2007 WNBA Preview

WNBA

As the NBA season is about to wrap up, it's time for the ladies of the WNBA to shine. Kidzworld tells you what to expect out of the 2007 season!

WNBA Preview - Eastern Conference

Last year the Detroit Shock were the queens of the league, winning the WNBA title. But can they two-peat? The Indiana Fever looks like the team that will dethrone the Shock as the East's best squad. Drafting rookie-center Alison Bales and signing Tammy Sutton-Brown could be just what the team needs to compliment MVP candidate Tamika Catchings mad skills. Detroit, on the other hand, doesn't plan on taking a back seat to anyone. A well-balanced team led by Deanna Nolan and Cheryl Ford, the Shock are still a team to watch this season. Also watch out for the Connecticut Sun, they could be the sleeper in this conference!

WNBA Preview - Western Conference

Could this finally be the year of the Storm? Super point guard Sue Bird and her long time running mate, Lauren Jackson, might be the strongest two-player combo in the league. The Sacramento Monarchs return with basically the same roster, but with new coach Jenny Boucek. A former WNBA player, Boucek should inspire the team that won the title just two seasons ago. The LA Sparks will have a difficult time this season without superstar Lisa Leslie, who is missing the 2007 season due to pregnancy. That leaves room for the San Antonio Silver Stars and Phoenix Mercury to climb up the ladder. The Silver Stars have a gem in second-year player Sophia Young, and in newly acquired veteran, Becky Hammond. The Mercury might have the most talented player in the league with Diana Taurasi, but her supporting cast is still pretty average.

WNBA Preview - Players to Watch

Diana Taurasi - Easily one of the best and most exciting players in the league, Diana will fill up a stat sheet. In the [KWLINK ]2006 season[/KWLINK], the Phoenix Mercury guard averaged a league best 25.3 points per game and dished out 4.1 assists per game. If you haven't seen her play, we suggest you start now!

Tamika Catchings - Tamika led her team in just about every statistical category possible. We believe this is her year to take the Indiana Fever to the promise land!

Sophia Young - Last year, Sophia had a magnificent rookie season. If she can raise her game for her sophomore campaign, then the San Antonio Silver Stars can be a team competing for the West.

Shameka Christon - Shameka had a career year with the New York Liberty last season. With the loss of Becky Hammond, this could be Shameka's opportunity to be the queen of New York.

Nykesha Sales - Nykesha is one of the most well-rounded players in the WNBA. If she can step up her scoring, she would be unstoppable!

WNBA Preview - Prediction

MVP - With reigning MVP Lisa Leslie out for the year, it's a wide open race for the title - but once [KWLINK ]September[/KWLINK] rolls around, we believe the Fever's Tamika Catchings will win be MVP.

Rookie of the Year - Chicago Sky shooting guard Armintie Ada Price has the ability to light it up. The 5'9" rookie out of Ole Miss also has great court vision and defensive instincts, which makes her an all around threat. Memo to the rest of the league - watch out!

Finals Prediction - Tamika Catchings will lead the Indiana Fever to the Finals to meet the surging Seattle Storm. In the end, the Fever will prove to be too much for the Storm.

WNBA Preview - What's New

This year there are five new head coaches. One of those new coaches is Michael Cooper, who returns to coach the LA Sparks after taking a few years off.

You will not see the Charlotte Sting on the schedule this year since they have folded. The Sting marks the fourth team that has folded in the WNBA's history.

This season, all 13 teams will sport new uniforms.

Much like the NBA this year, the WNBA will debut a new ball.

Related Stories:

WNBA Facts & Records

Lisa Leslie Biography

Kidzworld Talks to Sue Bird

Basketball - Rules and Records