Whoooooooooooooohuuuy! Go Ladies, you’ve turned the sports world on its ear. Well, given the fact you went the entire season undefeated at home and swept through the playoffs undefeated, you should have- but I’m not sure that is the case.
But why not? It is true the W of the NBA stands for a purer version of play relative to their W-less counterparts (the men’s game). But it’s also true, the physical aesthetics and quasi-And 1 presentation of the men’s game, makes it (for the average fan) more enjoyable to watch. On the surface, the female game seems to lack the hyper-athleticism necessary to keep a highlight-hungry fan base on the edge of their seats. However, a closer look reveals a great deal of acrobatic activity in the women’s game, but it goes without notice because the game (outside of an occasional above the rim assault) is still played below the basket.
I’ve theorized for years that lowering the basket in the women’s game would revolutionize the sport – at least from a marketing standpoint. In conjunction with clean fundamental play, we’d also be able to see varying degrees of athleticism amongst the women. Eventually, Doctor J and MJ like figures would emerge replete with “high-flying” and memorable facials just like the fellas.
The game would capture the imagination of the ”average” fan–who seem to need that type of entertainment to be happy. Revenues would soar. A new generation of lady hoopers would become instantaneous “baller$”, as endorsements deals would keep pace with burgeoning contracts for coaches and players.
Of course, with a new lease on the highlight life, the women’s game would eventually suffer the same maladies as the men’s game-from a purist or Hi-Sci (highly scientific) standpoint. Young girls will become enamored with dunking ( just like the boys) and pin-point shooting and fundamental applications in play will become “old” school, sooner rather than later perhaps.
What the heck… at some point the game will transition on its own anyway—right? SoOh….why not lower the basket for higher appeal now and get that transition over with already? After all, it’s a small price to pay for entry into the “big-time”, with an expanded fan and salary base for everybody ..... .right?
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