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An opportunity for LaToya Bond

Posted by: Tony Bleill

Wednesday, July 9, 2008 1:26 AM

Friday's announcement of the Australia women's basketball team for the upcoming Beijing Olympics was great news for former Urbana star LaToya Bond.

Named to the Australian squad that day was Indiana Fever starting point guard Tully Bevilaqua -- who serves as Bond's mentor. Bond is averaging 11.6 minutes a game as Bevilaqua's backup.

What this means for Bond is increased playing time. Bevilaqua is expected to miss four Fever games in late July while trailing with the Opals. (Those games are July 22 at Chicago; July 24 vs. Minnesota; July 26 at Sacramento and July 27 at Phoenix.) The WNBA's Olympic break runs from July 28 to Aug. 27.

Bond has enjoyed mixed success in her first season with the Fever. She has been effective as a scorer, if not always efficient. Her defense needs work, as Fever coach Lin Dunn noted in an interview with The News-Gazette late last month. And, as is the case with all point guards, it is imperative that Bond take better care of the basketball.

With Bevilaqua absent, however, Bond figures to get ample opportunities to perform. One Fever analyst mused that Dunn might have to move shooting guard Katie Douglas to the point for a bit when Bevilaqua isn't playing. That may be true, especially if Bond struggles in her increased role. But Bond no doubt is looking forward to getting the first crack at it.