Ferdinand-Harris makes a name for herself

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Sparks Coach Michael Cooper isn’t shy about stealing nicknames from former NBA players. He nicknamed Lisa Leslie ‘Smooth,’’ which was already taken by both Larry Hughes and Chauncey Billups, then tagged rookie Candace Parker as ‘Silk,’, a nickname belonging to his former Lakers teammates, Jamaal Wilkes.

Now, he has found a name for shooting guard Marie Ferdinand-Harris, calling her ‘The Microwave.’’ She’s still getting used to it, however.

‘She doesn’t like it because it’s Vinnie Johnson’s of the NBA,’’ he said.

Ferdinand-Harris earned the nickname through her play in the postseason, much like Vinnie Johnson did for the San Antonio Spurs for so many years.

Ferdinand-Harris has come off the bench to score in double figures in three of four playoff games. Cooper plans to keep her there.

‘That’s a good position because she can watch the game and understand how the refs are calling it,’’ he said. ‘Then go and do what she has to do.’’

-- Dan Arritt