Questions on hoops preferred
SAN ANTONIO — South Carolina’s Dawn Staley wishes the only narrative around the women’s
NCAA Tournament was about playing the games and capturing a national championship instead of having to advocate for a level playing field with the men.
Staley and others continue to address differences and inequality between the women’s and men’s tournaments. Of course as a coach, she would rather be spending her time talking about her next opponent and basketball strategies.
“Here’s the sad part,” Staley said last week. “I have to answer questions about this at the most exciting time of the year. We’ve gotten through a pandemic, yet we’re still in a place where we have to talk about equality.”
Staley’s Gamecocks, seeded No. 1 in the Hemisfair Region, continue their title quest against fifthseeded Georgia Tech today for a spot in the Elite Eight.
Staley has been outspoken on equality and encouraged players to speak out on issues they deem important. During this season, nine of 11 Gamecocks have sat during the national anthem to bring attention to racial equality.
While Staley supports the actions of her players, she has stood up during the anthem this season.
Staley is grateful for those who support wanting equal treatment for the tournaments.
“l’m hoping in my coaching career, things will change,” Staley said Friday. “But if not, we’ll keep fighting for the next generation of coaches and players and committee members and all those good people who want our game on equal footing.”
Here, Bella
Iowa made sure it had everything ready for the Sweet 16, including the cutout of Caitlin Clark’s golden retriever, Bella.
Bella’s picture was in the stands Saturday — much like its been during games and practices this season for the Hawkeyes. Cutouts in the stands have been a way for schools to connect with fans who couldn’t attend games in many places due to the pandemic restrictions.
So Bella, at least her cutout, has been a loyal and faithful attendee for Iowa all season. But it was a ruff finish for Bella and the Hawkeyes who were knocked out of tournament Saturday by top-seeded UConn, 92-72.