Portland’s First Head Coach Is Official

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

After accidentally leaking the news on LinkedIn last week, the Portland Fire officially announced the hiring of Alex Sarama, assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, as their first-ever head coach. (Portland Fire)

WHY IT MATTERS: As one of the league’s next expansion teams, Portland is laying the foundation for its identity. The head coach plays a major role in shaping that early culture, both in style of play and roster decisions. We saw how Natalie Nakase helped set the tone for the Golden State Valkyries last year, and Sarama will have a similar chance to define Portland’s direction.

With this hire, four WNBA teams are still searching for head coaches: Toronto Tempo, New York Liberty, Seattle Storm, and Dallas Wings.

Nneka Ogwumike has lost her third bid to play for Nigeria in the Olympics, after FIBA again denied her eligibility request. (ESPN)

WHY IT MATTERS: USA Basketball had supported Ogwumike’s wish to represent Nigeria after she was left off Team USA’s roster for Tokyo, but FIBA ruled she had been too involved with USA Basketball. It’s a tough blow for both her and Nigeria, Africa’s top women’s basketball nation. Having a player of Ogwumike’s caliber would have been a huge boost for Nigerian women’s basketball, potentially drawing more investment, facilities, and attention to the sport’s growth across the continent. Ogwumike, whose parents are Nigerian, says she’s accepted the decision and moved on, though she still wishes the outcome had been different.

Former Rutgers star and WNBA guard Matee Ajavon was inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday. (Rutgers Athletics)

WHY IT MATTERS: Ajavon led Rutgers to the 2007 NCAA Championship Game and went on to be drafted fifth overall by the Houston Comets in 2008. She made the WNBA All-Rookie Team that same year and remains among Rutgers’ all-time leaders in scoring, assists, and steals.