Indiana native and Purdue alum Stephanie McCarty was acquired as the centerpiece and feature attraction for the Fever in their expansion season. The only problem is that she averaged less than 20 minutes per game last season for the Charlotte Sting and was ineffective over that stretch. Whether she will produce under pressure as a pro in a basketball-crazy state has yet to be determined.

The selection of Gordana Grubin with the top pick in the expansion draft gives Indiana a player who shot 43 percent from 3-point range last season and worked her way into Los Angeles Sparks' starting lineup. The Fever are depleted in the frontcourt as centers Nyree Roberts and Kara Wolters have seen little playing time in the league. Anne Donovan, the interim coach with Nell Fortner guiding the Olympic team, has plenty of question marks and not much talent in what should be a long maiden season.

The basics

Coach: Anne Donovan, first year, former ABL's Philadelphia Rage head coach

1999 finish: Expansion team

Arena: Conseco Fieldhouse

Average home attendance: Expansion team

Story Lines

Donovan has plenty of point guards to chose from, including former Mystic Rita Williams, former Spark Gordana Grubin and former Starzz Chantel Tremitiere.

No matter how many games the Fever win, Donovan won't be the head coach next season. Donovan is simply filling in for Nell Fortner, who is concentrating on leading the U.S. national team to Sydney.

Players to watch

Stephanie McCarty: She's the star of the franchise off the court, but Indiana will need her to be a star on it as well. Last season the 5-foot-9 guard averaged 5.3 points for the Sting.

Kara Wolters: The 6-7 center earned a championship ring with the Comets last season, but played in just 10 games. Wolters, who will play for Fortner on the U.S. national team this summer, is looking to revive her career at Indiana.

Jurgita Streimikyte: The Fever are hoping their top draft choice contributes immediately. The 6-3 forward has spent the last two seasons playing for Pool Comense in Italy, averaging 10.8 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Games to watch

June 1 at Miami, 7 p.m.: Two Eastern Conference expansion teams meet.

June 17 at Orlando, 6:30 p.m.: McCarty faces college coach Carolyn Peck.

What you didn't know

Danielle McCulley scored the first points in franchise history -- preseason points -- two free throws against Sacramento.

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