Hoffman to Fill Void at Power Forward

The Fever got all of that in three-time All-Pac-10 performer Ebony Hoffman of Southern California. Hoffman, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound native of Los Angeles, was the first Pac-10 player to score more than 1,500 career points, 1,000 rebounds and 245 steals. Picking again in the third round, the Fever selected Ieva Kublina, a 6-4 center from Virginia Tech and member of the Latvian National Team.

“(Hoffman) gives us an added dimension on our front line,” said first-year Coach Brian Winters of his team's first-round selection. “She gives us a little more strength on our front line. Not only does she have the strength to rebound and be a more physical player around the basket, she does have the ability to go out and dribble the ball and shoot the ball from the perimeter.”

Hoffman averaged 14.6 points and 8.7 rebounds over the course of her four-year career at Southern California. She also finished with a career. 449 (613 of 1364) field-goal percentage, including .358 (62 of 173) from 3-point range. Though Hoffman spent part of her career as a center with the Trojans, Winters sees her as a true power forward with the Fever.

“We felt like a true power forward was the way for us to go,” he said. “And we felt like she was a better fit for our team in that regard. . . . She’s a versatile basketball player. She does a little bit of everything – filling a need, but also filling a position for us.”

Though Hoffman will be leaving her native Los Angeles for the first time in her life to live in Indiana for the duration of the WNBA season, she said she is excited about the opportunity to play for the Fever.

“I’d just like to thank the Fever for selecting me,” Hoffman said. “Even though I wasn’t heralded as some other players, they still saw a glimpse of hope in me. I just appreciate them and know their pick will not be wasted.”

Hoffman sensed the Fever’s interest in discussions with Winters and assistant coach Julie Plank during this past weekend’s WNBA pre-draft camp.

“I heard that they were interested in me. It was just a matter of finding out whether I wanted to be there and I said, ‘certainly. I’m from L.A., but I’d be happy to play anywhere.’”

After spending time at center with an undersized and undermanned Southern California squad the past few seasons, Hoffman said she is also excited about moving to her more natural position of power forward.

“At the power forward spot, I feel like I can bring a lot more dimension to the game and hopefully just make my team better,” she said. “I believe my versatility is what sold a lot of people on me. At power forward, I can shoot the three and take the big girl outside. With me coming to Indiana, it will give Tamika (Catchings) a chance to play the three and for us to have a great tandem there.”

Hoffman is joining a Fever team that has veteran depth at just about every position, with the possible exception of power forward. Therefore, Winters doesn’t see it necessary that Hoffman become an immediate contributor.

“We’ll have to see how she adjusts how, she comes a long, but we feel over time that she will make the adjustments, become a fine player and a fine addition to our team for years to come,” Winters said.