Ex-Huskies Take Shot With Abl -- Thirdgill And Davis Work To Join Blizzard
Two former Washington Huskies have a chance to play for the New England Blizzard in the American Basketball League.
The Colorado Xplosion traded Traci Thirdgill to the Blizzard for a conditional draft pick in 1998 and Tara Davis was invited as a tryout player.
Thirdgill, of Portland is a 5-foot-11 forward, an ABL rookie at age 29. She was the UW's top defensive player in her last two seasons and most improved player in her final season, 1989-90, averaging 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds.
Davis, a 5-10 guard/forward, graduated in 1994.
Thirdgill was a fourth-round draft choice of the Xplosion last spring.
"We felt we needed a strong defender at the `three' position and Traci Thirdgill immediately came to mind," said Pam Batalis, the general manager of the Blizzard.
Zheng Haixia goes home
Zheng Haixia, a four-time Olympian and Asia's most renowned basketball player, returned home to Beijing. The first Chinese basketball player to compete professionally in the U.S. said she left with an enhanced knowledge of her sport and warm memories of affectionate fans.
The 6-foot-8, 254-pound center expanded her 14-year international career with two months playing for the Los Angeles Sparks. Her presence in the United States was encouraged by the Chinese Basketball Association to accelerate development of the sport in China.
"Little children are much more involved in sport in the United States," Zheng said. "They are very much encouraged to participate in clinics and training camps. I think it's very good, and I will take back what I've learned and see what I can do."
After the Sparks' final home game on Aug. 22, Zheng went into the stands to shake hands. As one of the last players off the court, Zheng extended her thick arms and waved good-bye with a broad smile. When a little girl gave her a bouquet of flowers, Zheng bent down and kissed her on her cheek.
"From the first day she stepped on the court," said L.A. Coach Julie Rousseau, "she really caught the imagination of the fans and her teammates. She's a very loving and open person, so it makes it very easy for people to get along with her and for her to get along with them."