Team-by-team capsules

Utah Starzz

2002 roster | 2001 results

PROBABLE STARTERS

C	Margo Dydek
F	Natalie Williams
F	Adrienne Goodson
G	Marie Ferdinand
G	Jennifer Azzi

2001 LEADERS

PPG	Williams	14.2
RPG	Williams	9.9
APG	Azzi	5.3
BPG	Dydek	3.53
SPG	Williams	1.32

All-Star Natalie Williams nearly averaged a double-double last season, posting 14.2 ppg and 9.9 rpg.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE Photos

HEAD COACH: Candi Harvey

2001 RESULTS: 19-13
(Third place, Western Conference; lost 2-0 to Sacramento in conference semifinals)

2002 DRAFT PICKS:

F Danielle Crockrom, Baylor (No. 11)

G LaNeishea Caufield, Oklahoma (No. 14)

F/C Andrea Gardner, Howard (No. 27)

C Edmarie Lumbsley, Mobile (No. 43)

G Jaclyn Winfield, Southern (No. 59)

PLAYERS ADDED:

None

PLAYERS LOST:

G Korie Hlede, traded to New York

WHO TO WATCH: Marie Ferdinand should return from overseas this season to show why she should have been the Rookie of the Year last season. She is explosive, insanely quick, and can score with the best of them. Both she and center Margo Dydek should benefit from playing together during the offseason. Look for Dydek to be improved as well. Rookies Danielle Crockrom and LaNeisha Caufield could step up as contributors off the bench for the Starzz as well.

ESPN Analyst Nancy Lieberman: "The Starzz had a fantastic draft, getting Crockrom and Caufield. They traded Korie Hlede to New York for the No. 14 pick, which turned out to be Caufield. Coach Candi Harvey made the trade because she wanted to get more playing time for Marie Ferdinand, who wasn't about to give up that position.

Caufield, to me, is like Ruthie Bolton in that she can shoot, penetrate, is physical, a great rebounder and has good court vision. Crockrom is like a Tina Thompson in that she can pick and pop. She can shoot the 18-19 footer, but I don't think she's a three-point threat. She does have range and will make the defense come out and guard her. Crockrom is also an excellent rebounder and averaged a double-double in college."

HOW THEY'LL WIN:
Utah wins with an excellent veteran point guard running the floor in Jennifer Azzi. They also have the speed and playmaking ability of Ferdinand, who adds points and forces the defense. Williams and Dydek have incredible size in the post and Williams is one of the strongest players in the league. For Utah to make an impact in the West, Williams must be healthy.

Lieberman: "Jennifer Azzi had a very solid season. Natalie Williams has to get in shape after taking care of some of her injuries during the offseason. Margo Dydek is a vet, Adrienne Goodson had the best year she's ever had, LaTonya Johnson will come off the bench and do anything for her team to win. If Dalma Ivanyi comes back, she will be a tremendous backup for Azzi at the point."

WHAT THEY NEED: Utah has a great starting five. They just need Natalie Williams to be healthy and could use some depth in their bench. Rookies Crockrum and Caufield should help. After Candi Harvey took over the reigns last season, the Starzz surged into the playoffs. This season they will be well coached and will have a solid group of veteran starters.

WHERE THEY'LL FINISH: The Starzz made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history last season and should be fighting with Sacramento and Houston for the second spot behind Los Angeles in the West.

NANCY LIEBERMAN, ESPN ANALYST

"Utah is a veteran team that is well coached. The Starzz have shooting, height, can run ... they've always been a good team, but have just underachieved. With Candi last year, they got to the playoffs and did well. I'd look for even more of the same success this summer."