17 in Comets Camp

The Houston Comets tipped off preparation for the 2007 WNBA season with practice number one Sunday afternoon.

17 players were in camp today. New head coach Karleen Thompson has taken a page from head coaches like Jeff Van Gundy and closed practice to the media until the final 30 minutes; but, that's no problem. She's in charge now.

Media guides were not present (accidentally forgotten). I won't be able to remember all of the players who I saw practice today. However, here's who I can remember off the top of my head:

Tasha Butts
Edna Campbell
Dee Davis
Erin Grant
Roneeka Hodges
Sancho Lyttle
Lauren Neaves
Jillian Robbins
Ashley Shields
Michelle Snow
Sheryl Swoopes
DeeDee Wheeler

LaTasha Byears, Tina Thompson, and Mistie Williams were not at practice.

I briefly spoke with Dee Davis; and, I asked her how her knees were feeling. I told her rumors were swirling on some message boards she wouldn't play with the Comets at all this season because she'd be on the Inactive List because of her knees. She was stunned and upset by the rumors.

She said to me, "You saw me in Cleveland; you see me now. What do you think?"

I told her, "You look ready right now."

I know Dee has battled knee tendinitis; but, any rumors saying she's definitely out for the season seem to be a tad bit premature.