Leonidas
09-23-2003, 03:13 PM
Rebecca Lobo retired today. Can anyone think of a more overrated, overhyped athlete, ever? I remember how she had all those commercials and TV deals right out of college even though real players like Sheryl Swoopes had virtually nothing. Then I see she retired with a career average of 6.7 points. She was the female version of Christian Laettner, only more hyped and had considerably less talent.
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) -- Rebecca Lobo retired Tuesday after a career in which she led Connecticut to its first NCAA basketball championship and helped launch the WNBA.
The 30-year-old Lobo, who spent last season with the Connecticut Sun, was plagued by knee injuries during her seven years in the WNBA.
"This was a decision I made long before the end of the season," Lobo said. "While I still love playing the game, in my heart, I know it's time to move on to a new phase of my life. It was a good way to end my career. I've come full circle."
The 6-foot-4 Lobo led UConn to its first national championship in 1995, when the team went 35-0.
She was also one of the WNBA's original players in 1997, initially assigned to the New York Liberty. She spent the first five years of her pro career in New York, missing almost two full seasons because of knee injuries.
Lobo was traded to Houston before the 2002 season and returned to Connecticut when the former Orlando Miracle franchise was purchased by the Mohegan Indian Tribe.
"It's a sad day for Connecticut basketball fans," said Sun general manager Chris Sienko. "But it was great to have Rebecca, who is an icon in the state, help launch a WNBA franchise in Connecticut."
Lobo averaged 2.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 11.9 minutes for the Sun, who lost to eventual champion Detroit in the Eastern Conference finals. She averaged 6.7 points and 4.1 rebounds in 121 WNBA games.
"There is no better spokeswoman for the game of women's basketball," said Sun coach Mike Thibault. "She represents the game with class, insight and articulation
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) -- Rebecca Lobo retired Tuesday after a career in which she led Connecticut to its first NCAA basketball championship and helped launch the WNBA.
The 30-year-old Lobo, who spent last season with the Connecticut Sun, was plagued by knee injuries during her seven years in the WNBA.
"This was a decision I made long before the end of the season," Lobo said. "While I still love playing the game, in my heart, I know it's time to move on to a new phase of my life. It was a good way to end my career. I've come full circle."
The 6-foot-4 Lobo led UConn to its first national championship in 1995, when the team went 35-0.
She was also one of the WNBA's original players in 1997, initially assigned to the New York Liberty. She spent the first five years of her pro career in New York, missing almost two full seasons because of knee injuries.
Lobo was traded to Houston before the 2002 season and returned to Connecticut when the former Orlando Miracle franchise was purchased by the Mohegan Indian Tribe.
"It's a sad day for Connecticut basketball fans," said Sun general manager Chris Sienko. "But it was great to have Rebecca, who is an icon in the state, help launch a WNBA franchise in Connecticut."
Lobo averaged 2.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 11.9 minutes for the Sun, who lost to eventual champion Detroit in the Eastern Conference finals. She averaged 6.7 points and 4.1 rebounds in 121 WNBA games.
"There is no better spokeswoman for the game of women's basketball," said Sun coach Mike Thibault. "She represents the game with class, insight and articulation