San Antonion coach Dee Brown on his team's flop this year. "I know what they are going through right now." Brown was the captain of the '96-97 Boston Celtics' team that finished with a franchise worst 15-67 record.

MJ

Inquirer's Mel Greenberg does comprehensive story quoting prominent WNBA players on drinking/partying atmosphere on college campuses. Taurasi, Mazzante, Dales-Schuman and Staley quoted on the subject. This is a good

read.

MJ

In same paper, Greenberg discusses possible hires to fill LaSalle's women's bball coaching job. He recommends associate coach Tom Lochner as interim then mentions Cheryl Reeve, assistant with Charlotte Sting, and Chrissie Dougan (nee Donahue), assistant at Cornell, as possible takers down the road.

MJ

Storm coach Anne Donovan not surprised by
nude photos of female athletes during Olympic build up. She says it all started when Brandi Chastain ripped off her shirt after scoring the winning penalty kick in the World Cup. Donovan says nude photos o.k. although she doesn't approve of it to sell tickets.

MJ

Jackie Stiles, former WNBA rookie of the year and scoring phenom,

back in the operating room, this time for ankle surgery. She'll be sidelined 3-4 months.

MJ

Sue Bird collaborates on a book for children. "Be Yourself" is part of a series of kids' books. Others by Mariners Edgar Montgomery (Patience Pays) and Houston's Sheryl Swoopes (Bounce Back). "Hopefully kids will buy it and learn from it," Bird said.

MJ

Attention marketing folks. Large Russian community in Brighton Beach, should be courted as fans, according to Liberty's Elena Baranova. She wants her countrymen to come to games but says "It's hard for people here to buy tickets."

MJ

Pat Summitt, Tennessee coach and Mystic consultant, quoted on MIA status of Chamique Holdsclaw. "She's okay, everything is fine." Summitt found out from Mystics' President of Basketball Operations Judy Holland Burton about Holdsclaw's need to miss a game due to "personal resons." At least Mique let someone know she'd be out of action.

MJ

Sacramento now calling its reserves the "bench mob." Monarchs bench players EACH averaging nine minutes. Backup Ruthie Bolton was a big factor in Sacramento's victory over Indiana Sunday. Her three with 4:54 left regained the lead for the Monarchs. She finished with nine points.

MJ

Got to admire Monarchs' coach John Whisenant philosophy on substitutions. "If you only use your reserves in blowouts they don't feel the pressure under the gun."

MJ