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Here’s what happened in the women’s basketball world this past week:

Brittney Griner gets nine years in prison

Griner was convicted in Russia on Thursday of drug smuggling and drug possession and sentenced to nine years in prison. Although her lawyers have confirmed plans to appeal the verdict, many in the basketball community and around the world were distraught.

President Joe Biden has stated that he has asked Russia to release Griner, explaining: “I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends and teammates.”

Griner has been detained in Russia since his arrest in February 2022. Her lawyers were particularly shocked by the verdict, pointing out that it is nearly double the time Russians typically get for the same crime.

Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas noted that the sentence “…was heavy by Russian legal standards and proves what we’ve always known, that Brittney is being used as a political pawn.”

Griner could come home much earlier if the US can arrange a prisoner exchange with Russia.

Phoenix Mercury and Connecticut Sun show solidarity for Brittney Griner

Following the trial and conviction of Brittney Griner, Mercury and the Sun began their match on Thursday by observing a 42 seconds of silence moment in honor of the star center.

Paige Bueckers misses 2022-23 season with torn ACL

On Wednesday, UConn announced that junior guard Paige Bueckers will miss the 2022-23 season due to a torn ACL.

Coach Geno Auriemma explained that the team will definitely feel the loss. He said, “We’re all heartbroken at Paige. She’s been working really hard to get stronger and healthier this off-season, and this is an unfortunate setback. Paige is clearly a great basketball player, but she’s a better person and teammate and it’s a shame that this happened to her.”

Sabrina Ionescu is the fourth WNBA player to earn 16 assists

Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty had a big night last Sunday. She became the fourth WNBA player to earn 16 assists in a single game when the New York Liberty faced the Phoenix Mercury. Ionescu also set a record for Liberty with the performance, and her teammate Natasha Howard told reporters after the game: “I’m proud she got 16 assists from the players she passed the ball to.”

Courtney Vandersloot is third in all-time assists

Courtney Vandersloot of Chicago Sky enjoyed her own phenomenal game when the Sky played against the Connecticut Sun. Vandersloot hit a season high with 12 assists and also pushed Lindsay Whelan back on the all-time assist list to earn the third-highest assists of all time.

Chicago Sky on the cusp of the franchise’s regular season history

Scott Carter Resigns as Athletic Director for East Tennessee State Bucs

Two former East Tennessee State Bucs filed suit in the spring of 2022 for unfair treatment, and on Monday, sports director Scott Carter chose to resign from the team as a result of those complaints. The school also plans to fire women’s basketball coach Simon Harris over the complaints.

ETSU President Brian Noland explained, “The report details multiple ethical and policy violations and raises questions about potential non-compliance with NCAA rules.”

New York Liberty Announces Xbox Partnership

On Tuesday, the Liberty announced that they have teamed up with Xbox to bring the first-ever gaming-inspired basketball court to the WNBA ahead of their games against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Marcos Waltenberg, director of global partnerships at Xbox, praised the partnership, saying: “When you combine the imagination of Xbox, the creativity of Roblox and a great team like the Liberty, great ideas come to life. whole world can enjoy a truly unique moment.”

Kianna Smith commits to Los Angeles Sparks for 2022 season

Guard Kianna Smith has been signed to play with the Los Angeles Sparks for the remainder of the WNBA season. Smith was drafted by the Sparks at the number 16 position in 2022.

Odyssey Sims signs with Connecticut Sun

The Sun won competitive veteran Odyssey Sims on Wednesday, when the team signed Sims to a seven-day contract. Sims was first called up to the WNBA in 2014 and has played in numerous cities, including Tulsa, Los Angeles and Atlanta. She initially started the 2022 season in Minnesota before leaving the team after two games.

NCAA Calls On Its Transformation Committee To Re-evaluate Its Transfer Proposal

On Wednesday, the NCAA declined to approve transfer reforms, instead calling on the committee currently reforming the process to address lingering concerns. The proposal includes the option for college athletes to be immediately eligible after more than one transfer. Under current rules, athletes can transfer from school only once and are immediately eligible.