An interview with General Manager, Robert Graham, of the Chicago Blaze women's pro basketball team, as the season heads into the final days.
The Chicago Blaze is the powerhouse of the National Women's Basketball League (NWBL). The NWBL showcases professional women's basketball players across the nation, including players from the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) who chose to stay in the United States to play during the off-season.
Many of the stars of the 2002 NWBL season have gone on to have impressive seasons 2002 summer playing in the WNBA. A member of a NWBL team won every major voting award given following the 2002 WNBA season:
— Tamika Catchings, 2002 WNBA Rookie of the Year, NWBL Chicago BLAZE
— Sheryl Swopes, 2002 WNBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, NWBL Houston Stealth
— Coco Miller, 2002 WNBA Most Improved Player, NWBL Birmingham Power
Q: Tell me a little about the Chicago Blaze Women's Basketball Team?
RG: This is the second season for the Chicago Blaze. The league is the National Women's Basketball League. We have 7 players from Chicago, 1 or 2 from Michigan, and the others are from other parts of the country.
Q: Are some from the WNBA too?
RG: Yes, we currently have Latonya Johnson #32. Latonya plays for the team that used to be in Utah, but has moved to San Antonio. There is also Dominque Canty.
Q: How many players are there?
RG: We hold 16 now.
Q: How much support have you received in terms of endorsements?
RG: Last year, we didn't have a lot. It's starting to pick up, especially with the media.
One of the things that hurt us last year was that 9/11 happened right when we were getting our organizational structure together. A lot of companies were not doing much as it relates to sponsorships. This year, some of our sponsors include: Bally's, Walgreens, LaSalle Bank, and The Chicago Defender has been one of our biggest supporters.
Q: Who is the head Coach?
RG: Robin Garret Moore. She played at Whitney Young High School, and a coach at North Western University and other colleges.
For information on schedule, tickets, and endorsements go to: www.ChicagoBlaze.com
April 10-13: NWBL PRO CUP, Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort, Uncasville, Conn.
BLAZE pic by Jennifer Williams.