General manager/coach Nancy Lieberman-Cline turned what could have been a disatrous season into a positive one with a trade just before the draft. She sent disgruntled point guard Jennifer Azzi to Utah for two first-round picks that turned into Edwina Brown and Tamicha Jackson. Both were heralded players in college, but could suffer their share of growing pains like any other rookie.

However, Brown and Jackson are the most reliable guards on the roster as Sandy Brondello, the team's leading scorer from last season, was left unprotected in the expansion draft. Even though Lieberman-Cline likes guard-oriented teams, Wendy Palmer, Val Whiting and Dominique Canty must score consistently up front to take pressure off the backcourt players. Optimism is high for the Shock, but the young guns must come through for a return trip to postseason.

The basics

Coach: Nancy Lieberman-Cline, second year

1999 finish: 15-17, Tied for 2nd in Eastern Conference

Arena: The Palace of Auburn Hills

Average home attendance: 7,625

Story Lines

Detroit is going to have to find new go-to-player after guard Jennifer Azzi was traded to the Utah Starzz. Azzi averaged 10.8 points a game last season and was first in the league in three-point field goal percentage.

Tamicha Jackson led a couple of talented Louisiana Tech teams, but how will she fare leading the Shock? The 5-foot-6 point guard has some of the quickest hands in the game, but she may need a little time to adjust to the professional level.

Players to watch

Edwina Brown: The 2000 Wade Trophy winner should play immediately, helping to fill the hole left by Azzi. The 5-10 guard averaged 14.7 points for Texas in 1999-2000.

Astou Ndiaye: After an impressive preseason, the 6-3 power forward may work her way into the starting lineup. A graduate of NAIA power Southern Nazarene University, Ndiaye averaged 5.3 points and 14 minutes in her rookie season.

Wanda Guyton: The team's true veteran, Guyton could play a crucial role in guiding a very young team. The 6-1 center has something that all players admire -- two WNBA championship rings.

Games to watch

June 3 vs. Sacramento, 7:30 p.m.: First pro game for several rookies.

June 5 at Minnesota, 8 p.m.: Only game against their regional rival.

July 14 vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m.: If the Shock are to rout someone, it will probably be an expansion team at home.

What you didn't know

Lieberman-Cline recently completed her degree in interdisciplinary studies from Old Dominion University. A three-time All-American, Lieberman-Cline left school early to play professional basketball.

Sports Ticker contributed to this report.

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