Indiana Fever forward Temi Fagbenle is experienced in winning championships, both in the WNBA and abroad. Selected by Minnesota in 2017, she claimed a championship in her first year playing with Lynx greats Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles. In 2019, she exited the WNBA due to personal reasons and remained involved in Great Britain, where she was named the British Basketball League MVP in the 2023-24 season and guided the London Lions to a EuroCup victory.
An experienced individual in the group
The Fever acquired negotiating rights from Fagbenle in a trade with the Lynx in 2021. Three years later, Fagbenle made the decision to come back to the WNBA. The Fever have needed exactly her experience. The only player on the roster who is 31 years old has a WNBA ring.
Coach Christie Sides called her a skilled veteran. She has been engaging in this game for quite a while. She gained valuable experience in Minnesota playing alongside Sylvia Fowles, Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore, and other teammates. Currently, she is imparting the knowledge gained from those individuals to us, and that is precisely what we require.
Discovering Her Rhythm
Fagbenle hit her groove right at the beginning of the season. Her strong defensive abilities earned her a spot on the roster at the power forward position, replacing NaLyssa Smith only seven games into the season. When she got hurt against the Sparks on May 28, she was scoring 9.1 points, grabbing 5.6 rebounds, and making 56.9% of her shots. Even though she played with the injury, she didn’t experience any pain until after the game, all thanks to adrenaline.
The injury halted Fagbenle’s progression in the WNBA. “I was really on a roll; the good old days,” Fagbenle quipped.
Recovery and Return
Her original diagnosis was 2-3 weeks before she was to be reevaluated, and she started formally practicing with the Fever again nearly a month after her injury. “She’s just a spark on both ends,” Sides said. “She keeps playing throughout the possession. She always finds a way to get her hands on the ball. She’s just moving. She’s a great screener for us, quick in her rolls, which opens up a lot of space for people. She just brings a different dynamic, and it’s good for us to have her back.”
Damiris Dantas back at practice today for the Fever. Her first session of the season. She had an MCL injury but is active for the team again. May be able to play on the upcoming road trip. @TheNextHoops pic.twitter.com/nnvBr6jN9P
— Tony East (@TonyREast) June 26, 2024
The transition back into practice was easy for Fagbenle, especially as someone who preaches communication and talking to each other on the court. “It’s good to be back. Even at practice today, it was seamless,” Fagbenle said. “Talking, being loud, being a good teammate is going to be seamless wherever you are, wherever you go, unless you have teammates that are not receiving it. And thankfully, my teammates receive it, so it’s been a seamless transition.”
Leadership from the Sidelines
Even when she was out, Fagbenle was a cherished presence on the bench. As a veteran, Fagbenle emphasizes the little things: eye contact, talking, hustle, and general communication. She essentially became an extra coach for the Fever for the past 11 games, including their four-game win streak. She’s also been the cheerleader for the Fever through their tough stretches, including their third loss to Connecticut on June 10 and the loss to the Sky on Sunday that broke the win streak.
“I see things my teammates might not see when they’re on the floor, so I can help them in that way and tell them what I see on the court from my point of view,” Fagbenle said. “And I keep the energy high, as much as possible, keep it positive.”
Day-to-Day Recovery
Fagbenle is still day-to-day; while she fully participated in practice on Tuesday, they aren’t yet giving her a designation for Indiana’s game in Seattle on Thursday. It comes down to how her foot feels following these practices. Fagbenle also could be on a minutes restriction when she returns.
“Just kind of how she feels. We’re going to play her how it goes,” Sides said. “She’s just going to give us another option in the post, which is great for us.”
Frontcourt modifications
Fagbenle will come back to a frontcourt that is experiencing several alterations. Damiris Dantas, who had a right knee injury, was activated by the Fever on Tuesday. Fagbenle primarily competes at the power forward position, while Dantas is a versatile forward who can also play either power forward or center. Dantas may not make her debut for a while since she hasn’t trained with the team yet and will have to adjust to the pace of the WNBA.
At the moment, Aliyah Boston plays as the starting center and NaLyssa Smith is positioned as power forward. Smith has shown consistency on offense, scoring an average of 13.8 points and grabbing seven rebounds in the last five games, however, defense and fouls have been problematic. The Fever coaching staff will face difficult choices regarding Smith or Fagbenle starting, along with Dantas in the rotation alongside Samuelson and Wallace at small forward.
Temi Fagbenle’s Background in the Championship
Fagbenle’s invaluable championship experience is crucial for a young Fever team aiming to prove themselves as contenders. After clinching a championship in her first season with the Lynx, she understands the keys to achieving success at the top tier of competition. During her time in the British Basketball League, she was awarded MVP and guided the London Lions to a EuroCup victory, highlighting her strong leadership qualities and winning mindset.
Looking at what lies ahead for the Indiana Fever
While the Fever finish off the season, having Fagbenle back could give them the boost they require to push for the playoffs. The team will rely on her defensive skills, experience as a leader, and knack for making important plays in key moments as they work towards more stability in the standings.
The Fever’s coaching staff must find a way to smoothly include Fagbenle in the lineup, carefully monitor her playing time, and make sure her foot heals completely. Adding Damiris Dantas not only complicates the rotation, but also provides increased depth and flexibility in the frontcourt.
The influence Fagbenle has on his fellow teammates.
Fagbenle’s influence extends beyond what she does on the basketball court. Throughout her career, she has shown herself to be a mentor and leader, able to provide guidance and support to her teammates, ultimately making a big impact for the Fever. Athletes such as Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith can gain from Fagbenle’s wisdom and expertise, absorbing her game strategy and championship background.
The Significance of Effective Communication
Communication has always been a fundamental aspect of Fagbenle’s playing style. Fagbenle’s communication skills, whether guiding defense, setting screens, or motivating teammates, play a crucial role in fostering unity and teamwork within the team. Focusing on small details such as eye contact and working hard, she sets an example for her teammates and helps create a positive and determined team environment.
Gaining traction
Having Fagbenle back in the lineup gives the Fever a chance to gain momentum and solidify their status as a strong team in the league. The Fever now has a deeper and more versatile roster due to her comeback, the growth of young players, and the potential addition of Damiris Dantas.
How far the team can go will depend on the coaching staff’s skill in making appropriate adjustments and capitalizing on each player’s strengths. The success of the Fever will rely on how well they can incorporate Fagbenle and Dantas, distribute playing time efficiently, and sustain strong performances on offense and defense.