“We Got Chicago: The WNBA’s Chicago Sky.”

By Ronit Bezalel

Can you believe the WNBA is entering its 10 th season? A decade and how its flown by since the initial “We got next” ad campaign.

This year the slogan should be “We Got Chicago.” After a long wait, the windy city finally has a WNBA team, the Chicago Sky. While most WNBA franchises are partnered with the city’s NBA team, the Sky operates independently from the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls declined to offer support when they were approached by the WNBA. So, ten years later real estate developer Michael Alter stepped in and bought the team himself

The Sky are in the capable hands of Coach David Cowens, a former Hall of Fame center for the Boston Celtics. So far, he’s impressed with his gutsy new squad. “We’ve been working them pretty hard, and I’m really proud of their efforts.”

Although enthusiasm is high, the players have their work cut out for them. While other WNBA teams have been together for years, the Sky is starting from scratch. Players have less than one month to prepare for their first regular season game. Most have only arrived in town recently after playing basketball overseas. The learning curve will be steep.

The Sky looked sharp in their pre-season game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Everyone in the house was dubious about the Sky’s ability to win this one. The team was facing Lisa Leslie, Chamique Holdsclaw, and the superb Los Angeles Sparks. The Sky had only practiced together for two weeks.

True to predictions, the Sky started the game shakily, rushing shots and playing nervously. They settled down and held the Sparks to just two points in the second quarter. The Sky won the game, 78-73, to the delight of their fans. It may only be the pre-season, but it was an encouraging start.

Candice Dupree, the Sky’s first round draft pick is poised to become a Chicago favorite with her lightening quick moves and stellar defense. She was named the 2005 Atlantic player of the year and led Temple to two NCAA appearances.

“Candice is really smooth, she’s what you would call a real natural,” coach Cowens said. “She understands the game, she’s smart, she’s got great timing.”

Candice made an impact in the pre-season game against the Sparks, scoring 11 points and snagging 4 defensive rebounds. After the game, Candice and the team signed autographs for the mob of adoring fans.

It should be a fun season in a sports hungry town.

Lookout Chicago. The WNBA has arrived in Chicago. And the Sky’s the limit.

 

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