WNBA 1999 PREVIEW: WESTERN CONFERENCE : SPARKS.Byline: - Daily News Wire Services 1998 record: 12-18 Coach: Orlando Woolridge Orlando Vernada Woolridge (born December 16 1959 in Bernice, Louisiana) is a former professional basketball player in the NBA. Woolridge played collegiate basketball at the University of Notre Dame. (first full season) Strengths: Additions of DeLisha Milton from Portland (ABL) and Clarisse Machanguana Clarisse Machanguana (born 4 October 1976) is a professional women's basketball player from Mozambique. She has played internationally in both the United States (WNBA from 1999-2002) and in Spain (FC Barcelona since 2003). of the San Jose Lasers The San Jose Lasers was a women's professional basketball team in San Jose, California. It was a member of the American Basketball League. The team folded along with the rest of the league during the third ABL season in 1998. (ABL) strengthen inside game. . . . Ukari Figgs Ukari Okien Figgs, (born on March 31, 1977 in Georgetown, Kentucky) is a former collegiate and professional basketball player. College years She led the Scott County girls' basketball team to a state title in 1995, and she was named Miss Basketball of Kentucky. of NCAA NCAA abbr. National Collegiate Athletic Association champion Purdue is a competent ballhandler. . . . Two Yugoslavian national players expected to further boost team. Weaknesses: Uncertainty surrounding how late additions could disrupt chemistry. Outlook: Tough competition in West will make it hard for improved team to advance in playoffs. HOUSTON COMETS The Houston Comets are a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Houston, Texas. Formed in 1997, the team is one of the original WNBA teams and after winning four championships in the first four years of the league's existence, the Comets are also the first dynasty of 1998 record: 27-3 Coach: Van Chancellor Van Chancellor (born September 27, 1943 in Louisville, Mississippi, United States) is the current Louisiana State University women's basketball coach. He was named head coach on April 11, 2007, replacing Pokey Chatman. (third season) Strengths: Cynthia Cooper (league-high 22.7 points per game), Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson are back. . . . Added depth in forward Natalia Zassoulskaia of Russia, guard Sonja Henning of Portland (ABL) and Jennifer Rizzoti of New England Blizzard The New England Blizzard was a women's professional basketball franchise based in Hartford, Connecticut. The Blizzard was a charter member of the American Basketball League (ABL). (ABL). Weaknesses: Tough offseason with Kim Perrot's cancer diagnosis, Swoopes' divorce and death of Cooper's mother. Outlook: Few soft spots on roster. . . . Third title in future if everybody stays healthy. MINNESOTA LYNX Coach: Brian Agler (expansion team) Strengths: Start life with five members of two-time ABL champion Columbus Quest, including guard Katie Smith and Tonya Edwards, who join old coach. Weaknesses: Green team trying to make it in toughest conference. Outlook: Could finish at .500 if winds blow right. PHOENIX MERCURY 1998 record: 19-11 Coach: Cheryl Miller (third season) Strengths: Colorado Xplosion (ABL) standout Edna Campbell will help backcourt. . . . Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil of Lasers will shore up inside game. Weaknesses: Marlies Askamp and Maria Stepanova just joining team from European tour. Outlook: Mercury's scrappiness could help challenge Houston for conference championship. SACRAMENTO MONARCHS 1998 record: 8-22 Coach: Sonny Allen (first season) Strengths: Acquired forward-center Yolanda Griffith of Chicago Condors (ABL) and hot-shooting guard Kedra Holland-Corn of Lasers in draft. . . . Guard Ticha Penicheiro had league-high 7.5 assists per game. Weaknesses: Talented, not deep. . . . Backup point guard Molly Goodenbour out for season after knee surgery. Outlook: Could see biggest swing in standings if Ruthie Bolton-Holifield's knee holds up. UTAH Utah, state, United States Utah (y  `tä'), Rocky Mt. state of the W United States. STARZZ 1998 record: 8-22 Coach: Frank Layden (second season) Strengths: Experience in center Natalie Williams from ABL's Power and guard Debbie Black from the Xplosion. . . . They join 7-foot-2 Margot Dydek and forward Wendy Palmer. Weaknesses: Inside is strong, perimeter game isn't. . . . Europeans Dydek and Elena Baranova will join team late. Outlook: Will have to fight Monarchs and Lynx to get out of conference basement. CAPTION(S): Photo PHOTO Cynthia Cooper |
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