CHICAGO — It’s not every day that one gets picked up on defense by a former president.
But Liberty star Jonquel Jones found herself in that unique situation Friday morning when former President Barack Obama tried guarding her and almost successfully poked the ball free.
“He was playing good ‘D’,” Jones said Friday, “but I also went out last night, so I’m not in my best form right now.”
Obama made a cameo at WNBA All-Star practice, surprising the players at his namesake landmark on Chicago’s South Side.
Obama spent a few minutes speaking with the players, posing for photos and, in Jones’ case, playing a little impromptu defense before All-Star practice officially began.
“Some of you I’m meeting for the first time. All of you are extraordinary and I could not be bigger fans,” Obama said. “The way the game has been growing lately, the way it’s been picking up and people paying attention to your excellence, I think it’s been something for basketball fans, generally, a sight to see. It’s been making me happy.”
Breanna Stewart has gotten to know Obama over the years as she visited the White House after all four of UConn’s national championship wins.
She thought it was special to have an All-Star practice at the Obama Presidential Center, which opened last month.
But Obama’s surprise appearance was a sweet bonus.
Caitlin Clark was also in awe after having a brief conversation with Obama.
“He just complimented me for the way that I handle everything, obviously with everything that’s been going on,” Clark told reporters. “He’s somebody that has been in front of the media quite a bit and he reminded me, ‘When I got famous in my 40s, I didn’t have to do it in my 20s.’ ”
The WNBA will not be wearing the “USA 250” commemorative patches, Stewart confirmed.
Several other professional sports leagues adopted the emblem in honor of America’s 250th birthday, including the NBA.
Both the Knicks and Spurs donned the patches during the 2026 NBA Finals.
Stewart had jokes Friday.
Asked for her initial thoughts of hearing the LeBron James’ free agency news, Stewart replied, “Oh, my God. LeBron to Brooklyn?”
“Nope, that didn’t happen,” the reporter replied.
Stewart continued, “I don’t know if we were on the short list but I think it’s incredible.”
Stewart was in the camp of those who thought James would return to the Miami Heat to cap off his Hall of Fame career.
She was shocked when she heard he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I’m really excited to see what he’s gonna do in Philly,” Stewart said. “He has an incredible squad around him, and it’s just a train ride away so I gotta go.”
As for her early pick to win next year’s title?
“Brooklyn? No, I’m jokin’,” she said. “Never say never.”
But in all honesty …
“I think Philly,” she said. “Philly definitely has to be the team to beat now … Knicks? I don’t know … they got chemistry.”
