₦airaland Forum

BascoVanVeli:
Dawn Staley is very relevant because u made it seem like this was just a charity situation. Schools are actually trying to birth future coaches by doing this.

I also don't understand how u are calling her job a part-time one when the school never said such. Her having to finish the WNBA is the same as Rena going to AfroBasket in the middle of the season or Randy Waldrum not starting a season with Pitt University because he was at the Olympics.

For this last part, I am sure u know there is a difference between coaching USA and playing for Nigeria.

"First, her position isn't consequential as it's more of a part time thing colleges do for former students, she isn't the only one who has that role".

This is literally the direct quote of what I said. How does this remotely suggest the inference you made? How did you reach the "charity situation" conclusion from the aforementioned? I said her role wasn't consequential (it isn't) as teams have full time assistant coaches they rely on and I also said there are other players with same role.

Second, a part time job is literally the description of all the names you mentioned. It doesn't make it any less glamorous, it's just part time. Randy was a part time coach for the falcons. This is a direct quote made by an NFF official to the BBC on Randy's role as coach of the Super Falcons:

"Managing a country like Nigeria should not be on a part-time basis".

Rena is also a part time coach for Nigeria. Being part time doesn't mean unserious, it's just the nature of basketball national team coaching gigs.

Finally, if coirse there is a difference between Kara and Michaela. The difference is that being head coach of Duke, Kara has more of a reason not to attend this tournament than Michaela seeing the tournament itself isn't consequential as team USA has already qualified. So if there's anyone with a better excuse not to attend it's Kara not Michaela who's assistant role isn't as consequential.

Kara isn't also the only name I brought up. Even if we were to if kre her, why did you miss the fact that I highlighted other of Michaela's contemporaries who have exactly the same role has she does yet are able to excuse themselves when other commitments come up. Rhyne Howard is literally as assistant coach at Florida but was excused to join unrivalled and now with team USA.

BascoVanVeli:
Don't worry. Oluchi Akananwa, Uche Izoje and Christeen Iwuala are coming after the NCAAs.

Wakama can also invite the likes of Nunu Agara and Ehis Etute to the squad. Ehis has recorded a double-double in each of her last 4 games!

lovewins:
Williams and Micheala are not making the USA team, not by a long shot so their playing for Nigeria boils down to the intersection of their willingness and Coach/NBBF extending them an invitation.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but Kiki isn't making another USA team in the foreseeable future. If at all, maybe an americup tournament (a good tournament they lately only send college players to) or a world cup qualifying tournament like this one. But she's not making a world cup or Olympics roster. I just do not see it.

The reason she's in this at all is because a lot of the first team players and others ahead of her in the pecking order sat out. I also believe USA Basketball did this to tie down her allegaince. By this WNBA draft you'll be having bigs like Lauren Betts and subsequently Sarah Strong, Audi Crooks, Joyce Edwards etc. joining the queue.

I hope I'm wrong and she goes on to have a fantastic USA career, but that is likely to happen only if she becomes the top 3 in her position and I just do not see it. I personally wouldn't want her to play for Nigeria anymore. She's made her choice she should stick to it.

Kiki Iriafen should have chosen Nigeria over the USA. She would had have an illustrious career with DTigress . Automatic starting role with DTigress.

PDPGuy:
Wakama can also invite the likes of Nunu Agara and Ehis Etute to the squad. Ehis has recorded a double-double in each of her last 4 games!

Ehis is a member of the Luxembourg national team. She's participated in several FIBA tournaments. It's why I didn't include her in the list of eligibie players.

Nunu struggled this year and quite frankly wasn't great. If she's able to get her degree earlier like Kiki did, I'll prefer she leaves Stanford and go try out in another college under a better coach. The Stanford program has been mediocre the last few years.

lovewins:
Ehis is a member of the Luxembourg national team. She's participated in several FIBA tournaments. It's why I didn't include her in the list of eligibie players.

Nunu struggled this year and quite frankly wasn't great. If she's able to get her degree earlier like Kiki did, I'll prefer she leaves Stanford and go try out in another college under a better coach. The Stanford program has been mediocre the last few years.

Got it. It’s quite sad how Stanford’s program fell off so fast!

Anyways, I think these players, barring injury and/or a catastrophic loss of form, will be guaranteed a place in the 2026 World Cup roster: Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, Pallas, Victoria Macaulay, Amy Okonkwo, Murjanatu Musa, and Ifunanya Okoro.

Everyone else’s position is definitely open to be taken by newcomers. Blessing Ejiofor hasn’t had any minutes, yet, in this WWCQT, which really casts a shadow on whether she would even be in Wakama’s WC plans.

lovewins:
"First, her position isn't consequential as it's more of a part time thing colleges do for former students, she isn't the only one who has that role".

This is literally the direct quote of what I said. How does this remotely suggest the inference you made? How did you reach the "charity situation" conclusion from the aforementioned? I said her role wasn't consequential (it isn't) as teams have full time assistant coaches they rely on and I also said there are other players with same role.

Second, a part time job is literally the description of all the names you mentioned. It doesn't make it any less glamorous, it's just part time. Randy was a part time coach for the falcons. This is a direct quote made by an NFF official to the BBC on Randy's role as coach of the Super Falcons:

"Managing a country like Nigeria should not be on a part-time basis".

Rena is also a part time coach for Nigeria. Being part time doesn't mean unserious, it's just the nature of basketball national team coaching gigs.

Finally, if coirse there is a difference between Kara and Michaela. The difference is that being head coach of Duke, Kara has more of a reason not to attend this tournament than Michaela seeing the tournament itself isn't consequential as team USA has already qualified. So if there's anyone with a better excuse not to attend it's Kara not Michaela who's assistant role isn't as consequential.

Kara isn't also the only name I brought up. Even if we were to if kre her, why did you miss the fact that I highlighted other of Michaela's contemporaries who have exactly the same role has she does yet are able to excuse themselves when other commitments come up. Rhyne Howard is literally as assistant coach at Florida but was excused to join unrivalled and now with team USA.

I brought up Dawn Staley to explain why this is being done. I also told u from the beginning that it is not about anybody stopping Micheala. That I feel it is about her wanting to stay with her team during the most important part of the season. I never said she is being forced to stay.

We are talking about American universities why are u bringing up the NFF Tell me what Pitt University said. Did Pitt tell anyone that Randy was their part-time coach? What about Chicago Sky? They did announce Rena as a part time coach?

When Kara took the job, Duke knew she would be leaving whenever USA called. Nobody is going to frown at that because u are representing the United States.

I'm glad u mentioned those other players because are we saying Michaela would not be playing in Athletes Unlimited or even abroad if she wanted? The fact she passed on all other options should let u know she is taking this very seriously.

Redman44:
Kiki Iriafen should have chosen Nigeria over the USA. She would had have an illustrious career with DTigress . Automatic starting role with DTigress.

Lol I guys just don't know how good Uche Izoje is

lovewins:
Ehis is a member of the Luxembourg national team. She's participated in several FIBA tournaments. It's why I didn't include her in the list of eligibie players.

Nunu struggled this year and quite frankly wasn't great. If she's able to get her degree earlier like Kiki did, I'll prefer she leaves Stanford and go try out in another college under a better coach. The Stanford program has been mediocre the last few years.

The same Nunu that averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds? Don't u think struggled is a harsh word for that

BascoVanVeli:
I brought up Dawn Staley to explain why this is being done. I also told u from the beginning that it is not about anybody stopping Micheala. That I feel it is about her wanting to stay with her team during the most important part of the season. I never said she is being forced to stay.

We are talking about American universities why are u bringing up the NFF Tell me what Pitt University said. Did Pitt tell anyone that Randy was their part-time coach? What about Chicago Sky? They did announce Rena as a part time coach?

When Kara took the job, Duke knew she would be leaving whenever USA called. Nobody is going to frown at that because u are representing the United States.

I'm glad u mentioned those other players because are we saying Michaela would not be playing in Athletes Unlimited or even abroad if she wanted? The fact she passed on all other options should let u know she is taking this very seriously.

The first paragraph is literally my first retort. I had said from the very beginning it was a willingness thing on her part. This is my exact quote:

"I assure you, it wouldn't have stopped are if she wanted to. I'm aware of her assistant coach responsibility with UCLA, but it's not enough of a reason to prevent her should she wants to roster". So if you believed this from your latest response the rebuttals weren't necessary. One could infer from your rebuttals that you disagreed with the earlier premise but thanks for clarifying.

On bringing up the NFF, I did that since you were suggesting Randy's role with the Super Falcons wasn't part time so I quoted a primary source to dispel that. I thought that was obvious. Pitts University is his full time job, just like Chicago Sky is Rena's full-time and Duke Kara's full time. Michaela is a full time basketball player and a part time coach on the side.

On the hypothetical you painted, I can't speak to what's I'm not privy to. How do I know if she was offered an opportunity to play overseas or at AU, or if at all she even wanted to play basketball during this period. It isn't unusual for some players to opt out of playing off season. Caitlin, A'ja, Nneka are examples of these. So she probably could have opted to not play at all and instead just coach. That however is besides the point cause the point I was making based on my understanding of your position (which you just clarified) was that players who coach can be excused to play basketball should they decide to hence the example of Rhyne.

BascoVanVeli:
The same Nunu that averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds? Don't u think struggled is a harsh word for that

I'm aware of her point since I followed her this season. I'm paid attention to Stanford WBB cause they have the largest contingent of Nigerian players so I know what I'm saying. The stats doesn't tell the story. Won't be surprised if Nunu herself share same sentiments if she's asked this. It's similar to Kiki's time at USC. I remember she was at some point considered no 1 pick in the draft but her time in USC gave her a bad rep despite the fact that's she averaged 18ppg.

BTW, for those who aren't aware, Stanford has 4 Nigerian basketball prospects

1. Nunu Agara
2. Shay Ijiwoye (she's a hustler but her height is a big disadvantage)
3. Nora Ezike (featured for Nigeria at the u19 world up)
4. Kennedy Umeh: this one hasn't played a lot of basketball. She's just getting free education at this point. But who knows maybe she goes the Kiki route and blows in her 3rd year.

lovewins:
The first paragraph is literally my first retort. I had said from the very beginning it was a willingness thing on her part. This is my exact quote:

"I assure you, it wouldn't have stopped are if she wanted to. I'm aware of her assistant coach responsibility with UCLA, but it's not enough of a reason to prevent her should she wants to roster". So if you believed this from your latest response the rebuttals weren't necessary. One could infer from your rebuttals that you disagreed with the earlier premise but thanks for clarifying.

On bringing up the NFF, I did that since you were suggesting Randy's role with the Super Falcons wasn't part time so I quoted a primary source to dispel that. I thought that was obvious. Pitts University is his full time job, just like Chicago Sky is Rena's full-time and Duke Kara's full time. Michaela is a full time basketball player and a part time coach on the side.

On the hypothetical you painted, I can't speak to what's I'm not privy to. How do I know if she was offered an opportunity to play overseas or at AU, or if at all she even wanted to play basketball during this period. It isn't unusual for some players to opt out of playing off season. Caitlin, A'ja, Nneka are examples of these. So she probably could have opted to not play at all and instead just coach. That however is besides the point cause the point I was making based on my understanding of your position (which you just clarified) was that players who coach can be excused to play basketball should they decide to hence the example of Rhyne.

That was what I told u in my second response. I never said it was by force to stay. All I was saying is that Micheala wanted to stay with her team.

Come on now. I said Micheala having to finish the season is the same as Randy going to the Olympics before joining Pitt University. So u should know I was talking about Pitt and not the super Falcons who I didn't even mention.

Every player u mentioned have clear reasons why they are not playing abroad. Caitlin and A'ja are millionaires with shoe deals. Nneka is the VP for the players union and they are in the middle of intense negotiations with the league. Micheala not playing basketball clearly shows she is taking this job seriously.

lovewins:
I'm aware of her point since I followed her this season. I'm paid attention to Stanford WBB cause they have the largest contingent of Nigerian players so I know what I'm saying. The stats doesn't tell the story. Won't be surprised if Nunu herself share same sentiments if she's asked this. It's similar to Kiki's time at USC. I remember she was at some point considered no 1 pick in the draft but her time in USC gave her a bad rep despite the fact that's she averaged 18ppg.

BTW, for those who aren't aware, Stanford has 4 Nigerian basketball prospects

1. Nunu Agara
2. Shay Ijiwoye (she's a hustler but her height is a big disadvantage)
3. Nora Ezike (featured for Nigeria at the u19 world up)
4. Kennedy Umeh: this one hasn't played a lot of basketball. She's just getting free education at this point. But who knows maybe she goes the Kiki route and blows in her 3rd year.

Kiki was never going to be drafted over Paige Buckets and Dominique Molanga. Never. Her time at USC was going great until JuJu got hurt. So nobody with a basketball brain blamed her for how their season ended. That being said she still went 4th in the draft so u can't even say her stock fell off.

If we are not going by stats what should we go by?

Fope Ayo. Oluchi posted her on Instagram.

Gatorade player of the year in the state of Massachusetts. Number 44 player in the country. She will be attending Michigan University.

BascoVanVeli:
Fope Ayo. Oluchi posted her on Instagram.

Gatorade player of the year in the state of Massachusetts. Number 44 player in the country. She will be attending Michigan University.

Scary that she’s only a teenager, yet, she is already 6’5” 🤯 Who knows whether she may be another 6’8” phenomenal center.

Great job ending the half by our girls

PDPGuy:
Scary that she’s only a teenager, yet, she is already 6’5” 🤯 Who knows whether she may be another 6’8” phenomenal center.

From what I hear she has only been playing for 6 years. So she also can grow her game alot

BascoVanVeli:
From what I hear she has only been playing for 6 years. So she also can grow her game alot

Might be super early, but I’d say she could be on the radar for next year’s Afrobasket if she gets consistent minutes at Michigan

Half Time
France vs Nigeria

57 : 45

we should keep going

a narrow lost would not be bad

3rd Quarter

France vs Nigeria

65. : 57

Banuso99:
3rd Quarter

France vs Nigeria

65. : 57

69 : 66

4th Quarter
France vs Nigeria

81 : 78

The girls aren't backing down

We brought the game down to 1 and just started playing nonsense.

Banuso99:
4th Quarter
France vs Nigeria

81 : 78

93 : 86

Danielnino00:
The girls aren't backing down

Where Una Dey watch am ?

Watched on and off...good showing by the ladies,also it seems one of our ladies was injured?If so,who got injured and hope it was not serious.

World No. 3, France, defeated:

🇵🇭 Philippines by a 49-point margin
🇨🇴 Colombia by a 40-point margin
🇩🇪 Germany by a 22-point margin
🇳🇬 Nigeria by a 7-point margin

Nigeria gave France a real fight for their money 🏀 👏

With a few addition before the World Cup, D'Tigress will cook.

I still feel we need another center to complement Vicki Macaulay on the defensive end. Our guard rotation is excellent. Our forwards are powerful, Musa and Pallas are improving with each game.
Okoro is also growing in leaps and bounds, alongside Amy.
If they keep working hard, we can get a medal in Germany, come September

Federal Government officials have handed over long-promised three-bedroom flats in Abuja and Order of the Niger certificates to D'Tigress players and staff, fulfilling President Tinubu's pledges from last August's AfroBasket win.

Each player got $100,000 and coaches $50,000, presented right after their 93-86 loss to France in FIBA Women's World Cup qualifiers.

How D’Tigress may end up in the rankings