Homecoming for Parker, big test for De Paul
Maybe it's a sign.
Chicago Sky fans can only hope.
Former Naperville Central superstar Candace Parker is ringing in the New Year back home in Chicago.
She and her Tennessee teammates will take on DePaul tonight in a showdown of Top 20 teams.
If the stars align just so, perhaps Parker will also finish 2008 in Chicago. Sky officials are hoping to somehow land her with the No. 2 pick in April's WNBA draft.
But for now, they -- and those lucky enough to have ESNPU or tickets to sold-out McGrath Arena -- can sit back and watch her play in what will likely be one of the most meaningful college basketball games in the Chicago area this season.
Defending national champion Tennessee is ranked No. 3 in the country. DePaul, which started out 10-0, is No. 12 and off to its best start in program history.
But a win for the Blue Demons tonight would legitimize this season so much more. In 16 tries against Tennessee, DePaul has never won.
Here are three reasons DePaul might pull it off this time:
• The Blue Demons are playing great team basketball.
Last year, injuries almost wiped out DePaul. The Blue Demons sometimes played with five or six players simply because there were no more available. This season, the Blue Demons have enjoyed good health and contributions from many. Coach Doug Bruno has started the same five players for 10 of 12 games, a consistency the Blue Demons didn't have last season. Also, six other players are getting at least 10 minutes a game.
• DePaul has Allie Quigley … and more.
What a season Quigley is having. The senior guard, who was named the Big East player of the week last week, is averaging 19.7 points per game and is shooting with confidence. She's made nearly 38 percent of her 3-pointers and almost 50 percent of her shots. Two weeks ago at Northwestern, she scored a season-high 31 points, and in DePaul's recent game against Texas, she poured in 29 points.
What makes Quigley even more dangerous is that she's not a one-man show. Defenses can't focus on her because guard Deirdre Naughton (16.5 ppg) and forward Natasha Williams (12.6 ppg) are also having such great seasons.
• Parker could be distracted.
Well, she probably won't be. But you never know. There will be a lot of people in the stands that Parker (22.1 ppg) hasn't seen in a while. She says that she is expecting at least 60 family members and friends to be at the game.
"This will be the first time both of my grandmothers will see me play, so I'm really excited," Parker said. "This will be my first trip home to DePaul. I'm excited at the chance to play in front of family and friends."
No. 3 Tennessee (10-1) at No. 12 DePaul (11-1)
When: 8 p.m. today
TV: ESPNU
Where: McGrath Arena, DePaul University
Tickets: Game is sold out
Update: All-American Candace Parker is putting aside any talk about her future and the WNBA. "I've learned to live in the moment and not look too far ahead," Parker said. "I will graduate from the University of Tennessee in May 2008. I've played my college career and gotten my education. I'll cross that (WNBA) bridge when I come to it, but I'm living in the moment right now."
Quotable: DePaul is 0-16 against Tennessee, but coach Doug Bruno sees this game as an opportunity to showcase his team's talent. "They're the defending national champions with the best player in the country. This will be a measuring stick for us."
Fast facts: The Blue Demons are coming off their first loss of the season, to Texas on Friday night in the Maggie Surf 'N Slam Classic. The Lady Vols lost their first game Dec. 22, falling in overtime to Stanford.
-- Patricia Babcock McGraw