Great Britain’s women will be feeling a little like United’s beaten Champions League final stars at the moment.
Atlanta Dream last night dished out a lesson every bit as harsh as Barca’s was for the Reds on Saturday evening.
It was an exercise in domination, witnessed by a decent crowd at the MEN Arena, that proved that the cream of the US – and therefore the world – is just too good for the best of British.
But while United’s demoralising defeat might leave them wondering where they go next in competing with the elite of the elite, for Tom Maher’s side an 82-51 loss to one of the WNBA’s powerhouses was simply another step on a steep learning curve.
GB head to Poland next for Eurobasket 2011 and then on to the 2012 Olympics knowing tests like this are vital as they strive to improve.
And if head coach Maher was philosophical about defeat, the Arena crowd revelled in the skills of some players of genuine class, with the guard combo of Coco Miller (23 points) and Lindsey Harding (11 points and five assists) shining brightly.
“It was a great experience and one that will stand us in great stead for the Euros,” said Maher. “It’s not just coach talk when you set goals other than winning for your team.
“We want a team that the British public can be proud of - a style of play that is attractive to crowds, young kids, sponsors. I want to win as well and if you see us get to the second round (at the Euros) then I’ll be doing the happy dance.”
Julie Page, with Lauren Thomas-Johnson one of two Manchester players in GB’s starting five, echoed her coach’s view.
“They are physically and athletically stronger and faster than us,” said the forward, who hit 10 points behind the Brits’ top-scorer Kim Butler.
“Our challenge was to counter what they were throwing at us with our basketball brain.
“It was just another step in the right direction in learning what we need to do when that’s thrown at us. You can’t teach that in practise – so it’s absolutely invaluable to our preparation for Eurobasket.
“At the start we were trying to match them athletically, but later in the game we were taking our time, talking a breath and being smarter. As the game went on we got more comfortable. In the second half we did a much better job.”
Page, with Butler, was one of GB’s few real scoring threats along with, in spells, the inside option of Azania Stewart, who hit seven.
But Dream’s stifling defence and clinical finishing when open meant GB spent virtually the whole game chasing.
And 24 turnovers, to Dream’s 11 - which led to 28 points for the Americans - made it an uphill battle.
Victories over Latvia, Montenegro and Croatia in other warm-up games are probably better indicators of where GB stand.
And the return of their most talented player, the injured Jo Leedham, won’t do them any harm either.
What do you think? Have your say.
WNBA show GB the way to go
May 29, 2011
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The arena looked very impressive hosting this match yesterday, it was my first time back in the M.E.N since the Giants days a decade ago, and brought back good memories once i seen the hardwood layed out and the baskets standing tall at each end.
I'm sure the logistics of it were provided by the WNBA's connections?
But if it was down to British Basketball and the MCC providing the funds for the logistics then it shows that the arena is there /the investment is there for the soon to be reformed Giants team to take full advantage of!!!!
Anyhow there was only one team in it though as the Atlanta team did their job comfortably seeing the GB national team off, as has been said in the official report the ladies have to take the lessons from it to improve, it must be hard for the team to be together for any good period of time with many of the ladies playing for different european clubs or north american colleges.
But the side is youthful enough with lots of girls waiting in the winds at u20 and u16 pointed out in the crowd by the arena announcer so the future can only be bright.
With this also being the first time i've watched a womens basketball match it is obviously a different type of play than the mens game, but has so many of it's own positives for young girls looking up to the ladies playing yesterday.
There was lots of girls in the crowd so hopefully many of them will want to get involved in the game now.
One thing to note i think it was not the best idea handing out those blue air clapper things for free as they were being used as weapons to beat up on each other in the crowd most of the match (hence a lot of attention was diverted off the game) and annoying some of us at the same time.
Here's to next year now i hope we find out how this offer of tickets will be implemented to us in attendance yesterday as soon as possible.
Great evening! Thank You for bringing this event and more to come to our city!!!!!