After two weeks off, the Dream returned to practice last week with a new frame of mind. With some time off to let their frustrations from a 3-24 record subside, the team thinks it’s poised to finish off the final seven games in a positive fashion.
The practices have been fast and furious, as the coaching staff has treated the break almost as another preseason. Betty Lennox didn’t hesitate when asked how to describe it: “It’s training camp.”
Going back to the drawing board may be just what the doctor ordered. The team wasn’t together until the tail end of camp in April, and this has finally given them some extended practice time together.
Meanwhile, head coach Marynell Meadors is implementing new wrinkles on both sides of the ball, especially in the half-court offense, an area where the Dream have struggled mightily this season.
NEW ADDITION
Nikki Teasley has had a productive career as a point guard in the WNBA but was unsigned for 2008, as she was pregnant and had a baby in early June. The Dream changed that by signing the North Carolina alum for the rest of the season. Teasley is known most for her playmaking ability, averaging five assists per game over her six-year career. She also was the first player in ACC history to lead the league in assists for four consecutive seasons. And at 6-foot, she’s a tough cover for any point guard.
“Having Nikki gives us a chance to throw some different looks out there,” Meadors said. “It allows us to move Ivory [Latta] and Kristin [Haynie] to the two.”
Meadors also said that Teasley is still around 10 pounds overweight, but with plenty of practice time over the rest of the month, the team is hoping to get her onto the court as soon as possible.
DESOUZA PRACTICES
After re-injuring her leg in the final game before the Olympic Break, Erika DeSouza decided to remain with the team in Atlanta rather than traveling to Beijing to support her teammates on the Brazilian National Team. DeSouza would have been a part of that team, but the injury kept her from competing. Although it was originally reported that DeSouza would go to Beijing, she ended up deciding to stay in town since she was so far away from 100 percent. Like Teasley, the Dream are trying to get her back in shape in hopes of getting her back onto the court this season.
The Dream will hope to close out the season strong starting next week with a home matchup on Aug. 29 against Connecticut. They will then travel to Indiana the following evening for a 7 p.m. matchup with the Fever. The Dream will look to play spoiler in both games, as the Sun are fighting for the top spot in the East while the Fever are currently clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
Loading ...
