Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Getting to Know Swin Cash

With the Storm dealing for All-Star forward Swin Cash from the Detroit Shock Tuesday, I asked storm.wnba.com intern Jonathan Tallariti to round up some links to features that give you a snapshot of Cash the player and the person. Here's what he came up with. - KP

Cash and Sue Bird were amongst four terrific seniors for UConn that won the 2002 NCAA title. This story focuses on Cash's contribution to that team.

Here's a story from the time of the 2004 Olympics that looks back on Cash's life. This one talks about the similar paths to the WNBA taken by Cash and former Storm forward Ashley Battle.

Cash's last appearance in a Detroit uniform came over the weekend, when she participated in the Haier Shooting Stars competition as part of All-Star Saturday Night. Cash, Pistons player Chauncey Billups and Shock Head Coach Bill Laimbeer, the defending champs, fell this time around. San Antonio ended up winning.

Here's a couple of good features that look at Cash's many skills, one from the UConn alumni magazine and one from Strut magazine. This story talks about her joining ESPN to analyze the NBA during the winter.

Cash has done a great deal of work in the community. Amongst her projects:
- "Rebounds for Research," which saw her donate $5 for each rebound in the 2005 season to the Children's Tumor Foundation
- Teaming up with former UConn stars, including Bird, to raise money build a playground in Bridgeport, Conn.
- Raising money for the McKeesport Youth Projects where she was raised
- Supporting the Catherine Ferguson Academy for teenage mothers in Detroit with her mother Cynthia, who gave birth to Swin at age 17 (this is a great NBA TV video)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow!!!! I was surprised of Anne Donavan's departure, relieved of the Storm's new ownership to keep them in Seattle, shocked at Betty Lennox's going to Atlanta, and somewhat uncertain of just how the team was going to be re-shaped to fight through those playoffs and get back the Championship. Swin Cash's acquisition is a nice surprise. 2-time champ, from one of the best defensive teams, experience, scorer. I like this move. I think Swin's minutes were being heavily reduced since the Shock's 1st championship. I'm excited to see the Storm's new "big 3". This should help the Storm with additional scoring, give opponents a challenge to double LJ or worry about Swin moving without the ball and slashing to the rim, and also provide some added defense. Can't wait until 2008 season starts! Go Storm!

Anonymous said...

Coach Agler said that they weren't done yet, as far as trades etc. After the acquisition of Cash, what direction do you think they will go to complete the restructure?

kp said...

I'm guessing just like anyone else, but shooting guard is a likely spot to add a veteran to go with the youngsters, Katie Gearlds and Tanisha Wright.

There are a few free agents on the market who could potentially fit that bill.

Anonymous said...

Cash should be a great pickup, but am I the only one worried about the Storm finding a backup point guard? Kevin who is out there that might be a good fit in Seattle to fill that role?

kp said...

Nobody specifically comes to mind, but I'm sure Coach Agler and company will consider their options.