ARCHIVE: The Houston Roundball Review's 2001 WNBA Notebooks

Charlotte - Minnesota | New York - Washington

Charlotte Sting:

Summary: New coach Anne Donovan is emphasizing improved defense for the Sting this season. Rookies Kelly Miller and Tammy Sutton - Brown have looked good in training camp. Acquiring Allison Feaster from the Sparks, should improve team chemistry as well as offensive balance.

Cleveland Rockers

Summary: Key players Ann Wauters and Rushia Brown won’t arrive until the very end of May or early June which means Cleveland won’t have their complete team until the season has already started. Coach Dan Hughes likes first round pick Penny Taylor for her youth and skill level. Rebounding will be a concern for awhile.

Detroit Shock

Summary: Three of Detroit’s four draft picks (Deanna Nolan, Jae Kingi, and Kelly Santos) may make the opening day roster. Nolan has lived up to her high expectations coming from the University of Georgia. Second year guard Edwina Brown has improved her game from last season. Acquiring Jennifer Rizzotti from Houston has given Detroit a natural floor leader. Coach Greg Williams has utilized his deep roster in groups of three groups of 5.

Houston Comets

Summary: As a result of injury and retirement, the Comets are a very young and inexperienced team at certain positions. F Tina Thompson and all everything Janeth Arcain will share the scoring load. C / F Elen Chakirova has arrived from Russia and will play the entire season. Her scoring, rebounding, and toughness will be a big plus. Rookie F Amanda Lassiter will see significant minutes this season. C Tiffani Johnson has lost weight; improved her conditioning; and, the team hopes, her toughness, too.

Indiana Fever

Summary: The Fever had a great draft by selecting F Tamika Catchings, C Kelly Schumacher, and G Niele Ivey. New coach Nell Fortner is building a very solid foundation for the team’s future. Fortner admits the team is small; so, she plans to compensate for the lack of height by playing a more up tempo attack.

Los Angeles Sparks

Summary: LA is clearly the team to beat in the league. Coach Michael Cooper has experimented with Lisa Leslie playing small forward. The Sparks are loaded; and, they should have gained much needed experience from last year’s playoff loss to Houston.

Miami Sol

Summary: F Elena Baranova has recovered from her torn ACL of a year ago; and, she has played well in camp and preseason games. G Sandy Brondello joined the Sol following a year which she played for the Australian National team. Brondello has one of the best strokes in the entire league. Miami should improve on last season’s 13 - 19 record.

Minnesota Lynx

Summary: Coach / GM Brian Agler continued to make offseason moves in order to fine tune his team for the “long haul”. First round pick Svetlana Abrosimova won’t be recovered from her foot injury until late June or early July. Betty Lennox and Katie Smith form a solid scoring duo. Minnesota acquired some taller players: Michelle Van Gorp, Janelle Burse, and Val Whiting - Raymond who should help solve their rebounding woes of last season.

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New York Liberty

Summary: The team to beat in the East, period. Tari Phillips and Tamika Whitmore form a potent inside scoring combination. Rebecca Lobo is healthy from her 2 ACL injuries. Grace Daley and Andrea Nagy will help shore up the backcourt. Teresa Weatherspoon and Vickie Johnson are back and ready to win at all costs.

Orlando Miracle

Summary: Orlando has improved their bench; however, Adrienne Johnson suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon and is lost for the season. First round pick F Katie Douglas adds to Orlando’s versatility. Nykesha Sales, Shannon Johnson, and Taj McWilliams - Franklin continue to make up Orlando’s very solid core players.

Phoenix Mercury

Summary: Coach Cynthia Cooper has instilled a new confidence in her players. Bridget Pettis seems poised for a breakout season. Rookie G Kristen Veal is a flashy point guard; but, she must work on her consistency from game to game. Brandy Reed has to adjust to the Mercury’s new up tempo offense.

Portland Fire

Summary: Rookie G Jackie Stiles is struggling a little bit offensively; but, her tremendous work ethic will help overcome those struggles. Acquiring G Tamicha Jackson from Detroit improves Portland’s quickness and scoring ability.

Sacramento Monarchs

Summary: Yolanda Griffith hasn’t finished her European season, yet; G Ticha Penicheiro has a sprained ankle; and G Ruthie Bolton - Holifield isn’t 1005 recovered from knee surgery. As a result, Sacto is not at full speed, yet; however, they should compete with LA for the best record in the West.

Seattle Storm

Summary: Top pick Lauren Jackson is the total package. Second round pick Sameka Randall has surprised some with her scoring prowess. Seattle will be much better than last season’s 6 - 26 record.

Utah Starzz

Summary: F Natalie Williams is the focal point of the team. C Margo Dydek must play here with the same aggression she plays with in Europe. As long as guard Jennifer Azzi stays healthy, Utah should battle for a playoff spot in the West.

Washington Mystics

Summary: Coach Tom Maher (from Australia) is adjusting to his players and vice versa. The Mystics are attacking more on defense. Chamique Holdsclaw is prepared for a breakout season and lead her team to the postseason again.

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