Women's Hoops Blog

Jayda Evans covers college and pro women's basketball. While its her first year on the Washington beat, she has covered the Storm since its inception. She'll offer observations, critiques, occasional off-beat tales and answers to select e-mail inquires. Evans also has written a book on the Storm and women's hoops, called "Game On!"

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June 14, 2008 12:49 PM

Brazil still alive; Castro Marques headed back to WNBA

Posted by Jayda Evans

Former Storm F Iziane Castro Marques did not help Brazil advance past Angola 75-58 today to reach the Finals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifier Tournament for Women where the final spot for the Beijing Games will be decided on Sunday. And the scoring leader will not compete on Sunday, instead heading back to rejoin her new Atlanta Dream due to an argument with Brazilian coach Paulo Bassul.

Castro Marques didn't play in the second half of Brazil's loss to Belarus on Friday because Bassul said he wanted to "mix things up" to get the team going after losing a lead. He wanted her to play in overtime, but Castro Marques refused to enter because she was cold and "felt the players on the court should decide the game."

"I'm ready for the criticism (in Brazil) because I've had it for my whole life," Castro Marques said. "I'm used to it. I'm sorry for what I did. I know what I did was a mistake -- but I didn't feel mentally ready to go back into the game. I was on the bench for 20 minutes. I'm the person who should be on the court for most of the game. In overtime, I was cold, not prepared...I apologized to Claudinha because she's the captain."

Castro Marques said that as long as Bassul is coach of the national team, she will not play, meaning she will not compete in the Olympics should Brazil and Bassul advance. Bassul has already kicked her off the team.

Meanwhile Storm F Kelly Santos had 10 points and three boards in 14 minutes today.

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