Tag: Nika Muhl

Why Nika Muhl’s lack of playing time in Seattle hasn’t disrupted her rookie WNBA season

Here’s why Nika Muhl isn’t in any rush to play more during her rookie season.

Nika Muhl knows her rookie season hasn’t turned out how fans hoped it would. But she says that’s okay.

On September 1, when the Seattle Storm were in a tight six-point battle with the Connecticut Sun during the fourth quarter, chants of “Nika! Nika!” rang out in Mohegan Sun area. But with just under four minutes to play and such high stakes, Muhl wouldn’t see the floor.

However, that moment did reflect a frustrated fan base — full of Storm and UConn supporters — who wanted to see more of the rookie who was drafted No. 14 overall. (Muhl is only averaging 2.6 minutes of action this season.) Per Maggie Vanoni of CT Insider, the former Husky is not rushing to play more. Here’s what she shared with Vanoni:

“Our coach reminds us every day, ‘You’re one of 144,'” Mühl said. “That’s not a lot of spots for the amount of talent and the amount of hardworking women that are in this league and not in this league at this moment.”

“So, just reminding myself every morning, when I wake up — that even though I don’t get many minutes, it’s still a huge blessing to be a part of this program, especially being a part of Seattle Storm.”

“Everybody looks at not playing as something so horrible and so bad, but behind the scenes, I’m working my butt off.” Mühl said. “I’m learning so much, watching film all the time, learning from the best players in the world, amazing coaches. I’m not missing anything. I’m just enjoying the process. And this is my journey, and that’s how it’s supposed to be.”

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Nika Muhl wore a clever visa-approved shirt ahead of her WNBA debut and fans loved it

10/10 shirt. No notes.

After visa issues delayed her, Nika Muhl finally made her long-awaited WNBA debut on Wednesday. People have been clamoring for Muhl to play — even Angel Reese chimed in — and it seems Nika heard the chatter. She walked into pre-game activities wearing a hilarious visa-approved shirt.

A few weeks back, Nika Muhl was unsure she would make the team. (In the WNBA, being drafted is no guarantee to make the roster.) But, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma assured her that she would in a heartfelt conversation.

Then, work visa issues caused Muhl to miss four games and delayed her WNBA debut. However, Nika was finally ready to go Wednesday night. To celebrate the occasion — and show off her fantastic sense of humor — Muhl arrived in a genius visa approval shirt.

Of course, fans loved her shirt and were over the moon about it. Here’s what they said:

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Nika Muhl thanked UConn’s Geno Auriemma in tear-jerking video ahead of her WNBA debut

Who is cutting onions in here?

UConn alumna Nika Muhl is off to make her mark in the WNBA. On April 15, the Seattle Storm selected Muhl 14th overall. Still, she hasn’t forgotten the people who have helped her arrive at this moment, including UConn head coach Geno Auriemma. Muhl recently paid Auriemma a visit to say goodbye to him, and you might want to grab your tissues.

Geno Auriemma has a different kind of relationship with his players. He’s tough on them but also believes in them so much. That didn’t change when Nika Muhl recently visited Geno. In a newly released video, Nika walks into Geno’s office and immediately calls him “Grampy” — an ode to his notorious old man ways and uncanny ability to resemble the grandfather from Up — before being on the receiving end of him trolling her.

However, before the clip is over, Nika can be heard pouring into Geno and sharing these heartfelt words:

“You changed my life. Your impact — I don’t think you’re aware of it…You’ve impacted so many people around me, including me. There’s never been a single person like you, and there never will be in the world. I hope you know how unique you are, how special you are.”

Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles is finalist for Lieberman Award

Just another honor for the Irish point guard.

Here’s hoping the knee injury Olivia Miles suffered in Notre Dame’s regular-season finale against Louisville isn’t serious. In the meantime, Irish fans can be happy that she has another honor to her name. For the second straight season, Miles has been named one of five finalists for the Nancy Lieberman Award, which is given to the country’s top point guard. A Miles win would put her in company with [autotag]Skylar Diggins[/autotag], who won the award in 2012 and 2013.

Miles is pacing the Irish in rebounds (7.2), assists (6.9) and steals (2.1). She is the only player in the country to average at least 14 points, seven points, six assists and two steals. She also ranks in the top 10 in the ACC in points, rebounds and assists, leading the last of those categories.

Also up for the award are 2022 winner Caitlin Clark of Iowa, Nika Muhl of UConn, Lauren Park-Lane of Seton Hall and McKenna Hofschild of Colorado State.

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Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

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