Basketball Players, Coaches Excited For Prospect Of WNBA In Tulsa

WNBA officials say they have a big announcement for Tuesday and all signs point to moving the Detroit Shock to Tulsa. Women basketball players and coaches say it would bring the sport some much-needed exposure.

Monday, October 19th 2009, 9:47 pm

By: News On 6

Basketball Players, Coaches Excited For Prospect Of WNBA In Tulsa

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa is poised to become a big league city Tuesday. WNBA officials say they have a big announcement and all signs point to moving the Detroit Shock to Tulsa.

The much anticipated move would give the BOK Center another professional team to call it home. Women basketball players and coaches say it would also bring the sport some much-needed exposure.

A few days into their first season at ORU, freshmen Savanna Buck and Kevi Luper are vying for playing time on the Golden Eagle's basketball team. But in a couple of years, they hope to be vying for spots on a WNBA roster.

"I know I'm definitely looking to go to the next level. I think most of the team is. It's good," said Kevi Luper, ORU freshman.

The players say they are delighted to hear that the Detroit Shock is leaving the Motor City and coming to Green Country.

"I think it's awesome. I think it's going to bring a lot of attention to women's basketball and really make a name for it, so I'm excited," said Savanna Buck, ORU freshman.

TU head coach Charlene Thomas-Swinson shares that excitement. Before arriving in Tulsa, she was a WNBA assistant coach in Orlando. She says the league will provide role models for young girls and will help her pitch to potential players.

"They get a chance to see it and it's right here in our backyard. I think it's an exciting time. I think it's awesome for our game and I definitely think it will be an advantage for us as well," said Charlene Thomas-Swinson, TU women's basketball coach.

Of course, not everyone is sold on the WNBA. Attendance problems have plagued the league and are part of the reason the Detroit Shock is coming to Tulsa. But coach Thomas urges skeptical fans to give the new team a shot.

"Once they get in and get a good grasp and clench of the excitement and level of play those young ladies play at, they come back," said Charlene Thomas-Swinson.

Tulsa will become the second smallest city with a WNBA team.

The official announcement from the Tulsa Group and the WNBA comes Tuesday at a news conference.