truebluefan

Last April, as the Silver Stars graced the Antioch Sports Complex for the first day of training camp, the court was jammed with nearly 30 players, all in a chaotic rotation that had an eerie resemblance to a junior high tryout.

Makeshift programs were necessary to memorize the names of all 27 players who arrived.

When the Silver Stars open training camp today, the complex will take on an entirely different look — one of a facility housing a professional basketball workout.

Silver Stars coach Dan Hughes is only bringing players to camp who will eventually own a spot on the final roster, and the team will commence practice with only 10 players.

Also unlike last year, the Silver Stars will have the bulk of their lineup in camp from the early stages. Aside from the absence of Marie Ferdinand, who will be out of action until at least July because of her pregnancy, only Vickie Johnson and Dalma Ivanyi will be significantly late arrivals. Johnson and Ivanyi are expected to join the team in May because of the late conclusion of their overseas team's schedule.

"This is definitely an advantage for us," said forward Kendra Wecker, who spent the offseason rehabilitating the knee ligament she tore in last year's season opener. "You can get the whole team in and get the players ready from Day 1. You're not going to have new people coming and people going out while you're trying to learn the offense."

It is an important transition for the Silver Stars as they try to uproot themselves from the bottom ranks of the WNBA standings. Last year's 7-27 finish was the worst in franchise history.

But with Hughes' philosophy in place for a second-straight season and training camp being used for progression instead of audition, the team is expecting to see positive results.





complete article by Natalie England