Cleveland went from Eastern Conference champs in 1998 to the league's worst team and recognized the need for youth, drafting 19-year old Ann Wauters with the top overall pick. Wauters played professionally last season in France and is the most reliable option at center even though the Rockers also have Chasity Melvin and drafted Monique Morehouse.

Eva Nemcova must also step up in the paint and display the type of game that made her first-team All WNBA in 1997 and second-team two years ago. Suzie McConnell-Serio will provide leadership at point guard, but is not getting any younger at 33 and the injury bug kept her out of 14 games last season. She also will be tutoring fellow Penn State alum Helen Darling, who will see plenty of minutes this season. Coach Dan Hughes helped guide a fading Charlotte team to within one win of the Finals last year, but has a more task with his new club.

The basics

Coach: Dan Hughes, first year, former Sting head coach

1999 finish: 7-25, 6th in Eastern Conference

Arena: Gund Arena

Average home attendance: 9,350

Story Lines

Center Isabelle Fijalkowski, who helped the Rockers to the Eastern Conference title in 1998, will not play this season. Fijalkowski played in Europe last season, and didn't come to terms with WNBA on a contract this year.

Cleveland needs to improve in two key areas. Last season, the Rockers made a league-worst 88 three-pointers and were second to last in offensive rebounds.

Players to watch

Helen Darlin: The Rockers were surprised to get Penn State guard Helen Darling as the 17th player in the draft. Named the nation's best small college player, Darling should contribute immediately.

Suzie McConnell Serio: The 33-year-old point guard is the team's leader. Recovering from foot surgery, she may see limited action early in the season.

Ann Wauters: At 19 years of age it may take awhile for the 6-foot-5 Belgian center to adjust to WNBA play. Wauters averaged 12.7 points and 6.8 rebounds for the USV Orchies of France the past two years.

Games to watch

June 12 at Indiana 8 p.m.: The expansion Fever could become Cleveland's biggest rival.

July 3 vs. New York, 8 p.m.: Wauters will face a challenge against a tough Liberty team.

August 8 at New York, 7:30 p.m.: How will Wauters fare a month later and the second time around?

What you didn't know

Former Rocker Janice Braxton has stayed close to the team in the retirement. The 6-3 forward is now an assistant coach with Cleveland.

Sports Ticker contributed to this report.

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