Sutton-Brown Free Agent Signing Highlights Fever Roster Moves
|
|
Securing DeForge assures Indiana of returning its entire starting lineup for the first time in franchise history. Coupled with the signing of Sutton-Brown and the earlier addition of Sheri Sam, Indiana is poised to challenge for its third straight WNBA playoff berth.
Sutton-Brown, 6-4, begins her seventh WNBA campaign and was perhaps the most sought-after free agent in the WNBA this offseason. She averaged 11.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.83 blocks per game with the Charlotte Sting in 2006. Second in the WNBA in blocks last year and eighth in WNBA history, she adds a tall and athletic low-post presence to the Indiana defense that has led the league in fewest points allowed the past two seasons. Perhaps more importantly, she poses an interior offensive threat which the Fever has lacked through much of its brief franchise history.
|
In continuing to build the framework for a championship team, Krauskopf has successfully added a pair of All-Stars while retaining all five starters from the Fever�s 2006 playoff team.
�Re-signing Anna was very important,� said Krauskopf. �She is a complete player and part of our core group. She completes our perimeter with her playmaking ability and outside shooting. I am very happy to have her back.�
On Sutton-Brown, Krauskopf added, �We are extremely excited to acquire Tammy. She is one of top post players in the WNBA and we are happy she chose to sign with our franchise. Boosting our frontline was a top priority this offseason. Tammy gives us a big presence in the middle with her size and strength. She is a complete post player with her scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking ability. Adding Tammy has solidified our center position.�
Joining former Sting teammate Sam as Indiana newcomers, the duo was second- and third among scorers and rebounders for the Sting last season. Both were WNBA All-Stars in 2002.
The addition of Sutton-Brown upgrades a Fever roster that now includes four All-Stars and a pair of Olympians. A 2001 graduate of Rutgers and a member of the Canadian National Team, Sutton-Brown participated in the 2000 Olympics.
Following the 2007 WNBA Draft on April 4, training camps open April 22. The Fever hosts a preseason opener on May 5 against the Seattle Storm (6:00 p.m.), and welcomes 2006 Rookie of the Year Seimone Augustus and the Minnesota Lynx to open the regular season, May 19 (7:00 p.m.). For 2007 season or group ticket information, call (317) 917-2500.