So far, so good for Libs in WNBA bubble
Despite reports of bed bugs, boxed lunches and mouse traps, nobody from the New York Liberty is complaining about conditions inside the bubble on the campus of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
Unlike their NBA brethren who have complained about food and “Motel 6’’ accommodations at Disney World, the WNBA players are happy to have a season.
Forward Leaonna Odom said it’s like being back to college dormitories.
“It’s a lot like college as far as the environment of the bubble,’’ Odom said during a Zoom call Sunday as the WNBA gets ready to kick off its 22game season on July 24. “We’re staying on the campus all around each other.”
Before arriving in the bubble five days ago, the WNBA announced seven players out of 137 tested positive for coronavirus from testing that was conducted between June 28 and July 5.
First-year coach Walt Hopkins said there were no complaints from his players. Deadspin reported two teams moved accommodations because of bed bugs.
“Honestly, I’ve seen there’s been that kind of stuff,’’ Hopkins said.
“None of the players has said that stuff to me. I’m happy. I’m pretty low maintenance. I’ve lived in a lot of different places the last seven years. It’s a nice hotel. I’ve been to some of the villas. It’s beautiful. I know accommodations aren’t the same across the board, but I only what I’ve seen, and it’s actually been really nice.”
The Liberty, who finished 10-24 last season, earned the top pick of the draft and selected marquee shooting guard Sabrina Ionescu out of Oregon.
The downer is the anticipated backcourt of Ionescu and Asia Durr will be scrapped because the latter tested positive for coronavirus and will miss the season. Durr was the No. 2 pick of the 2019 draft.
Ionescu has called for team video chats for players to talk about nonbasketball stuff. Only two players return from last season.
“Sabrina — everything’s easy and natural,’’ Hopkins said. “She’s really careful — she doesn’t want any preferential treatment. She doesn’t want anyone to think she shouldn’t have something we don’t have and be entitled. She’s just a quiet, teamfirst, hardworking person. She’s been a joy to coach. I joke a lot that she’s the biggest pain on the team.’’