is nonsensical and antagonizing. A WNBA player says offensive things about women's basketball and then text appears saying "She wouldn't say that. Would you?" First of all, she would say that, she just did! Second, why would you run a campaign antagonizing (bigoted) men?
The criticisms that the women describe are fairly extreme. Those men that feel women's basketball is fundamentally bad are not going to watch. But there are plenty of people who want to watch, but have legitimate gripes with the league. Promote the players. Promote the style of play. Show that these players are inspirations to young girls. Be honest. Be cute with the subject of men following the league. "Don't worry, you can watch women's basketball and still be a man," a player says sarcastically.
Meanwhile, it's clear that the league is improving. Candace Parker is fantastic. In her debut as a pro, she scored 34 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished 8 assists. But her numbers don't explain how good she is and how great she can be. Diana Taurasi is also an excellent player.
The league needs to change two other things. I don't want to hear the coaches yelling throughout the game. And the season should probably start later, when basketball fans are basketball starved. June 27, the date of the Zimbabwe run-off elections, would be a good date to begin the season.
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