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WNBA Free Agent List 2019!

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January 12, 2019

WNBA Free Agency is just around the corner! Teams can officially begin to contact players and their representatives beginning the 15th of January. In the past it’s been difficult to gather a list of who is available but we’ve exclusively obtained this year’s free agency list. There are four different types of free agents. Below is an explanation of the different designations in free agency.

CORE PLAYERS – The Core designation gives that team exclusive negotiating rights with the player. Players can receive a Core designation only four times in their career.

RESERVED PLAYERS – Players with three or fewer years of service are considered to be Reserved Players. The player’s prior team has exclusive negotiating rights.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS – Players with four or five years of service are considered to be Restricted Free Agents. Restricted free agency gives the player’s prior team the right to keep the player by matching a contract offer the player signs with another team (Right of First Refusal). If the player signs a contract offer with another team, the player’s prior team has four days from the date it receives the offer to determine whether it wishes to match. If the offer is matched, the player will remain with her team. If the offer is not matched within the four-day period, the player will be under contract with the offering team.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS – An unrestricted free agent is free to sign with any team provided that she is not designated as a Core Player by her prior team.

See the list of free agents below and head over to our facebook page to discuss who you want your team to sign…

[Read more…]

*VIDEO* ADIDAS ‘When Creators Unite, She Breaks Barriers’

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December 11, 2018

On Monday during the NFL’s weekly Monday Night Football game, Adidas released their latest ad to empower women and girls in sport. It’s core message is that sports brings confidence and with confidence brings tomorrow’s leaders. All women should be given the opportunity to participate and break barriers in sport. WNBA champion Candace Parker who is one of Adidas’ most famous athletes is featured in the ad. To show their commitment, Adidas released an open letter to its employees and to communities around the country. The letter called on everyone to join the effort and together, level the playing field and co-create the future of women’s sport. Follow the brand’s initiative with the hashtag #creatorsunite. She Breaks Barriers film below.

Las Vegas Aces Ji-su Park Named WKBL Round 1 MVP

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Ji-su Park is currently 10th in scoring and 3rd in rebounding this season.

October 26, 2018

WNBA rookie Ji-su Park is off to a great start in her home country being named MVP of the first round of play in the Korean League. Park led her team to a 5-1 start while averaging a double double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. KB Stars currently sit in second place just behind defending champions Woori Bank. Her time spent in the WNBA looks to be paying off as she has been more physical and a more all around player. She averages almost 5 assists as a center. Her work this season will pay dividends when she returns to the Aces this summer more prepared for play in the W.

Korean League 2018-2019 Round 1

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November 5, 2018

The new format Korean League kicked off last week with last year’s champion Woori Bank remaining the team to beat. This season the Korean League decided to cap their foreign players to just one per team. In it’s most recent years each team fielded two foreigners. Foreigners suiting up this season are, Cheyenne Parker for KEB Hana Bank, Aisha Sutherland for Samsung, Shekinna Stricklen for Shinhan Bank S-Birds, Kayla Thornton for KB Stars, Damiris Dantas for OK Savings Bank and Krystal Thomas for Woori Bank. Thomas and Parker are the only two players without Korean League experience. KB Stars were the only team that selected a guard in this year’s draft. They were able to do so because they have 6’5” Korean League star post player Ji-su Park who made her WNBA debut last season for the Las Vegas Aces. There is one game everyday except for Tuesdays. The season will run from November 3rd through March 29th.

November 3, 2018

Woori Bank vs. Shinhan Bank 70-45

The season opener began with the defending champs Woori Bank taking on Shinhan Bank. Woori picked up where the left off thrashing Shinhan by 25 points. Shinhan kept the first half close, holding Woori to just eight points in the second quarter and headed into the half down by only six points. But in the third Woori Bank turned up their defense and held Shinhan to four points for the quarter. Shinhan Bank only scored 13 points in the second half which lead to their demise. Krystal Thomas led the way for Woori with a double double of 21 points and 16 rebounds. Park Hye-jin finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the win. Shekinna Stricklen lead the way for the S-Birds finishing with 15 points and 4 rebounds. No other player scored in double figures for Shinhan. PHOTOS

 

November 4, 2018

KB Stars vs. Samsung 60-55

KB stars, who lost in the finals last season began their 2018-19 campaign at home against Samsung. Narrowly escaping with a five point win, KB found themselves down by 11 points at the half. The second half was a different story as KB held Samsung to a measly 6 points in the third quarter and 7 in the fourth. It was their defense that held Sutherland to just 2 points for the game on 1-6 shooting. Thornton was unstoppable finishing with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Park Ji-su was held to only four points but pulled down 10 rebounds for the winners. Kimberly Robinson led the way for Samsung with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. PHOTOS 

 

November 5, 2018

OK Savings Bank vs. KEB Hana 89-85

Ok Savings Bank are the new owners of former cellar dwellers Winnus KDB who started the season on a high note with a win at home against KEB Hana. Savings Bank controlled the first half taking a ten point lead into halftime. KEB fought back cutting their deficit to just one point after an explosive 29 point third quarter. Hana kept it close but were unable to steal the win on the road. Damiris Dantas led the way with 26 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Three other players scored in double figures for OK Savings. Parker led the way with 20 points and 8 rebounds for Hana who saw five players score in double figures. PHOTOS

 

Standings

  1. Woori Bank 1-0
  2. KB Stars 1-0
  3. Ok Savings 1-0
  4. Samsung 0-1
  5. Shinhan 0-1
  6. KEB Hana 0-1

 

 

 

2018 Korean League Finals Game 1

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March 18, 2018

Woori Bank vs. KB Stars 63-57

The much anticipated WKBL Finals began on Saturday with first placed Wibee Woori Bank taking on second placed KB Stars. During the regular season KB took a 4-3 series lead over Woori. At the conclusion of the regular season Woori Bank replaced their foreign player Destiny Williams with Chicago Sky’s Amber Harris. Harris most recently played in the Chinese League which she finished in December.

Natalie Achonwa had a huge double double of 15 points and 17 rebounds in Game 1 of the WKBL Finals.

After winning the semi-finals in three games, KB only had one day to rest before the finals began. Meanwhile, Woori  were able to await their opponent as the first placed team automatically advances to the finals. In a sold out gym, where KB fans seemed to outnumber the home fans, the game did not disappoint. Woori Bank came out playing well, it was obvious that they were more fresh than KB as they held onto a six point lead after the first period. KB kept pace with the hosts in the second and cut the lead to four at the half.

Things picked up in the third where both foreign players are allowed to play at the same time. KB came out strong led by Monique Currie who led her team in scoring for the night with 18 points. At one point KB took the lead 40-37 with four minutes left in the third but Woori quickly went on a 9 to 2 run to recapture the lead heading into the fourth.

With a four point lead heading into the fourth, Woori were able to keep KB at a short distance. For every basket KB made, Woori had an answer. They were able to take advantage of KB’s turnovers and took a ten point lead with four minutes remaining in the game. KB fought back and cut the lead to three with less than two minutes to play but were unable to complete the upset. Natalie Achonwa was excellent for the winners as she finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds. Game two will be played in Asan, Woori’s home gym, on Monday the 19th. Check out some action shots from the game here.

 

Korean League Playoffs 2018

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March 13th 2018

KB Stars vs. Shinhan S-Birds  75-57

The Korean League (WKBL) began their playoffs on Sunday March 11th. The top three teams advance to the playoffs, while the first placed team automatically advances to the championship round. Woori Bank finished the season in first place with KB Stars and Shinhan S-Birds in second and third. Woori and KB sat atop the standings for the entire season where KB came close to stealing the first place position from Woori who have won the past six championships in the Korean League.

In the best of three series KB hosted Shinhan at home for game one. During the regular season KB had a 4-3 record against the S-Birds. In what most thought would be a competitive game, KB came out the gate on fire as they took a 25 to 12 lead to end the first quarter. In the second, Shinan kept the score close and KB took a 12 point lead into the half. KB picked things back up in the third and kept the game out of reach for Shinhan. KB saw four players score in double figures with Damiris Dantas leading the way with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Kim Damby lead all scorers for the S-birds with 12 points. KB hopes to end the series in two games to have more time to prepare for the championship round. Game two will be played on Tuesday on Shinan’s home court.

KB Stars Dantas 19pts 6rebs Currie 13pts 7rebs Gang Ajung 16pts Park Jisu 16pts 13rebs 6asts

Shinhan S-Birds Thornton 7pts 5rebs Gray 11pts 12rebs Kim Damby 12pts 5rebs

 

Cold As Balls with Candace Parker and Kevin Hart! Hilarious!

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February 17, 2018

Comedic superstar Kevin Hart recently began a series called “Cold As Balls” where he talks with professional athletes while sitting in tubs full of ice; a play on how athletes recover after training. He’s had very candid and quite hilarious conversations with the likes of Lavar Ball, Blake Griffin, Draymond Green and now Candace Parker. Candace didn’t back down from Keven’s line of questioning and actually challenged Hart on how much he actually knew about her. Find out why Parker decided to play basketball, who her favorite WNBA player is, why she’s so competitive and much more. Check out the hilarious video below where you get a look into Candace’s personality as she and Kevin have some good-natured banter.

 

Calling all Creators; Adidas Commercial Featuring WNBA Players C. Ogwumike and Parker!

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December 22, 2017

Adidas has been in the forefront in their quest to differentiate themselves from other traditional sports brands. They’ve done this by taking an unorthodox approach to who we typically see in ad’s and commercials. Adidas has found a way to reach the “culture” by using musical artists and influencers to spread their message. Most notably, Kanye West, whose Yeezy line has taken the world by storm, and has helped to make Adidas a recurring name in and around pop culture. In their latest spot, Adidas is ‘Calling All Creators’ “Those with the need, to make something new. The game changers, the difference makers, the boundary breakers, the tomorrow takers.” A call for everyone to bring their ideas to the table, to be fearless and to just create! During their round table discussion, featuring some of the most influential stars of sports and pop-culture, you first hear from WNBA player Chiney Ogwumike when she joins in on the conversation stating that “The game will never be the same.” Check out the video below and let us know what you think.

Korean League Round 2 Nov 19-23

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November 23, 2017

KDB vs. Shinhan Bank 55-64

KDB hosted Shinhan Bank Thursday night after both teams were coming off a loss in their previous outings. KDB has struggled in the interior as they have been playing with only one post player after losing their starter to an acl tear earlier in the season. Shinhan outrebounded KDB 35 to 55 which made all the difference in the game. Scoring only 22 points in the first half, KDB could not find their rhythm on offense without their leading scorer Jewel Loyd who missed the game due to injury. Things didn’t get much better in the second half for the hosts as they put on a valiant effort but still came out with another loss on their record. Kayla Thornton led the way for Shinhan finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

November 22, 2017

Samsung vs. KEB Hana 66-92

Playing another game without their star player Samsung really felt Thomas’ absence against KEB Hana; suffering their worst loss of the season in front of their home fans. After being down by just two points at the half Samsung was at a huge disadvantage during the third quarter as both foreigners are allowed to play together. Samsung, who have been without Alyssa Thomas for the past two games had to play with only one foreigner and it showed. KEB outscored Samsung 35 to 18 in the third and went on to win the game by 26 points. KEB had four players score in double figures while only Kayla Alexander scored in double figures for the home team.  [Read more…]

Korean League Round 2 Nov 15-18

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Damaris Dantas is averaging 22 points and 12 rebounds for KB Stars.

November 18, 2017

Samsung vs. KB Stars 73-83

Still without their leading scorer, Samsung faced a KB team looking to redeem their last two losses. KB Stars controlled the game from the start and played excellent until the fourth quarter when they allowed Samsung to outscore them 19 to 11. Despite KB’s lousy fourth quarter they were able to get back on the winning side of things. Damaris Dantas has been arguably the best player in the Korean League this season as she finished with a game high of 28 points and 14 rebounds. Samsung looks to be in trouble after losing Thomas to injury. They may bring in a replacement player to share the load with Alexander until Thomas can return. Now that both foreigners can play together in the third quarter Samsung are at a huge disadvantage having only one foreigner player available to play.

 

November 17, 2017

KEB Hana vs. Winnus KDB 78-82

KEB Hana found themselves on a winning streak coming into this game against a struggling KDB. KEB took a five point lead into the half but KDB went off in the third outscoring their opponents 28-12! KEB tried their best in the fourth to make up for their terrible third quarter but the damage had been done and KDB won their second game of the season! Jewell Loyd led the winners with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Gwathmy finished with a double double in the loss.

November 16, 2017

Woori Bank vs. Samsung 78-65

After a surprising start to the season, losing their first two games, Woori Bank has been a much better team each outing. Facing Samsung at home who were down their leading scorer in Alyssa Thomas, Woori Bank used a third quarter surge to seal the fate of the game. Samsung hung in the game for the first half and even found themselves with the lead but the second half was all Woori who saw four players score in double figures. Kayla Alexander who had to play all forty minutes of the game finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.

November 15, 2017

Shinhan Bank vs. KB Stars 74-70

After losing their first game of the season against KEB Hana in the last game of the first round KB Stars were back on the road against a Shinhan team who were desperate for a win. Shinhan started the game out much more aggressive than the visitors as they took an 11 point lead into the half. KB came out fighting after halftime and outscored Shinhan 11 to 20 in the quarter. They were only down by two points to start the fourth. Despite their efforts, Kayla Thornton was fantastic throughout the game. She led her team in scoring with a season high 37 points! Thornton made five of seven three pointers and had five steals on the night. After a hot start, Shinhan handed KB their second straight loss of the season.

 

Standings;

  1. Kb Stars 6-2
  2. Woori Bank 5-2
  3. Shinhan 3-4
  4. KEB Hana 3-4
  5. Samsung 3-5
  6. KDB 2-5