WNBA 1999 PREVIEW: EASTERN CONFERENCE : CHARLOTTE STING.Byline: - Daily News Wire Services 1998 record: 18-12 Coach: Marynell Meadors (third season) Strengths: Boosted backcourt big time with ABL star Dawn Staley Dawn Michelle Staley (born May 4, 1970 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an US-American basketball player and coach. Staley is a three-time Olympian and was elected to carry the Stars and Stripes at the opening ceremony of the 2004 Summer Olympics. of Philadelphia Rage The Richmond Rage, which after one year relocated to become the Philadelphia Rage, was one of the eight original franchises of the American Basketball League (ABL), a women's professional basketball league. , assuming her knees hold up, and Purdue star Stephanie White-McCarty. . . . Already-solid lineup includes WNBA WNBA Women's National Basketball Association WNBA World Ninepin Bowling Association WNBA Wannabe Nasty Boys Association WNBA Women's National Book Association, Inc. WNBA Warszawski Nurt Basketu Amatorskiego Rookie of the Year Rookie of the Year may refer to:
Weaknesses: Bench isn't considered strong. . . . Rebounding could be question mark. Outlook: Could rise to top in tight Eastern race. CLEVELAND ROCKERS The Cleveland Rockers was a Women's National Basketball Association team that played from 1997 until 2003. The Rockers were one of the original eight franchises of the WNBA, which started in 1997. The owner was Gordon Gund, who at the time also owned the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. 1998 record: 20-10 Coach: Linda Hill-MacDonald (third season) Strengths: Former Tennessee guard Kellie Jolly Harper should score from perimeter. . . . Chastity Melvin of the Rage will boost lineup that includes Michelle Edwards. Weaknesses: Isabelle Fijalkowski (13.7 points per game in 1998) did not sign, citing fatigue. . . . Lost Suzie McConnell-Serio until July with ruptured plantar fascia Plantar fascia A tough fibrous band of tissue surrounding the muscles of the sole of the foot. Also called plantar aponeurosis. Mentioned in: Heel Spurs on foot. . . . Janice Braxton retired. Outlook: Fijalkowski's departure, McConnell-Serio's injury hurt playoff chances. DETROIT SHOCK 1998 record: 17-13 Coach: Nancy Lieberman-Cline (second season) Strengths: Grabbed two productive vets in former Lasers guard Jennifer Azzi and center Val Whiting from Seattle Reign. . . In backcourt, they still have Korie Hlede, who is lighter and stronger. Weaknesses: Whiting's turned right ankle, Azzi's quadriceps muscle pull and Cindy Brown's groin pull seem to be healed, but chemistry could be out of whack. Outlook: Not much time to recoup in this league, but should make playoffs if they get it together. ORLANDO MIRACLE Coach: Carolyn Peck (expansion team) Strengths: Solid veterans in guard Shannon Johnson of the Quest and forward Tari Phillips of the Xplosion. . . . Peck, former coach of NCAA NCAA abbr. National Collegiate Athletic Association champ Purdue, knows how to win. Weaknesses: New team learning WNBA system and facing stiff competition. Outlook: Could do well if everybody stays healthy. NEW YORK LIBERTY The New York Liberty is a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team based in New York City. They are one of the eight original WNBA teams that began to see action in 1997, as well one of the most successful teams in WNBA history. 1998 record: 18-12 Coach: Richie Adubato (first year) Strengths: Chrystal Robinson of Xplosion and Michele VanGorp of Duke should bring some help for team that has two decent guards in Sophia Witherspoon and Theresa Weatherspoon. Weaknesses: Offense still problem for team that averaged 68 points a game last season. Outlook: Tough to call Liberty a playoff team. WASHINGTON MYSTICS 1998 record: 3-27 Coach: Nancy Darsch (first season) Strengths: Added superstar-in-waiting Chamique Holdsclaw and forward Shalonda Enis of the Reign to lineup that includes guard Nikki McCray. Weaknesses: Talent is much better, but they have a long road. Outlook: Should be more fun to watch, but league's worst team would be hard-pressed to get shot at playoffs. CAPTION(S): Photo PHOTO Chamique Holdsclaw |
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