by Nicole Ellis
Jordan Adams has a challenge for you, Lynx fans. Could you please make Target Center a raging madhouse of basketball fans like that which epitomizes "The Pit"?
University Arena, more affectionately known as The Pit, is home court for the women's basketball team at the University of New Mexico, and Jordan Adams' home court during her four years with the Lobos. Built in a 37-foot hole in the ground, The Pit has a seating capacity of 18,018, but can sound more like 118,018. Adams can vouch for that.
"In The Pit it's like everybody is on top of each other," explained Adams. "It's really loud. They're always into the game; they're always screaming no matter what. From the moment of tip-off, it's screaming. It's a lot of fun."
Adams, a 6-3 forward, was selected by Minnesota in the second round (18th overall) of the 2003 WNBA Draft. As a member of the Lobo women's basketball team, Adams finished her college career as the school's all-time leader in blocked shots. She led the Lobos to the Sweet 16 in this year's NCAA Tournament, scoring 22.0 ppg on 56.8 percent from the field, adding 17 blocks in three tourney outings. Adams averaged 16.0 ppg and 6.6 rpg during her career at New Mexico.
Adams' move from Lobo to Lynx has been one of slow progress. She did not appear in the team's first three regular-season games and was placed on the Injured List on June 1. Since being activated on July 6, Adams has played in eight games, averaging 2.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg. She had the chance to prove herself during the July 23 game in Connecticut: Adams came away with 13 points and 10 rebounds — the first double-double by a Lynx player this season.
Whether she's on the bench or the floor, this season has been a learning experience. "Nothing's just going to happen," said Adams. "You have to work hard. I have a lot to learn. I'll just wait for my opportunity."
Adams will wait for her opportunity to play while she waits for Lynx fans to make Target Center into The Pit of the North. Are you up to the challenge?
