NFL
What comes to mind with the word “Wings?” Buffalo Wild Wings? Not bad. The West Wing? A decent show. But the REAL Wings are WNBA’s Dallas Wings, and with Notre Dame star Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas will fly to a better perch to view a most competitive women’s hoops landscape.
Arike, Skill Of The Irish
Um, luck of the Irish? Hardly. No amount of luck can result in two buzzer beaters to win a national championship, leading to appearances on Dancing With The Stars and Ellen DeGeneres.
Arike couldn’t quite duplicate her accomplishment this season. First, she helped Notre Dame reach the Final Four with an amazing Sweet 16 performance.
Unfortunately, she missed and then accidentally made (because she’s too good) a free throw, preventing Notre Dame from forcing overtime in the final 2019 tournament game. But no time to mope – the draft awaited days later.
Welcome to Dallas
Arike quickly transitioned to the WNBA where, after being picked fifth, a surprise awaited.
In her debut, She played well in front of a more modest (compared to South Bend) Atlanta crowd. While WNBA legend Tamika Catchings claims players aren’t concerned with firsts, fans certainly are.
The first OFFICIAL points of @Arike_O's WNBA career!
pic.twitter.com/vPEcmCHLCT
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) May 24, 2019
And in a stroke of genius Mel Brooks would admire, what did she pitch after the game? Merchandising! Merchandising!
Go get yours! https://t.co/Z9YHMVKNO9
— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) May 25, 2019
Too many fans tune out when college favorites go pro. Dallas supposedly isn’t as exciting as Indiana. But maybe it’s time to reconsider. Arike isn’t going to stop loving the limelight and the ball just because she’s in the pros. And no reason for us to stop watching either.
