WNBA: Cindy Who?

Bring up the topic of women’s basketball in the state of Maine and you’re sure to hear the name Cindy Blodgett mentioned.

She is a hoops legend for the University of Maine Black Bears, holding 20 school records and ranking fourth in Division I history with 3,005 points. Blodgett led the nation in scoring as a sophomore and junior, averaging 27 points per game or better.

She graduated in 1998, when the WNBA celebrated its first anniversary. It would appear that she would be destined to succeed in the new professional league.

In the 1998 WNBA draft, she was selected as the sixth-pick overall by the Cleveland Rockers. However, Blodgett’s point and assist average and legendary game remain frozen in Maine.

It certainly isn’t a question of talent, for Cindy Blodgett can play with the best. Instead, is a question of opportunity. Her debut with the Cleveland Rockers in 1998 has proven to be the most game action she has seen. She averaged a whopping 8.4 minutes per game. As if that isn’t frustrating enough, her point average was a dismal 2.9 points per game.

In 1999, Blodgett was traded to the Sacramento Monarchs, a team it appeared would surely benefit from the services of a proven marksman. Unfortunately for Blodgett, a dream to start fresh and showcase her talents, would not come true.

In 1999 and 2000, she only averaged 2.8 and 6.7 minutes per game, respectively. It is important to note that Blodgett played 10 minutes or more in only six games and did not play at all in 12 out of the 32 regular season games.

While there’s no statistical data to prove it, a lack of playing time can lead to a lack of confidence. Thus, the less Blodgett plays, the lower her confidence level may go.

Simply put, she needs to play for a coach who will give her the opportunity to aregain the confidence Blodgett had when she was a scoring machine at Maine.

It’s not that the Monarchs couldn’t use her. Despite the sensational play of Kedra Holland-Corn, Ruthie Bolton-Holifield has been inconsistent this season and Ticha Penicheiro has been battling a sore foot.

However, head coach Sonny Allen doesn’t adequately utilize the incredible pool of talent that sits next to him.

Cindy Blodgett deserves to play where her talents are appreciated. It’s clear she wasn’t appreciated in Cleveland, and it’s clear she hasn’t been appreciated in Sacramento. How unfortunate for the true basketball aficionado to watch a talented woman sit on the bench, season after season. When will Cindy get her chance to shine?