by: Trevor Mitchell, houstoncomets.com

The Houston Comets hosted their annual Media Day this morning, and then held their second official practice of the season shortly thereafter. Last season’s league MVP Sheryl Swoopes and perennial All-Star Tina Thompson are back and will again be called upon to help the Comets return to their championship form.

This season the terrific tandem will have some experienced help. Two-time WNBA MVP Cynthia Cooper has returned to the Comets franchise and her comeback from retirement will be the major storyline surrounding the Comets this season. Cooper, who is 40 years old, looked great in today’s practice and seemed to be filled with energy and excitement.

“I feel good,” said Cooper. "I think I still need to work on my explosiveness. Once I get that down again, I’ll feel better. The best thing about me is that as a veteran I know how to adjust to situations. Hopefully, once I’m out there, my game will help the other players be even better."

While much will be made about Cooper’s return affecting the roles of Swoopes and Thompson, the general consensus from the Comets players is they are ecstatic to have her back.

“It’ll be different, but I’m excited about the season,” said Swoopes. "I never really viewed this team as my team, or Tina’s team. I just want to win championships. Cynthia is a veteran and she know what it takes to win and has excelled in this league, so I think her coming back will definitely be a plus for our team."

With Cooper donning the familiar No. 14, today's practice seemed like the old days to Thompson.

“I think she left the game a bit too early to begin with, but that’s only my opinion,” said Thompson. "With Cynthia back now, things kind of resemble old times. Our first practice went well. We felt very comfortable and very familiar with each other out there. The women’s game is a lot different from the men. We don’t rely on pure athleticism as much, so I don’t think it will be that difficult for Cynthia to find her form. Any time that you have a player on your team who can do what she does, it only makes you better. I’m glad she’s back. (Michael) Jordan did it, so why not Cynthia.”

No one is happier about the comeback of No. 14 more than Comets Head Coach Van Chancellor, who seems frustrated that so much is always made about a riff between Cooper and other key members of the Comets.

“Everything is fine,” said Chancellor. “The media likes to feed that whole idea, but there’s not a problem. Throw the ball up - they want to win - it’s as simple as that. Any team can talk about shots. I don’t think that Tiffani Johnson and Michelle Snow are happy with the number of shots they get. Cynthia Cooper gives us another weapon. If you have that, you have a better chance at winning. It’s not complicated."

Besides the stellar post play of Thompson, both Johnson and Snow will be asked to be factors in the paint for Houston. With guard Janeth Arcain still playing overseas for another week or so, this big frontline will get to work together with Cooper and Swoopes in the backcourt.

“Snow and Tiff could be a major difference this year,” said Chancellor. “Snow needs to play better defensively, but I think she’ll be ready."