Only When They Can Dunk (08/27/2025)
I grew up playing sports. Basketball, Ice Hockey, Baseball and Soccer. I played Baseball and Soccer in High School and came close to playing Soccer in College but that didn't work out.
I always loved playing Basketball but was never a good shooter. I played my strengths, defense, passing and rebounding.
Once I learned how to shoot properly, then my offensive game blossomed.
If you can't shoot well, defenses don't need to guard you closely. It makes driving to the basket a bit tougher, and passing is almost a default option.
If you can shoot with a high percentage, then defense will play you closer, which can lead to tight drives, stop-and-pop shots, and assist passing. You get double teamed which always leaves someone open.
As a fan watching someone who can shoot on a professional level is something to behold. However, dunking the ball, alley-oops, posterizing, is real next level fun to behold.
This is where the WNBA has an issue.
I have been watching the progress of the league for several years and the last few years have been impressive with the new level of talent entering the league.
The only problem I have is that these WNBA games are on the same level as a good pickup or league game that I can find anywhere. No one is dunking, there are some bad shots and decisions and lots of me-rebounds. Occasionally there is a play or shot that makes me think there could be something to cherish.
The shooter in me says no, but the fan in me says yes to the fact that the hoops need to be lowered.
There are different configurations for women's sports compared to men's except for basketball. Yes, the 3-point line is closer but that is about it.
As a shooter, to move the hoop down will require re-adjustment and wouldn't feel right shooting at anything lower than 10 feet.
As a fan, it's time to lower the hoop so we can see some dunks and posterizing.
It's time to give the fans what they want otherwise the WNBA is just another general pick-up game.
I really tried to get DALL-E 3 to generate a woman dunking the basketball but after several attempts, this was the best it could generate. Even AI has a hard time generating a woman dunking a basketball due to them not being able to reach the 10 foot hoop.
