s some anticipate the expansion of the WNBA next season (San Antonio is one city on the potential list of cities who will absorb an existing franchise, or a acquire a new team), the strength of the rest of the league grows. The WNBA also begins to get challenging looks from new comers straight from college and foreign soils.

Top Teams and Players To Watch

Last year’s results (the Houston Comets didn’t win it that time, but who did?! Oh yeah – it was . . . ) are unlikely to be repeated, considering the changes we’ll see. First, who’s returning?

The list includes last season’s MVP, the “Shaquille” of the WNBA, 6-5 C Lisa Leslie (USC '94) of the LA Sparks, who had 22 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocked shots in her second outing this past week. Sheryl Swoopes (Texas '93, for Houston Comets, WNBA champions four times) also showcases her 2000 MVP form after being out with a torn ACL that occurred in preseason. Swoopes first 2002 game produced 15 points, six rebounds and six assists. For the Houston Comets, don’t forget that they added first-round pick Michelle Snow (Tennesee, ’02) and acquired Rebecca Lobo in a trade with New York.

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