LOVING THE SHOCK FANS!

Today we had the opportunity to have an autograph signing with our great Shock fans at Cain. The owner was very nice and a huge supporter it was very nice to meet her. To all the fans that came out to get our autographs, I thank you. Your support is needed and definitely appreciated. Both me and the good Rook Lonetta had a blast with all of you and I'm sure the rest of the team did as well. As you all know we have out first game coming up this Saturday. I am hoping to see all of you, as we take on the Silver Stars at 7 pm. Also be on the look out for the new and improved meekshope website to be back up and running in a few days...

Meek

KLOPPENBURG TABS MEEK AS TEAM MENTOR

The following comes from the WNBA season preview of the Tulsa Shock:

The Shock head into action after having the worst record in the league last year (3-31) but new coach Gary Kloppenburg is determined to turn that around.

“We tried to improve our talent level all across the board with some trades, free agents and the draft,” Kloppenburg said. “We were hurting with our record last year and in places like shooting so we tried to bring in more athletics and more skill.”

One of those players the Shock signed was Temeka Johnson, who the Mercury traded in exchange for Andrea Riley. Kloppenburg said he envisions Johnson, a seven-year league veteran, being a mentor for some of the younger players on the team.

“Adding Temeka Johnson will give us a big lift,” he said. “She's a leader, she's very vocal and players look up to her. That could give us a jump start.”

One of the biggest challenges the Shock will have to overcome is building a strong team with so many new players. It becomes even harder now that the team will be playing without their star player Tiffany Jones (formerly Tiffany Jackson). Jones is expecting her first child and will sit out the entire season.

“She was our leading rebounder and scorer so that's tough to lose,” Kloppenburg said. “It's definitely a learning curve for the team to get adjusted to and it’ll take some time to gel. But we got a lot of good new talent that can contribute, and I think we’ve built a pretty good nucleus.”

He added the revamped Shock is responding well as a team and fans have a lot to look forward to this season.

"We're trying to get the fans back on board and excited," he said. "I think it's starting to work already. We haven't played a regular season game yet and we're already seeing some excitement."

LIVING ON TULSA TIME

Helloooooooo everyone!

I am finally in Tulsa and participating with a very good group of young women. I have watched as well as been a part of some very promising practices.

Tomorrow we have and early one against Seattle. It is a preseason game, but we are looking forward to the challenge.  This is also a moment where so many of the rookies get a chance to show what they have left before the final cuts. So far it has been great and I am super happy to be back with my LSU Alum Scholanda Dorrell.

Stay tune everyone -- I think this can really be a promising season.

Meek