Chicago Blaze Return to Naperville
December 20, 2004 - National Women's Basketball League (NWBL)
Chicago Blaze News Release
Naperville, IL - The Chicago Blaze today announced that they are returning to Naperville for a second season. The Blaze officially confirmed rumors today that they will once again call North Central College in Naperville, Illinois their home court. The season home opener is scheduled for Sunday, January 16, 2005 at 3 p.m. against the 2004 Pro Cup Runner-Up, the Colorado Chill. The Chicago Blaze is entering its fourth season in the NWBL. The Blaze will play a 24-game schedule beginning January 15 and concluding March 26.
The Blaze also announced today that they have re-signed guard Kim Williams (DePaul University / Marshall High School) for the 2005 season. Williams was a key member of the Blaze team in 2004 appearing in all 21 games. Williams averaged 9 points a game, while playing 18.5 minutes per contest, scoring a season high 21 vs. the Dallas Fury. Williams finished the season fourth in the NWBL in steals per game.
"Re-signing Kim Williams was a big move for us," said Blaze general manager Robert Graham. We needed to have continuity and leadership from last season and I know that Kim will continue to provide that."
The Blaze has the number 4 pick in the 2005 draft on Wednesday, December 22 and Graham says that they are looking to add size. "Our biggest challenge last season was with our post position, where we were many in number but thin on talent. Our number one priority going into training camp from a player perspective is making sure that we can compete in the post this year." The Blaze final roster will be firmed up within the next few weeks.
The NWBL showcases professional women basketball players from across the nation, including players from the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) who choose to stay in the U.S. to play during the off-season. 2005 teams include the Birmingham Power, CHICAGO BLAZE, Colorado Chill, Dallas Fury, Lubbock Hawks, and the San Jose Spiders. For more information, follow the NWBL at www.nwbl.com and the Chicago Blaze at www.nwbl.com/blaze.
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National Women's Basketball League Stories from December 20, 2004
- Chicago Blaze Return to Naperville - Chicago Blaze
- Hawks add Webb to crowded roster - Lubbock Hawks
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