Seattle is hoping that Kamila Vodichkova's solid play overseas will carry over in the team's expansion season. But there are very few options to help her up front in what will be a long season for the Storm.

Edna Campbell is a talented guard who never developed into the No. 2 scorer Phoenix anticipated and was left unprotected in the expansion draft. She teams with Sonja Henning, another talented guard who could not adequately replace the late Kim Perrot in Houston. Katrina Hibbert was an explosive player in college and Robin Threatt has caught the attention of coach Lin Dunn, but not much is expected from the Storm this season. The Western Conference opponents should expose Portland's lack of depth.

The basics

Coach: Lin Dunn, first season, former head coach ABL's Portland Power and Purdue University

1999 finish: Expansion team

Arena: Key Arena

Average home attendance: Expansion team

Story Lines

Three current Seattle players have previously played under coach Lin Dunn -- Sonja Henning, Charisse Sampson and Charmin Smith. Henning and Smith played for Dunn on the Portland Power of the ABL and Sampson was a player on Dunn-coached USA Basketball Jones Cup teams.

Some observers say Seattle came away with the steal of the WNBA draft when the Storm nabbed Kamila Vodichkova with the ninth overall pick. Vodichkova was considered one of the top players in Europe and a sure top-five pick.

Players to watch

Sonja Henning: The 5-foot-7 Henning was Houston's point guard a year ago, starting all 32 games as the Comets won their third WNBA title.

Edna Campbell: The team's veteran, Campbell will complement Henning nicely as the Storm's starter at shooting guard.

Kamila Vodichkova: The Storm found the frontcourt starter with their first-round pick in the WNBA Draft. The 6-foot-4 Vodichkova possesses good size and quickness.

Games to watch

June 1 vs. Houston 10 p.m.: Storm guard Sonja Henning goes against former team.

June 23 at Portland 9 p.m.: West expansion teams give each other midterm report.

Aug. 3 at Phoenix 7 p.m.: Storm gets late test against West contender.

What you didn't know

The name Storm came about because of the obvious connection with Seattle weather and because it conveys strength.

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