August 26, 2024
Locked On Women’s Basketball: Myisha Hines-Allen fits Minnesota Lynx, recalls Maya Moore’s greatness
By The Next
Hines-Allen: 'I just still can't believe I'm here. Every time I think about it, I'm smiling. It's crazy'
On today’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, Minnesota Lynx forward Myisha Hines-Allen joins host Howard Megdal to talk about her recent trade from the Mystics to the Lynx, adjusting to a new team in the second half of the season, and joining Minnesota’s championship culture.
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First, they discussed the moment Hines-Allen learned she would be moving from Washington to Minnesota, her reaction and thoughts about joining the Lynx.
“There was speculation going around with the trades of me going to other teams or this and that,” Hines-Allen said. “… after shoot around, [head coach Eric Thibault] and [GM Mike Thibault] pulled me aside and told me that I was being traded to Minnesota. And I mean, honestly, it was like a world of emotions. Of course, I was sad to be leaving my home, somewhere I considered home, made home. And my teammates who I … built that relationship with, even the new ones. I mean, I talk about it a lot, but like [Mystics center Stefanie Dolson], for example, who I just got to meet this year and just be team teammates with her. So it was sad in that aspect, but also at the same time, I was happy because it was Minnesota.”
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“I remember my senior year in college, I did a interview with Minnesota, and I was like, ‘Oh, I like it here,'” Hines-Allen continued. “And then free agency rolls around a few years ago, and I was like, ‘I really like here.’ So I was ready to come here and everything a couple years ago. So just to be able to actually finally put on this jersey and be a part of this culture, it’s amazing. I just think God’s timing was how it all happened and how it came through. [I’m] just happy to be here, and teammates are awesome. Coaching staff is great. Everything is good right now. And I just still can’t believe I’m here. Every time I think about it, I’m smiling. It’s crazy.”
Then, they talked about how she’s adjusting to being in Minnesota, what their expectations have been of her so far and the parts of her game she’s been able to focus on. Myisha Hines-Allen spoke about how reflecting on her break out 2020 season in the bubble has helped her move into her new team with confidence.
“I mean, so the first time I talked to [Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve] after the trade, she was just like, ‘Be yourself. We got you for you to be yourself, not to be anybody else,’ … just do everything that you do and do it to the best of your ability. We know that there’s going to be some ups and downs early in because you are new, but for the most part, if you catch that rebound off the backboard, you could dribble it up, because I am able to facilitate an open space, or even just the half court. And I just pride myself on taking care of the ball,” Hines-Allen explained.
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“I was able to see what I was capable of being in this league during the bubble year. So I just use that as a mental note, like no, you are capable and you deserve to be in this league,” she continued. “So I just pride myself on being able to find my teammates. And it makes it a lot easier playing with great players like I have here too. You know, they finish the ball extremely well, like [guard Courtney Williams], her mid range, the best in the league. She’s on like an MVP level right now. [Guard Kayla McBride], she just shoot the ball. [Forward Bridget Carleton], phenomenal shooter. Like, I could just list down the whole roster, everyone’s amazing at what they do. And that’s something that I really love about this team. Everyone has a role, and everyone does that role to the best of their ability. And that’s why this team is what they are.”
Tune in to Locked On Women’s Basketball to hear more from Myisha Hines-Allen about what makes Minnesota such a special place to play, Maya Moore‘s jersey retirement, and more. Make sure to subscribe to the Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast to keep learning about the WNBA, women’s college basketball, basketball history and much more!
