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Home | Sports | Lynx

Statistically speaking, Anosike does it all

The second-year Lynx post player is often overshadowed, but her contributions are sprinkled throughout the boxscore.

By ROMAN AUGUSTOVIZ, Star Tribune

Last update: July 6, 2009 - 10:37 PM

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LYNX SPOTLIGHT NICKY ANOSIKE

Up next: 7 p.m. today vs. Washington, Target Center • 106.1-FM

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Nicky Anosike and her Lynx teammates were frustrated after their most recent game. Minnesota lost 74-68 at home Thursday to Sacramento, a team that arrived with one victory.

"They outworked us, they kicked our butts," Anosike said.

She could not, would not forget the loss right away.

"You kind of have to let it sting a little," said Anosike, a 6-3 center. "You have to feel the hurt and understand you don't want that to happen again."

Then she moved on. "In this league there is no time to really pout and be upset," Anosike said, "because now we play again [today] against what I think is a better team."

Washington (5-4) visits Target Center tonight. A victory would give the Lynx (7-4) a share of first place in the Western Conference with Phoenix.

The Lynx, even without the injured Seimone Augustus, are in contention partly because Anosike continues to play well as a second-year pro.

"You can't ask for a better post player," Lynx coach Jen Gillom said. "She not only get rebounds, she not only scores, she shows up in every category."

Anosike is averaging 12.6 points. She is not scoring as much as Candice Wiggins (14.6) and Charde Houston (14), but she is first on the team in rebounds (7.2 per game), steals (3.2) and assists (3.0) and tied for first in blocks (1.2). Her 35 steals are the most in the WNBA.

"Nicky has goals," Gillom said. "Nicky wants to be an all-star. Nicky wants to be an MVP. She wants those things, and she works hard. That's why she is having success."

The Lynx took Anosike in the second round of the 2008 WNBA draft. She was the 16th pick overall. She started the team's first game last season and every game since.

"College is fun, but I wouldn't go back," said Anosike, who played in the shadow of Candace Parker on two NCAA championship teams at Tennessee.

"I like to measure myself up against the best," Anosike said. "In college, you might play against one or two good players a night, if you are lucky. I really like the challenge here. No one expected me to be where I am now."

Anosike also enjoys the chance to concentrate solely on basketball as a pro. In college, she had three majors and constantly was studying. She did so well in athletics and academics she was named NCAA Woman of the Year for 2008.

She plans to go to law school someday. "I love playing basketball right now, but I know I am destined to be more," Anosike said.

The one area on the court that Anosike has struggled is at the foul line. She is making only 58.9 percent of her free-throw attempts (43-for-73). The 73 attempts ties her for the league high.

"I've stayed after practice and worked on free throws with her," Gillom said. "I've seen her make 47 out of 50. It is a psychological thing."

Anosike often shoots her free throws too flat, so Gillom often reminds her by simply saying, "Up."

What Anosike wants to hear more is a play called for her at the end of a tight game. Augustus or Wiggins usually have been asked to make the big play.

"Maybe one day [Gillom] will call my number and I will be ready. I'm practicing every day 'cause I know that moment will come."

Note

Augustus will have surgery today on her left knee to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

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