FROM THE EDITOR

Women's Basketball, Oct 2004 by Miazga, Mike

If there was an award for finding the most off-beat type of news, Kurt Steidl, a longtime friend, journalism colleague and occasional writer for this publication, would be the hands down winner.

Kurt has a special knack for finding, shall we say, the most interesting types of stories from newspapers around the world. I have a running file of his top 5 finds over the last few years and tears stream down my face when I read over them from time to time.

One of those interesting stories he sent to me recently was about Los Angeles Sparks strategic marketing director Heather LaBeIIa having posed topless in a recent issue of Playboy in their "Employee of the Month" feature. You can read more about this in our WNBA Bits section on Page 24 of this issue.

LaBella's topless photo came on the heels of reigning WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson posing nude for an Australian magazine's Olympic-themed issue.

Both of these instances bring up the debate about what impact posing in these magazines will have on the sport.

In LaBella's case, I tip my hat to her for conning up with the idea. I've worked in the front office of a women's professional sports league and know how valuable creative marketing and promotional ideas are. Her idea was certainly bold and creative.

But will her being in that magazine generate more interest in the Sparks? I doubt it.

Jackson posed in an artistically and tastefully done layout that highlighted Olympic athletes from her native Australia.

Again, will her being in the magazine sans clothes, generate more interest? Again, I doubt it.

What's going to generate interest in the WNBA is the product on the court.

Names like Lauren Jackson, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Swin Cash, etc. are reasons enough to be interested in the WNBA.

While those magazine photos may generate a day or two buzz in the media, ultimately the excitement these tremendously talented athletes create on the hardwood is what is really going to attract and sustain fan interest.

Speaking of Jackson, she graces our cover this month. I had a chance recently to catch up with the reigning league MVP and champion of modesty. Jackson appears to be well on her way to adding to another MVP trophy to her collection. Her story can be found on Page 12.

We have coverage of the historic WNBA All-Stars vs. U.S. Women's Olympic Team game that occurred on the stage of Radio City Music Hall in New York City (Page 16). Kudos to the organizers of this event for holding it in such a unique venue.

The summer youth basketball season has wound down. We've got coverage of the AAU nationals from Orlando on Page 30.

From time to time, in addition to featuring a variety of instructional articles, we will also bring you important nutrition tips as well. Noted dietician Nancy Clark discusses the role peanut butter plays in an athlete's diet (Page 28).

As always, I want to hear from you the reader. Your questions and comments are always welcome.

Mike Miazga

Editor in Chief

mikevbmag@comcast.net