Sparks rookie Andrea Riley awaits her chance
At practice, Andrea Riley dances and laughs. In games, the 21-year-old cheers from the bench, watching avidly and ready to run onto the court if called.
The positive attitude is a necessity for the rookie. Since her stellar performance off the bench in the first game of the season, the Sparks’ first-round draft pick has found playing time scarce.
“I see in practice how talented she is,” said veteran point guard Ticha Penichero, Riley’s mentor on the team. “There’s 40 minutes in the game, and I think she should be playing, but I’m not the coach.”
The team is looking for consistency Tuesday night against Phoenix (6-11) after a loss to Seattle on Sunday in which the Sparks (4-12) were out-scored 13-0 at the start and 15-6 in the final 7 1/2 minutes. Tuesday’s game at Staples Center is at 7 p.m. and will air on ESPN2.
“It’s always our goal to come out with a sense of urgency.… Now it’s just a matter of getting four quarters of play,” Sparks Coach Jennifer Gillom said.
Riley, who had 16 points, four assists and four steals in 28 minutes against Phoenix on May 15, said she could provide an energy boost if needed.
“I think I could be one of those spark players because I am fast, I try to change the pace of the game when I do get in there,” said Riley, who has played a combined six minutes in the Sparks’ last five games.
Riley and Gillom deny there is a disagreement or personality clash keeping her off the floor.
“No not at all, not at all,” Riley said. “I really don’t know, I can’t tell you. I just think it’s all a learning process.”
Gillom said Riley, who averaged 26.7 points and 6.5 assists per game as a senior at Oklahoma State, needs to adjust to the professional game.
“Some rookies come in and they play a ton, and some rookies come in and have things to learn,” Gillom said.
Riley, who hasn’t played in the last two games, plans to help her team defeat Phoenix, on or off the court.
“You contribute by cheering for your teammates and do everything positive that you can,” she said. “If you get negative, that’s when things start going bad for you.”