that many men still don't get it. It was the same when I watched Arike's acceptance speech after winning the ESPY on YouTube. Several men, I call them asphalt warriors, boasted how they could 'take her' one on one. Amazing how fragile the egos of some men are.
When Ace was a Senior, I took a group of younger friends (late 20s, early 30s) to Pitt-Notre Dame. This group are the guys I ball with once/week and the question they asked on the way there was:
"Do you think we could beat this team."
Of course, I chuckled. So a few of them argued with me until ND came out and started shooting. Kayla McBride, in particular, shut them up with some lightning fast pull up 3s that touched nothing but net.
The ones after Arike's speech, were those complaining about how people say that the women's game is a purer form of basketball. Their response is usually "It's just a layup fest!" Two things about that:
1. Not every shot is a layup. That they think that shows that the only thing they think Basketball is about is the dunk.
2. They don't seem to realize that most people who use the phrase "purer form of basketball" are not fans of the dunk.
Edit: Those commenters would probably be shocked to learn that there were times when some in the sport suggested raising the baskets to 12' specifically to prevent dunking. "The ball is supposed to be shot, not dunked." was often their mantra.
I have always been a big fan of hers. Followed her when she was at ND. Love her style. I maybe wrong but the way Bri plays reminds me of Dev. When it comes to BB I have no ego. If Dev or Arike were in a game looking for players. I am on my knees begging to be with either one or both. When I was younger I sure could not shot a basketball. But I could run up and down the court looking silly all day long. I have been watching Womens BB since the Louisiana Tech, Immaculata and A. Meyers days. Women players have come a very long way. Not only are they technically and physically better. They are so much better and fun to watch. No problems watching a womens game over a mens.
I have worked and played with guys with huge egos. Couldn't stand being around them. No need for egos that big. Show me how good you are. Do not tell me. Guys with large egos can say a lot about that person and they all are not good.
Well that is my take on it. I'll always be a big fan and root for girls and players like Dev. and Arike.
SEG/Chief