Many people, including myself, were shocked by her abrupt departure. There were rumors that Holdsclaw was depressed and that she had lost her love for the game. Though she had played  in the WNBA for seven seasons and averaged 17.7 points per game, Holdsclaw never seemed as comfortable or motivated in the WNBA as she did at Tennessee under Pat Summit’s guidance.

Chamique Holdsclaw only played five games for the L.A. Sparks before retiring abruptly in 2007.

Sometimes it’s good to step away from things and situations in order to get a better perspective. Two years after her sudden retirement, Holdsclaw is returning to the WNBA to play for the Atlanta Dream.

Seeing her on the court this season will be a “Dream” come true for her hometown of Atlanta. According to ESPN, Holdsclaw said the fan support made her “hungry” again and the thought of playing at home was appealing.

The Dream have also signed several other veterans, including Michelle Snow, Nikki Teasley and Sancho Lyttle.

Photo provided by Newscom.

Post from: EveryJoe

The Atlanta Dream Sign Chamique Holdsclaw

When filling out my ESPN brackets for the Women’s NCAA Tournament, I came across the Tennessee vs. Ball St. match-up.

Pat Summit wasn’t at all surprised that her young and inexperienced Lady Vols received the 5th ranked spot in the Berkeley region. I saw her being interviewed after it was announced that her team would be playing against 12th ranked Ball St.

She made a mention of how they’d have to study some tape and do a little research on the relatively unknown team from the MAC conference.

That’s when I though, “uh oh. This has upset written all over it.”

Ball St. came into this match-up with three key things:

1. Confidence

2. Nothing to lose

3. Porchia Green

Combine those factors with a first-year, but experienced coach in Kelly Packard and you’ve got the perfect storm for probably the biggest upset in the Women’s NCAA Tournament history.

I don’t think even Pat Summit saw this one coming. But Ball St. thought it was possible to beat one of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball. And because I also thought it was possible, my bracket it still in very much in the running.

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Post from: EveryJoe

The Biggest Upset Of The Women’s NCAA