WNBA’S DREAM CONFIRM GB CLASH
- Updated: March 17, 2011
Atlanta Dream head coach Marynell Meadors says her side will use its clash with Team GB to Manchester in May as a bonding experience as they bid to return to the WNBA Finals.
Last season’s Championship runners-up will play a friendly against Tom Maher's women at the MEN Arena in May 29, the first time a WNBA club has travelled to Europe.
Britain’s women will use the tie as a warm-up for the Eurobasket finals in Poland.
“I think it is a fantastic opportunity for the GB team and obviously is a great moment for the WNBA to come over and play in Europe,” said GB player Jo Leedham, who was drafted into the WNBA last summer.
“I think it is great for women's basketball especially in the UK, and by having such a quality team in the Atlanta Dream as opponents, I feel it can only inspire many more young players in Britain. It will be a huge test for our team, but will help in our preparations and will be an exciting moment for GB and for the WNBA alike.”
And Team USA star Angel McCoughtry believes the overseas tour will assist their efforts during the campaign.
“My teammates and I are looking forward to the opportunity to compete in the first WNBA game to be played in Europe,” said Dream forward Angel McCoughtry.
“Women’s basketball is truly a global game and that is something we want to continue to grow. This is an exciting way for us to tip off our season and promote the game leading up to the 2012 Olympics.”
“I think we’ll be much better now we’ve had a taste of the Finals,” she claimed.
“In the franchise’s first year, we went 4-30. In the second, we won 18 games and in the third 23 and got to the Championship round.
“We’re still looking at adding some players in free agency and it’s easier because we’re a team people want to join.
“We’ve not signed anyone yet but we’re talking to a guard and a post (player). But even if we don’t sign any free agents, we have to remember this is a team which reached the Finals and has one more year of experience.”
Tickets for the friendly go on sale on March 22.
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