Nika signed to play in Europe

[HuskyNan]

 

[huskeynut]

This should not be a surprise.

 

[Blond D.]

At least Croatia will let her play.

 

[cgshuskie]

What does this mean? Will Nika be playing in Europe after the WNBA season is over, or will she leave Seatle to play in Europe now?

 

[Jewels]

What does this mean? Will Nika be playing in Europe after the WNBA season is over, or will she leave Seatle to play in Europe now?

The former. I doubt she is leaving Seattle

 

[Dugway]

As I understand it, their first two seasons of the WNBA players can go to Europe and play, even extend their time overseas if the team they are playing for is good enough to make it to the playoffs, and afterward still come back and play in the WNBA (assuming that they make the WNBA team again). Dorka, just a month ago was an example of that.

Not certain about how that holds up after their first two seasons in the WNBA. I think at that point it they have to be back to the WNBA before the Pre-Season games.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

A few years ago several US players said it was not a comfortable place to play, which I found surprising. Hopefully not the case now.

 

[Dugway]

According to that flyer, it indicates that Nika has signed with Istanbul. Isn't Istanbul where Napheesa Collier plays in the offseason?

 

[temery]

A few years ago several US players said it was not a comfortable place to play

The US or Croatia?

 

[Dugway]

According to that flyer, it indicates that Nika has signed with Istanbul. Isn't Istanbul where Napheesa Collier plays in the offseason?

I guess better stated "had" played, since Collier will almost certainly not be going overseas to play again in the offseason.

 

[temery]

Do the European teams play in Russia?

 

[RockyMTblue2]

The US or Croatia?

Definitely the US.

 

[stamfordhusky]

The US or Croatia?

Turkey

 

[AzzisBraids]

The benefit of signing now is they receive a small advance ahead of the European season which is great for the rookies.

 

[packwrap]

Do the European teams play in Russia?

They used to in special tournaments, European events, and for their country teams. Now due war that's all shut down.

 

[From France]

According to that flyer, it indicates that Nika has signed with Istanbul. Isn't Istanbul where Napheesa Collier plays in the offseason?

There are at least 4 teams in Istanbul, the most well known are Fenerbahce (where Stewie and Napheesa shined), Galatasaray & Besiktas

 

[From France]

Turkey dominates the EuroLeague since russians clubs and specificaly UMMC Ekaterinbourg are excluded because of the war

 

[From France]

Barbara Turner (Bahar Ozturk) & Bria Hartley have played a lot of years in the turkish league.
Bria has played for Fenerbahce & Galatasaray.

 

[Huskee11]

Looks to be a good team, although Fenerbahce is always the powerhouse in Turkey. Dana Evans played with them last year but it looks like she has moved on.

British player Holly Winterburn is also on the roster, played one season at Oregon. She is the same age as Nika and I have a feeling those two will get along well.

 

[CL82]

According to that flyer, it indicates that Nika has signed with Istanbul. Isn't Istanbul where Napheesa Collier plays in the offseason?

Pretty sure that Collier is a co-principal with Stewart in a new pro three on three league that seems to be positioning itself as an alternative to WNBA players playing overseas. For what it's worth, I believe Geno has an equity stake in it as well.

 

[PJCLaw]

What does this mean? Will Nika be playing in Europe after the WNBA season is over, or will she leave Seatle to play in Europe now?

During the W off season.

 

[stamfordhusky]

What does this mean? Will Nika be playing in Europe after the WNBA season is over, or will she leave Seatle to play in Europe now?

There is no basketball in Europe now. The Turkish women’s league has its first regular season games around September 15.

 

[From France]

Looks to be a good team, although Fenerbahce is always the powerhouse in Turkey. Dana Evans played with them last year but it looks like she has moved on.

British player Holly Winterburn is also on the roster, played one season at Oregon. She is the same age as Nika and I have a feeling those two will get along well.

Well, besiktas finished 2nd of the regular season in 2023-24, so more than pretty good

 

[Huskee11]

More than pretty good = good

 

[stamfordhusky]

Well, besiktas finished 2nd of the regular season in 2023-24, so more than pretty good

While Besiktas finished second, it should be noted that their record was 20–8. Fenerbahce was 28–0. Besiktas was closer to the second division than they were to first place. when Huskee11 described them as being “good” (never said pretty good), I think that was accurate.

Note that the Turkish league has a number of bad teams, which creates a situation where a number of teams have good records as well. Very unbalanced.