One week until the start of WNBA season

Pro:

WNBA President Laurel Richie has issued a statement on the passing of Margo Dydek earlier today.

The league is testing for interest in Albequerque, New Mexico by staging a game there tomorrow: Sparks vs. Mercury at 6 p.m. MDT. The Sparks and their coaching staff left on a plane this morning.

Connecticut Sun guard Kara Lawson discusses the next step in the evolution of her game.

Prep:

ESPN has done a story like mine on Oregon prep star Mercedes Russell. In theirs, they even use the term “under the radar,” like we did. But they might want to note that Russell is from Springfield – not Eugene.

She is currently trying out for the U16 team in Colorado. ESPN’s Chris Hansen is there, and will provide full reports soon.