Friday, July 2nd, 2010 at 11:56 am  |  24 responses

On the Road with the Phoenix Mercury

SLAM gets unprecedented access inside the WNBA.

Lang’s epic post on his time on the road with the Atlanta Hawks was some of the finest writing and reporting the NBA has ever seen; rarely have we gotten such a detailed and thorough glimpse in to the lives and daily grinds of players. Perhaps more importantly, we were privy to a more of a human side of the players and got to see how normal they are – it’s their career choice that is so extraordinary.

Immediately, I pitched an idea to Ben about how different life is on the road in the WNBA. I do some writing for PhoenixMercury.com and have a pretty solid relationship with the players and coaches so traveling with Phoenix was the first and obvious choice.

While it’s no secret the NBA and WNBA are two incredibly different leagues, it may surprise you just how polarizing the differences are. Players in the NBA, NFL, MLB, etc. are fortunate enough to have private planes, catered food, millions of dollars in salaries and the luxury of bypassing much of the traditional airport experience. In the WNBA, however, everything (literally, everything) is different. WNBA players take home a fraction of what the 12th guy on an NBA team makes and, perhaps more surprising; they travel with the general public. Like the rest of us, they check-in at the curb, sit next to random people on a flight, and wait an eternity for their bags. These are some of the best and most well-known basketball players in the world – and they do this year after year simply because they love the game.

***

by Ben York / @bjyork

locker-room2“How was it?” My fiancée excitedly asked. I had just arrived back in Phoenix after spending the past week in Seattle and Los Angeles with the Phoenix Mercury, 2009 WNBA Champions. Being a lifelong fan of the WNBA, she was excited to hear the intricacies and behind the scenes scoop of life on the road for a professional athlete.

“Umm…,” I poetically replied. If I’m honest, I had no clue how to articulate the extent to which the previous week impacted me; it was that profound. I thought for a moment, took a deep breath, and continued.

“My faith and admiration for professional athletes has been renewed.”

Bold? Yep. Exaggerated? Not at all.

As I’m sure the reader can attest to, my response wasn’t remotely close to what my fiancée expected. “Okay…what exactly happened on that trip?”

“If I tell it right,” I replied, “I think it could really change the way some of the doubters look at the WNBA; maybe, finally, help the players get some long overdue respect.”

Don’t believe me? Keep reading.

  • Add a Comment
  • Share
  • RSS

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • http://slamonline.com/ Ryne Nelson

    So thorough, Ben. Seemed like I was right there with you and the team.

  • Pingback: SLAM ONLINE | » Hot Topics

  • http://www.slamonline.com Ben York

    Thanks, Ryne – it was an absolute blast.

  • Emily Smith

    People call me strong all the time (and you know why). But I think strength comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms. These women are stronger in body than I could ever hope to be. And mentally, I think we’re about equal. The monotony would get to me. Then again, I have the same schedule every day and that might bother some of them! About the sign…uh..that sounded so much like me that I didn’t even laugh! I thought, “Dang, Ben..it really is a miracle we’re both alive!” LOL ;-) Great article. Great trip (despite the losses). I love the sport. I love the league. But mostly, I love this team! *walks off humming “mighty mercury”*

  • caune

    Great job Ben, as usual. These players deserve any respect and admiration people can give them and your article conveyed both right nicely!

    Having been on a road trip with the team back in the Cheryl Miller days all I can say is, ain’t Bridget a trip, LOL. I’d like to take her with me everywhere I go she’s so much fun!

  • http://slamonline.com Ben Osborne

    Unbelievably thorough. Thanks so much. One positive to publishing online: your pics lived!

  • Kelly

    Thank you so much Ben for continuing to love this league, report on it accurately and lovingly, and for giving these women the respect they so deserve! It’s so clear that the players are in it for the love of the game, and this is truly inspiring. I can’t think of another pro league that has their dedication, class and integrity all the way around! I love this league, and love the Mercury!

  • http://www.slamonline.com Ben York

    @caune – thanks so much. Bridget was hilarious!

  • http://www.slamonline.com Ben York

    @Kelly – Thanks for the kind words.

  • http://www.slamonline.com Ben York

    @Ben – haha, that’s a good point! And, thanks.

  • Mike

    Your fiancee is a life long fan? So she’s thirteen? What the hell is going on in AZ?

  • Nicole Dwyer

    I loved reading about what it is like being on the road with the Mercury. You are so right the women of the WNBA deserve respect and it is about time they get some. Hopefully more people realize that women can play basketball at the same level as the men.

  • http://www.slamonline.com Ben York

    @Mike – ha.

  • http://bleacherreport.com/users/42594-hoops4life Overtime

    Great piece Ben, would def like a few more of these.
    I am also very jealous of the dude that met Diana Taurasi

  • Mike

    I want some of what Nicole is ingesting!

  • Emily @iheartsports22

    Awesome! I’m jealous Ben! Too bad you had to cut this down to fewer words…I would have enjoyed reading more!

  • http://thetroyblog.com Teddy-the-Bear

    Great stuff!

  • hushabomb

    Great to see the women’s game get much needed respect! To think that these ladies go thru all that then play overseas for more money jus goes to show the dedication these ladies have.
    P.S. Diana Taurasi must have read the article about how touching each other leads to wins:)

  • Storm Fans

    As the “Heckler” in Seattle, we will respect Phoenix for being the defending champion – but we look forward to homecourt advantage and seeing them again in the playoffs. D is always fun except when she is spitting on our court.

  • Eddie

    Ben,really enjoyed the article. This along with many other WNBA related articles which you wrote have attached appropriate kudos to the league and the special array of multi talented athletes who play in it. It is refreshing to see a serious journalist properly publicising this league and attempting to raise its profile so that it attains the level of respect that this league thoroughly deserves. As a Mercury fan I have followed their fortunes over the last few years including WNBA titles in 2007 & 2009.
    The insight which your article delivers and which can be seen through various videos on the Mercury website profiles very clearly how humble and grounded these women are despite their enormous talent. These women are immersed in a team first ethic where the word ego does not exist. The bond and support the have for each other is an inspiration
    and indicative of the sheer undulterated joy that playing basketball gives them. I salute Mercury women’s professionalism and humilty and continue to support them in their continued quest to turn those narrow defeats into victories and their gloried attempt to defend their WNBA title. Continue to big up these women, they are heroes and they deserve it.

  • http://slamonline.com/ Tzvi Twersky

    Well worth the read.

  • http://www.slamonline.com Lang Whitaker

    Great stuff, Ben.

  • Karena Black

    Thanks for the inside look.We love the Merc and became season ticket holders. We’ll keep cheering them on and being part of the fan base to help boost the WNBA!

  • Pingback: SLAM ONLINE | » In Defense of Diana Taurasi

Advertisement
Counterkicks
Fullcourt.com