Benched
The Mystics announced today that Alana Beard will not be able to play at all this season. While likely not a surprise to most Mystics fans, this is still very sad and very unwelcome news.
One thing the BCs know about Alana -- from watching her, for years, in a Mystics uniform -- is that she's a consummate competitor. She played hurt for good stretches of her career. When she couldn't play, because of injury, nobody attacked the job of re-hab with more vengeance than Alana did. And this off-season was no exception.
Last summer, Alana was forced to sit, watch and cheer her teammates as they won a record number of games; although she was a great cheerleader, not being able to contribute on the court had to be extremely tough for a competitor like Alana. But she stayed positive, and the effort that she put in, in an attempt to return to the court this year (following a severe left ankle injury) was impressive. We feel really disappointed -- mostly for Alana's sake, but also for Mystics and WNBA fans -- that she will now miss a second full season of play.
In the Mystics' release today, Alana is quoted as saying that she looks forward "to returning on the court in 2012." The BCs certainly hope to see Alana return, and play again.
Photo credit: DC BasketCases
posted by BasketCases @ 9:50 PM
15 comments
15 Comments:
This is such sad news, but not unexpected.
I what the Mystics will do moving forward.
Time to let her go. Make another business decision, Dr. J!!
Let's see if she can come back and play before the talk of letting her go! I really hope Mo cones back in form. We desperately need her!
At last night's STH event, the strength coach mentioned that Mo's been scrimmaging against the male practice players. That certainly sounds promising.
AB, on the other hand, had nothing to say during the Q&A. I'ts really unfortunate, but she needs to start considering what she'll do after basketball.
The most telling thing to me in the article on Alana's announcement in today's Post sports section is that Alana will be a free agent next season. Hopefully she will be playing basketball, on a court again, if she wishes to. And hopefully, it will be with the Mystics. If not, thank you Alana for being a true professional. You will always be a favorite here.
As big of an Alana fan as I am, I hate to say it, but it may be time to move on. Matee has shown she can do the job at shooting guard and, frankly, I think that starting spot should be hers to lose. Even if Alana does come back strong, after two years, will she still be the same player?
Dear Anon at 12:34pm:
Perhaps more than many other players her age, AB has in fact spent a good bit of time not only "considering" life after basketball, but actually preparing for it. She spent a good part of this past off-season in California, learning the ropes at Jamba Juice with the intention of owning her own business one day. (And in her "spare" time, she worked relentlessly on her re-hab.)
-- BC
I wish Alana the best. I know she loves basketball and it's her passion so I hope she can come back. If not, I know she will be successful in her life after basketball. I agree though, Mattee's job to lose whoever they bring on next year--or if Alana comes back. Marissa on the other hand, not so sure about. Still pulling for her--that she will be the scorer I think she can be.
We all remember Marissa the Terp who could take over a game with her shooting. We haven't seen her do that as a pro but this year she's proven her worth as a defender, rebounder and clutch scorer. It'll be interesting to see who starts when Mo comes back next year.
If Mo comes back to last years form--it's Mo hands down.
Sad to say but, my gut feeling is that she's done with the Mystics. I don't like the Mystics for using her to sell tickets this season. This is truely sad, I see why we can't keep good player or get a top free agent to sign with this team. I wish Alana all the best.
It seems to me that AB and the Mystics have shown a lot of mutual loyalty. If she's playing next year I'd be surprised if she's not with the Mystics.
I disagree that they Mystics have been "using" her to sell tickets. AB is the consummate professional, and although she's not on the court she is certainly contributing to the team in many other ways. Anyone who's buying tickets expecting to see her playing hasn't been paying enough attention to care that she's not!
I totally agree with Anonymous 9:23am. AB was definitely upset at the Meet and Greet about the season. I will welcome her back next season with open arms. I hope with all of my heart that she can come back. Sorry that there are so many fans that do not want to give her the chance. Especially after what she has done for the Mystics.
I welcome her back also, if she can play. I don't if she is sitting on the bench for a 3rd season. I am rooting for her though.
johnpratt@ecologyfund.net hopes the Mystics resign AB and bring her back. I'm sure she can still play. The Mystics will be the team to beat next year WITH AB and Mo Currie playing next year. Go Mystics.
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