06.20.2002 - I was inspired to start this fan page upon hearing of the 2002 WNBA All-Star balloting results thus far. Quite frankly, I was appalled at what I saw and had to take action. This year, as in previous years, the WNBA has released its ballot too early in a too short season. The ballot is printed before any of the players listed have seen any action. So, you have Maria Stepanova (Phoenix Mercury), who is pregnant and will not play this year on the ballot, along with her teammate, Brandy Reed, who has been suspended (for the second time in as many years) for conduct detrimental to the team. At the same time, you have players listed out of position. For example, Chasity Melvin is listed as a forward and Ann Wauters (both of Cleveland) is listed as a center, when in truth it is vice versa. By the way, has anyone noticed that Ruthie Bolton - two-time WNBA All Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist - is missing from the ballot?
I understand that it would be too expensive to re-print the ballots with corrections, but why not correct the errors on wnba.com? More people will vote online than they will at the arenas anyway, so why not give the players the opportunity to be voted in at their position?
My ire is not reserved for the WNBA alone, however. I am also disappointed in WNBA fans, voters, who don't see the value of a Debbie Black (Miami Sol) or an Andrea Stinson (Charlotte Sting). Debbie is the 2001 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. How can you not put her on your team? Her assist-to-turnover ratio alone (5.83) makes her a must-have. Stinson? There are no words to describe her game. Last night she poured in 27 points and 10 rebounds against the hottest team in the East, the Washington Mystics. She's an artist.
I could go on and on, and I plan to, but let's take this one day at a time. Today, I implore you, go out and cast your vote for some deserving players.
Here are my picks for the East:
Debbie Black Andrea Stinson Vickie Johnson Chasity Melvin Vicky Bullett
And for the West:
Ticha Penicheiro Ruthie Bolton Sheryl Swoopes Lauren Jackson Margo Dydek
You'll note that I've gone with a veteran line-up on both sides. I want to see great basketball, not fumbling rookies. I think Sue Bird, Swin Cash and others have great futures in this league, but I want to see the pros at work.
So go to www.wnba.com and vote for your favorites.
