Lynx and Storm differ on reports of conditions; Delle Donne may sit out the upcoming season
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and center Sylvia Fowles are keeping positive attitudes about the conditions in their Florida bubble, and the two have mostly good things to report from their time thus far.
Neither player had complaints about flying commercially to Florida, and Collier said she was happy with the villa she’s staying in.
“We don’t want to be that team that complains,” Fowles said. “We want to try to work things out as much as possible, and if it’s out of our control, we just have to go with it and suck it up.”
Their experience differs from some players, who have reported subpar food and housing conditions among other issues.
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The Seattle Storm, for example, entered the bubble with varying opinions and experiences. Forward Alysha Clark was particularly outspoken, arguing that the outside appearance of the villas did not line up with the actual interiors of their stay.
“Our (players’ association) had busted its tail this past offseason to make sure we get great travel conditions and great living conditions when it comes to being down here at IG,” Clark said. “(Initially) seeing the villas and stuff, you’re like, wow, this is really nice. And then getting here and that not being the case.
In New Zeland, the sports world is resuming with a focus on women’s sports. The push has been not only emotional but economic: the Sal’s woman’s basketball team, the national team in New Zeland, received a $200,000 financial aid package to make sure the season wasn’t lost.
At the local level, most schools are already back on the hardwood, and a new “Girls Got Game” program is encouraging girls in the country to pick up basketball.
The reigning champs may be unable to repeat last year’s success, as Elena Delle Donne announced she may not head to Bradenton pending a review from a board of independent physicians. Tina Charles also may not join the squad. If Delle Donne is absent this season, Ariel Atkins will be the only starter from last year’s championship run to return to the team.