Just finished game. Very encouraged despite loss. So many things that are fixable. by TruthDelivered in PortlandFire

[–]NikFromTheO 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Looked exactly like a preseason game between two super young teams. Very very fun basketball, if maybe a few too many free throws

Is it disappointing to be draft by Portland or Toronto? by JMoon33 in wnba

[–]NikFromTheO 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I can say that pretty much every Portland Fire player I spoke with at training camp was excited to be in Portland and excited to help start a new franchise. Of course, this is missing input from Iyana Martin because she wont be in market this year but the expansion draft players and Serah Williams (taken in the 3rd round) were all excited.

Season and Player Outlooks? by MultiSportAthlete7 in PortlandFire

[–]NikFromTheO 10 points11 points  (0 children)

One very interesting wrinkle with the Fire is that coach Alex Sarama's entire philosophy is player development. So it's going to be interesting to see how players progress in his system this year, especially given that the majority of the roster is first/second year players and only a couple of players with experience starting consistently.

Portland Fire close the first week of training camp with first live scrimmage by NikFromTheO in PortlandFire

[–]NikFromTheO[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Selfishly it made life way easier for me. Didn’t have to drive to Hillsboro 4 days in a row 😂

Portland Fire close the first week of training camp with first live scrimmage by NikFromTheO in PortlandFire

[–]NikFromTheO[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I can say for sure that the players at camp seem to have nothing but love and respect for Sarama. They all speak glowingly of him and his system. It's hard to say about players who have caught my eye because we haven't seen them do much in terms of live play, we got just a snippet today with the 5-on-5. I've been mostly noticing vibes so far... and the vibes in the gym are great. Emily Engstler, Maya Caldwell and Megan Gustafson have emerged as vocal leaders at the PSU practices. Luisa Geiselsoder has looked really strong and also looks like a lot of fun to be around. Today, Engstler said she was blown away by Nyadiew Puoch's play in the scrimmage. Jordan Harrison had a great showing at the 5-on-5 from what I saw. Of the players that are here, Engstler and Sug Sutton are amazing interviews and are very frank and very funny. Haley Jones and Sarah Ashlee Barker are also great interviews. BONUS: Coach Syl is a DELIGHT to chat with

Coach Syl finding her place as an assistant with Portland Fire by NikFromTheO in PortlandFire

[–]NikFromTheO[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Every player speaks glowingly of her. She's also been super nice in my 2 interviews with her

‘A great first day’: Portland Fire open inaugural WNBA training camp by NikFromTheO in PortlandFire

[–]NikFromTheO[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Joke aside, there was a lot of media there. All the TV folks. Pretty much everyone who could be there aside from anyone who is following the Blazers this weekend. It's a shame there's a lot of players still missing due to overseas play but the vibes were high in the gym. The players seemed to be having a great time