Seattle Storm star forward Gabby Williams saw her debut for Turkish squad Fenerbahce Opet get off to a crazy start after their FIBA Women’s Super Cup game against rival Besiktas JK on Wednesday was postponed as spectators started throwing foreign and flammable objects on the court.
The game had barely gotten off when fans at the stands began throwing stuff on to the court, including firecrackers, endangering the safety of the players and game officials. The players were immediately sent to their locker rooms while a 30-minute break was held to control the situation.
When league officials deemed it was no longer possible to resume the match, it was decided that the game be played instead on Thursday without spectators.
Check out the crazy scenes during Gabby Williams’ debut game in Turkey below:
Gabby Williams is playing in Turkey right now after an impressive midseason comeback in the WNBA. Following a stellar showing in the Paris Olympics, where the French international led the host squad to a silver medal finish behind the United States, she re-signed with the Storm.
The 28-year-old former UConn standout played 12 regular season games in Seattle, averaging 10.3 points, 4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals in 29 minutes of play and helping the Storn reach the playoffs.
In the postseason, Williams further picked up her game, posting numbers of 17 points (team-high) and 6.5 rebounds. They, however, were eliminated by the two-time defending WNBA champions Las Vegas Aces in the opening round.
Gabby Williams urges WNBA to improve pay structure to lessen player exodus overseas
Gabby Williams spoke out this after the Storm’s season ended last week, highlighting during her exit interview that the league must shape up in giving players what is due them so as not to take their talents overseas.
Williams said (via Sports Illustrated):
“Unfortunately, [the WNBA] doesn’t pay the most. So I am happy to have other options to provide for me and my family.”
Adding:
“The WNBA thinks that they don’t have to pay us more in order for us to be here. And I think I didn’t express that when I first talked about prioritization. Our commissioner talked about us being able to make $700,000. That’s actually not true at all. There’s not one player who makes that.”
Gabby Williams warned that if left unaddressed, the WNBA will continue to see player exodus to more lucrative markets overseas.
Apart from Williams, also playing in the Turkish league this season is her Seattle Storm teammate Nika Muhl for Besiktas JK.
