2012 in Review: Ewelina Kobryn
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Storm Re-Signs Kobryn
Kevin Pelton, StormBasketball.com | Nov. 27, 2012
After joining the Storm midway through the 2011 season,
Ewelina Kobryn saw limited minutes off the bench, providing depth in the post. 2012 would be different, as Kobryn returned for the end of training camp after leading her Wisla Can-Pack Krakow to the Polish championship. More comfortable with the Storm's system, the WNBA style of play and a foreign country, Kobryn quickly solidified her hold on a roster spot and as a part of the rotation with 
Lauren Jackson training for the Olympics.
The first indication that Kobryn would play a bigger role came in the season's third game on May 27 at Minnesota, when she made both of her shot attempts - including a three - and scored six points in 11 minutes. Kobryn continued to put up big numbers in her brief minutes early in the month of June. She had seven points and six rebounds in 12 minutes in the Storm's win over Tulsa, followed by another seven points on July 3 at Los Angeles.
Only once in the month - June 22 against San Antonio, when she played just seven minutes - was Kobryn scoreless. She had seven points again on June 17 as the Storm ended Minnesota's undefeated stat. On June 26 at Washington, Kobryn tied her career high by scoring nine points in 12 minutes on 4-of-6 shooting.
When 
Ann Wauters strained her Achilles tendon in the Storm's loss at New York on June 30, Kobryn had to step up. Coming off the bench the next day at Connecticut, Kobryn set a new career high with 13 points in just 14 minutes as the Storm upset the Eastern Conference's leading team. As a result of the performance, Kobryn moved into the starting lineup.
Kobryn continued to thrive in the new role. She had 11 points and six rebounds in her first start at Los Angeles, then reached double figures for the third consecutive game with 10 points against Phoenix on July 8. Going into the Olympic Break, Kobryn combined for 12 points and seven rebounds in the Storm's last two games.
With Wauters and 
Tina Thompson both sidelined, Kobryn continued to start when the WNBA season resumed in August. She scored eight points against Minnesota in her last start before Jackson's return bumped Kobryn back to a reserve role. Off the bench, she scored 10 points in 18 minutes on Aug. 23 against Indiana.
As the Storm got healthy, Kobryn's role was smaller late in August and early in September. She got more minutes when the team was hit by injuries near the end of the regular season. Kobryn's last big performance came on Sept. 18 against Chicago, when she scored 12 points in 18 minutes. Her seven free throws in eight attempts were both career highs.
With the Storm at full strength, Kobryn did not see any action against Minnesota in the playoffs. Nonetheless, it was a successful first full season in the WNBA for Kobryn, who doubled her rebound average and nearly tripled her scoring average. Kobryn stretched the floor, shooting 37.0 percent from three-point range, and averaged 4.6 free throw attempts per 40 minutes.
This offseason, Kobryn will continue to test her skills against top competition playing for Euroleague power UMMC Ekaterinburg. She will be reunited with Storm point guard 
Sue Bird when Bird returns from hip surgery in January.
2012 Highlights:
- Started six games, averaging 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds.
- Scored double figures five times, including three consecutive games.
- Posted a career-high 13 points in 14 minutes during the Stom's win July 1 at Connecticut.
- Averaged 9.2 points during the month of July.
What was your favorite Ewelina Kobryn memory during the 2012 season? Share your reply in the comments.
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