News & Notes: Another Season for Buckeye Legend Katie Smith? Coach Matta Reaches out to Greg, and an OKC Update

(Katie Smith: 2010 Washington Mystics

-Some quick news & notes..
-- An interesting article by Jayda Evans of the Seattle Times that suggests Buckeye great Katie Smith may be interested in playing what would be her 13th WNBA Season. Evans speculates on the possibility of Smith re-joining her old coach from her Columbus Quest days, Brian Agler. (WNBA Vet Katie Smith to join Storm in 2011)

The 36 year old free agent was previously on a Washington Mystics team that was hoping to make some playoff noise, but they ended up running into the buzz-saw that was the Atlanta Dream (Eastern Conference Champs). Smith's experience & leadership would be a nice addition for any team looking to make a playoff run next season. Go Katie! (BuckeyeBallersTV: Katie Smith 2010 Short)



-- Second year pro Byron Mullens got into his first game of the season vs Houston on November 17. While Mullens has made strides over the past year, he still remains as a reserve option for OKC who starts Nenad Kristic with Serge Ibaka & Nick Collision (more experience, more ready to compete defensively as well it seems) OKC's other young center Cole Aldrich was sent to the D-League today, wouldn't be surprised to see Mullens rotate stints to Tulsa with Aldrich. Head Coach Scott Brooks has been happy with the work ethic of both players. (Cole Aldrich moves over for Byron Mullens)

Meanwhile, Daequan Cook is biding his time for the next situation where he can possibly contribute. Cook averaged about 16 minutes in 3 of the first 4 games of the season, but unfortunately did not shoot well enough (0-6) to keep getting those minutes. He scored 13 points in 14 minutes vs the Clippers on November 2nd, but has since only played 9 minutes total (last game action was vs Portland on Nov. 12) We are rooting for both of these guys to get better, and hopefully have a chance to contribute.


(clip from preseason)


Coach Matta Reached Out to Greg Oden

Ohio State Coach Thad Matta gave Greg Oden some words of encouragement last week following the latest news. (Article - Dispatch- Matta gives Oden a call)

Oden had successful micro fracture surgery done on his left knee on November 19, 2010.