Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Storm Makes Second Round of Cuts

- While taking Sunday off, the Seattle Storm made the decision to waive training-camp invitees La'Tangela Atkinson and Kasha Terry, bringing the roster to 13 players. 12 are now in camp, with Suzy Batkovic-Brown (spending this week on her honeymoon after her marriage last weekend) the only player remaining overseas. Amongst that group, the Storm has two invitees remaining - guard A'Quonesia Franklin and guard Aja Parham.


Franklin

Parham
"I think it's a tribute to them that they're still here if you look around the league at who's getting waived and who's released right now," said Storm Head Coach Brian Agler. "They've worked hard and they're good players. They can play in this league, and that's why they're here."

The deadline for finalizing rosters is Thursday, and Agler indicated the working assumption is the Storm will not make its final cuts to reach an 11-player roster until then.

Having a slightly smaller group will help the Storm's regulars spend more time on the court, an important consideration after Agler said the team appeared to wear down in the fourth quarter of Saturday's preseason loss at Phoenix.

"I think reps is the most critical thing right now," he said. "We've got a few days to prepare. Hopefully we'll make use of them."

- For the first time all training camp, the Storm had a couple of players on the sidelines during Monday's practice, though neither injury is considered serious.

Forward Swin Cash was watching her teammates, but not because of anything relating to her back surgery. Cash has experienced some swelling in her left knee.

"That's the extent of it," explained Agler. "She's going to get back out, hopefully tomorrow, doing some things."

Rookie Ashley Walker was also sidelined due to her calf.

"She's fine - she'll be back out tomorrow," said Agler. "In the past, she's had some issues with her calf. After that game the other night where she played extremely well, she had some tenderness there and we wanted to get it checked out."

No comments: