Georgia On Our Mind

The BasketCases generally don't spend a lot of time thinking about the Peachtree State. But we're thinking about it this morning for a couple of big reasons.

First, and most important, the Terps travel to Atlanta tonight to take on Georgia Tech at 7 PM. As our guest analysts, Markus and Tyler, have already mentioned, expect this game to be a tough, very physical match for Maryland. If you are lucky enough to get ESPNU (we're not -- thanks a lot Comcast!), you'll be able to see this game on TV. Otherwise, like the rest of us, you'll be limited to radio and Gametracker. Good luck, Terps*!

As Mystics fans, we're also thinking about Georgia because of the free agent signing of Michelle Snow announced yesterday by the Atlanta Dream. You may recall that the Dream finished dead last in the WNBA last summer, with one of the worst records in league history. This deal had been a badly kept secret for some time. But now that it's a reality, Snow's signing, coupled with some other off-season moves by the Dream, plus some incredible luck, should make them exponentially improved this summer.

Not only did the draft lottery ping pong balls fall their way, giving Atlanta the overall number one pick in the upcoming April WNBA College Draft, but the recent demise of the Houston Comets also gave Atlanta the first pick in the WNBA Dispersal Draft, which they used to snag 6' 4" forward Sancho Lyttle, who will add additional depth to their frontcourt.

And then, like manna from heaven, superstar Chamique Holdsclaw decided to "unretire" from the WNBA -- but only if she could play (you guessed it) for Atlanta, where she makes her home. Could the Dream get any luckier? As a matter of fact, yes they can could! Chamique's old friend and fellow Lady Vol, free agent Michelle Snow, who had been courted by other teams (including, rumor has it, the Mystics), made a beeline for Atlanta as well, the moment she heard the news that Mique was headed home. Thus, yesterday's official announcement.

If Atlanta isn't one of the most improved teams in the league this summer, we will be shocked. With her new line-up, the message Atlanta Head Coach/GM Marynell Meadors is sending her former team, the Mystics (as well as the rest of the league), can be summed up in a few words: Be afraid, be very afraid.

*9 AM Update: Congratulations to Terps recruit Dara Taylor on her selection to the McDonalds All-American Team! Wow! We can't wait for Dara to bring her game to College Park this fall. (And thanks to the Baltimore Sun's Matt Bracken for the tip!)

3 PM Update: More here about Dara's Mickey-D All-American selection . . . again thanks to Matt Bracken.