Even as Pac-10 play quickly approaches, Jackson still doesn't plan to redshirt Lay. Her being on the trip is probably more for team unity, but California did debut senior center Devanei Hampton, who suffered a knee injury, at the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, Virgin Island last month. The No. 12 Bears played Hampton at about four-minute segments. Washington could do the same with Lay.

"She went to work on everybody," said Jackson of Lay in practice on Sunday. "There were moments when you couldn't even tell she was injured. Then you look at that large apparatus on her knee and go, 'Yeah, I forgot about that.' But she had some really good minutes in practice for us the other day. We're eager."

Meanwhile Mackenzie Argens, who had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in her left knee on Dec. 3, is still about a month from returning.

Sports Illustrated's story about Russian sports club owners in this week's issue (Dec. 15) is a sure bet why the WNBA has changed their tune over the years. Instead of being the impetuous newcomer to FIBA, looking for international leagues to change, the WNBA has buckled -- a little -- pushing back their start-date a week and encouraging GMs not to be so harsh in fining players for late arrival due to overseas play.

The WNBA seems to be realizing that without offering money, like the deep six-figure salaries in Russia and China, they have little power. Comparing playing for Russian owner Shabtai von Kalmanovic to the Phoenix Mercury, guard Diana Taurasi is quoted as saying "the WNBA is, like, communist" in the article.

Yet, the point wasn't bashing the 12-year-old American league. It was a real good look behind-the-scenes at how and why these zillionaire Russian owners pump so much money into sport. If the WNBA doesn't recognize at least Russia's ability -- who'll pay MVP Candace Parker a reported $1.2 million for four months this winter -- they could end up without elite stars.

"You think Russia doesn't know what they're doing?" Olympic coach Anne Donovan said prior to winning gold in Beijing about the country meddling with America's basic desire to make money at a job they have passion for.

In lieu of Houston folding, it was interesting to read how uber rich Russian owners -- forced by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin -- take pride in dumping money in all types of sports. In America, it's a know fact that in leagues like the NBA, you recoup your money in selling and you'll lose more than you make for the most part. But there isn't a civic pride that extends to women or the obscure sport. Even Anne Levinson, chairperson of the Storm's ownership group Force 10 Hoops, admits that the women aren't just going to lose money forever.

Then again, they aren't zillionaires, either. Their best bet is working with Kalmanovic to be sure free agent Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird are happy abroad and in Seattle. Based on the lead photo where the former army intelligence officer is flanked by a giddy Jackson and smiley Bird and Taurasi with numerous trophies and designer leather basketballs all around, Kalmanovic is already doing his job for Spartak Moscow. (He's pictured above, far right by the Associated Press.)

But there's even trouble financially in Russia, wondering how long they can continue operating in the red. There are some comments in the SI piece, only they mainly elude to a cyclical ride that will have another up tick based on the oil industry.

Either way, the article is an interesting read about how it's done elsewhere.

De Souza averaged 9.3 points and 6.3 rebounds for the 4-30 expansion team. But Paris, one of the top college players in the country who's averaging 15.5 points and 13.8 boards for the 6-2 Sooners (or the pick in general) could be used as trade bait for the Dream, who are hopeful for a better season in their second year of existence. Atlanta has two unrestricted free agents in former Storm star Betty Lennox and All-Star Nikki Teasley, who's returning to league after giving birth to her first child.

Washington (10-24), Chicago (12-22), Minnesota (16-18), and Phoenix (16-18) follow Atlanta in lottery picks. The Storm has the 12th overall pick and what happens during the free agent period will most likely dictate what they do with the selection.

Here's the press release from the league:

ATLANTA DREAM WINS TOP PICK IN 2009 WNBA DRAFT

REMAINING ORDER FOR FIRST ROUND
Team/2008 Record
6. Indiana Fever 17-17
7. Sacramento Monarchs 18-16
8. New York Liberty 19-15
9. Washington Mystics
(from Los Angeles (20-14), McWilliams-Franklin/Milton-Jones trade on 4/22/08)
10. Connecticut Sun 21-13
11. Detroit Shock 22-12
12. Seattle Storm 22-12
13. Atlanta Dream
(from San Antonio Silver Stars (24-10), Wauters/Little trade on 4/9/08)

The WNBA will feature 13 teams in 2009, with the Eastern Conference comprised of seven teams: the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Detroit Shock, Indiana Fever, New York Liberty and Washington Mystics. Six teams will compete in the Western Conference: the Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx, Phoenix Mercury, Sacramento Monarchs, San Antonio Silver Stars and Seattle Storm.

The day I received a text regarding the Houston Comets folding last week I was notified I'd be stuck in the city's airport, unable to make my connection to Seattle from vacationing in St. Thomas. "I'm always in Houston!" I griped to one of my friends on the trip. Well, not anymore.

It was a creeping feeling over the summer that the Comets would dissolve and I thought then it was shameful for the league front offices to let a storied franchise fold. Especially with ESPN buying the broadcasting rights for a reported $30 million, which will be dispersed between the teams. It seemed if the WNBA was truly close in finalizing a deal with new ownership with deeper pockets, the ESPN money could be used as a short-term Band-aid to keep the dynasty alive.

Yet, as the league looks to strengthen itself, it's for the best it finds solid owners and not waste any money that could help stabilize other teams. Look around at the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB and all of those leagues have had teams relocate or fold within the last few decades, too. It's part of sport.

The Comets will be missed. I've seen the fans cheer wildly for the mascots and cheerleaders when spotted in different parades, restaurants were full of fans wearing jerseys on game days, and even though Reliant Arena needed some work, watching Tina Thompson complete her final warm-up with shouts of "Go Tina!" or "Hurt 'em tonight Tina" peppering her from around the arena was special.

If another owner is found, the Comets fans will return. But for now it's best the WNBA focus on what is working in order to secure its future.

WNBA president Donna Orender continues to say her office receives calls about possible expansion, but "there's nothing new to report" in terms of it actually happening. Instead, the league had the dispersal draft today where seven of the nine eligible Comets players were selected. The Storm, left with a choice between guards Shannon Johnson and Tamecka Dixon, opted to pass.

Seattle is in the market for a backup point guard, but I'm still hearing that former Storm guard Tully Bevilaqua is interested in returning. A starter for Indiana, she's an unrestricted free agent. Coach Brian Agler, who is also director of player personnel, said he wanted a vet and didn't object to a former face making a comeback.

Free agency doesn't begin until Dec. 15. In addition to Australian star Lauren Jackson, Thompson could be another hot commodity. Her agent couldn't be reached, yet word is she's going to retire. Guess it's fitting. Like Jackson in Seattle, it's hard to imagine Thompson playing anywhere else in the WNBA.

Perhaps if the Comets return in 2010, as Orender hinted, Thompson will, too. She always made the trip to Houston worth it.

OK, so I literally peeled myself off the beach to checkout the basketball tournament today. And when I download the photos, you'll know how hard it was to do that. In fact, only basketball could make me go inside before sundown, especially when word is it's typical rain and cold in Seattle.

The island is spectacular. Made it to Molly Malone's, thanks for the suggestion, but the food wasn't as great as Gladys' Cafe downtown (try the mango colada with rum if you make it here. And yes, I realize rum is not a food group). I took a $2 "safari ride" from where I'm staying in Sapphire Beach over to the University of the Virgin Island for the games and the ride -- if there's no traffic -- is scarier than anything Six Flags could create. The twists and turns while ridding in an open-air truck? Good thing I love adventure, that's all I can say.

Anyway, Baylor is about to tip-off against Villanova for the second game of the day. The No. 6 Bears' fans have filled a small section of the approximate 4,000-seat gym, which is set right by the airport. The place was packed earlier in the week for the men's tournament (Connecticut won) and attendance is a little down for the women because of all of the excitement behind having No. 1 Connecticut here last November. Seriously, everyone is still gloating about it.

Nels Hawkinson, the tournament's executive director, whose business is coincidentally based in Edmonds, said the crowd will pick-up later when No. 3 California faces Texas Tech. I'll check-in frequently with updates from the games and see if I can't spot anyone in the stands worth catching up with for a note.

FUTURE IN PARADISE?: The Jam will continue for years to come, contrary to rumor I heard back home, it's just that this was the final year for Fox television's contract with the men's tourney. The women were on TV last year, but didn't sign with any to broadcast their game this season. The men's field for 2009 is already set with Tennessee, Purdue Boston College, DePaul, St. Joseph's, Northern Iowa, and two teams Hawkinson can't disclose. The women's teams are Rutgers, Notre Dame, Maryland, NC State, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Mississippi State -- which is actually a field more intriguing for the head coaching staffs. If you're wondering if the Bears will ever return with prize recruit Brittney Griner, the 6-foot-7 dunking master, she's slated to be at The Jam in 2012 as a senior. Baylor is hosting its own tournament next season.

NICE GIG: Dee Kantner, WNBA Supervisor of Officials, is in St. Thomas working the games. She said it's about her fifth year in a row, making it a "working vacation" where she suns all day and works at night. Kantner reffed the Villanova-Wisconsin game on Thursday and is doing the Iowa-USF game tonight. Bonita Spence, a full-time WNBA official, is currently reffing the Baylor matchup. The Bears are up 43-29 with 14:55 remaining in the second half and seniors Jhasmin Player and Jessica Morrow are even better in person.

BAYLOR WINS CLOSE: Missed opportunities kept No. 7 Baylor from being upset by Villanova. The Bears had two key sloppy turnovers, yet the Wildcats made an errant pass to no one with 28 seconds remaining when they were down three (57-54), nixing a chance to tie the score. The Wildcats used a bevy of three-pointers to get back into the game, moving the Baylor fans to pop on their feet since when Villanova climbed within 10-points. Made free throws preserved a 62-57 win for the Bears. They'll face Wisconsin for their final game on Friday. Villanova plays Central Florida. Morrow led the Bears with 17 points while Rachel Allison had 16 and Player finished with 14. G Maria Getty was 4 of 6 from three-point range for Villanova for 14 points, teammate Laura Kurz led in scoring with 17.

UW UPDATE: I'm getting double-takes as everyone tries to figure out what tie would have the Seattle Times send me to St. Thomas when I should be covering the Husky Classic right now back home. Again, I booked this long before changing beats. But I'm keeping an eye on the Huskies, who are playing Seattle University. The Dawgs are up 32-23 in the opening half. On the island, Iowa is leading South Florida 12-4 with 15:59 remaining in the first half. The crowd has grown a little, but these teams didn't bring much of a following.

DAWGS WIN: Washington won today, 82-56 against Seattle U.

POWER UP: So, there was some sort of fire at the power plant down here on Tuesday. Not a real problem for the tournament because the school runs on generators as does the major hotels. (My spot was out for two days, but I didn't need a light to find the beach) A problem for the splashy welcome dinner P-Jam always has for the teams. Apparently to take some gondola up a crazy steep hillside and have dinner at the top. With the whole island out of power, there was not way to get the teams up the hill. Until Hawkinson made a call to Gov. John P. de Jongh Jr., who ordered the power on for the party. "I felt bad because the rest of the island was without power," Hawkinson said. I told you the tourney is huge here!

ISLAND UPSET: It took overtime, but USF defeated Iowa in Game 3 of today's matchups. Great game, too. Iowa, which made its 17th NCAA appearance last season, is bigger and had a better offensive set. But they didn't control the ball (27 turnovers) and the Hawkeyes were no match for the Bulls' athleticism. Iowa senior F Wendy Ausdemore hit the tying three-pointer with 4.5 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime tied at 74 apiece. USF outscored Iowa 6-1 to open extra play, stripping their opponent of the ball at times, to pull ahead, winning 82-79. USF senior G Shantia Grace, two-games removed from a school-record 44 outpouring against Coppin State, was dazzling. She finished with a game-high 27, making 10 of 15 from the FT line. Junior G Janane Stokes was clutch late, finishing with 11. Senior G Jazmine Sepulveda had four steals, including one in OT that showed exactly whose game it was. And lastly, Senior C Brittany Denson erased a Candace Parker tournament record, tallying 10 blocks in two games -- four against Iowa. Parker had nine in three games, sharing the old 2005 stat with Laura Harper of Maryland. Oh, and I heard Parker finally got hitched. Congrats!

BLOG-O-SPHERE: I'm not the only one blogging down here.USF's Sepulveda has a link here and the P-Jam organizers have this site to keep you up to date with streaming video. We're getting ready for the final game of the night and the place is lively with Caribbean beats and locals filling the seats. In case you forgot, former Storm original Charmin Smith is currently an assistant coach for California. I plan to catch up with her when I'm really on the clock, but we spoke briefly before the game started. On Texas Tech's bench is former Storm training camp invitee Shereka Wright, who was cut under Anne Donovan's regime.

HAMPTON PLAYING: Senior post Devanei Hampton is playing in just her second game since suffering a right knee injury. She's wearing a bulky brace and collected a cheap foul, still regaining her movement. No. 3 California leads Texas Tech 14-6 with 11:09 remaining in the opening half.

DADDY WALKER: Oh, the natives are having fun with the Texans, making them do some island dance and shake their moneymaker when the singer shouts "Daddy Walker." Funniest thing, but now they've moved onto the "Step walker," which has a faster beat than the samba. You're supposed to put your hand at your waist and shake it in a circle, but the guy Texas Tech fan just started jiggling like Beyonce to the delight of the crowd. It just proves an age-old fact--Texans can't dance. Cal leads 38-29 at the half behind G Alexis Gray-Lawson's 16 points and Ashley Walker's 15.

FRIED CURRY: P-Jam DJs played a Caribbean version of "Psycho," for Texas Tech coach Kristy Curry, who went completely nuts at a non-call. And when I say nuts, I mean, girl-you've-never-seen-a-coach-go-off-like-this nuts! Full-on, childlike tantrum that didn't stop until the well was dry. And it was really uncomfortable to watch. The toss was quick and Walker made both FTs to put the Bears ahead 59-43 with 6:14 remaining in the matchup.

CAL WINS: Thanks to Curry, the game wasn't a total snore. The No. 3 Bears were simply better and withstood one real run in the second half to win 68-54. It's always fun to spend the holidays inside a gym watching basketball -- reminds me of my youth in Maui or New York. But I'm going to stick with the beach tomorrow and only return for the latter games. USF is too exciting to watch to miss their matchup against Texas Tech and the No. 3 Bears play Iowa, which should be reeling after their loss today. Until then...

Guess I brought the rain with me, but finally landed in St. Thomas for the 2008 Paradise Jam today. Basketball players littered the airport and the locals are excited about the women being in town. "The women's games are more competitive than the men," said Sam, my host at the condo I'm renting.

California, which moved up to No. 3 in national rankings behind a load of upsets and their big win against previous-No. 3 Rutgers, concludes the action on Thursday, the opening day of the tournament. It's supposedly the last year of the tourney. Well, this is the contracted final year, I'm told, and they'll see about continuing. Storm F Lauren Jackson's Seattle-based agent, Susie Jarosch, once told me I had to check it out, so that's why I booked the ticket long ago.

Anyway, there were a ton of upsets while I was taking what felt like 20 planes to get here. You can read more about them here. Check back on this blog on Thursday for game action from the island. I'm going to checkout the sights and give you any tidbits I find.

Sorry about not having a "Game Thread" today, I'm en route to sunny St. Thomas for a pseudo vacation, taking in beaches, basketball, and, well, I'll let you fill in the last "B." But I saw Washington defeated an injury-plagued Boise State for their first win on Sunday. Here's the school's story, I'll update with ours and new national rankings when I land.

I thought No. 18 Arizona State might be able to sneak into the state and add more misery to their hoop fans by defeating No. 2 Oklahoma, but the Sooners disposed of the Sun Devils pretty easily in a 70-57 victory. Senior center Courtney Paris, who should be the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, finished with 19 points and 20 rebounds for Oklahoma.

That left the No. 7 Cal Bears and unranked Hartford as the only teams to pull a real upset. No. 6 Duke was defeated by Hartford 53-51 while California collected a 66-52 win against No. 3 Rutgers on Friday. The Bears remained undefeated at 3-0 behind junior G Alexis Gray-Lawson's 25 points and nine boards in the win. (She's pictured right by the Associated Press)

Guess it's a good time to tell you that I'll be traveling to the Paradise Jam (on my own dime) to catch the Bears, Baylor, Texas Tech, and host of other schools play. I'm dragging the computer along because I doubt I'll be able to contain myself with these squads playing. So look for posts from the beach in the upcoming week. Games are Nov. 27-29, to be exact.