Storm Signs Veteran Forward Le'Coe Willingham
Published on February 9, 2010 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Seattle Storm News Release
SEATTLE, Tues., Feb. 9, 2010 - Seattle Storm Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Brian Agler announced today the signing of 6-0 forward Le'coe Willingham. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are extremely excited to add Le'coe Willingham to the Storm roster," said Agler. "Without question Le'coe will improve our team and provides us with the ability to be versatile in how we play and the combinations of players we place on the court. We targeted Le'coe as an individual we knew would be a great fit to our team not only because of her talent, but also her personality. She is an efficient player with a team-first mentality and has a great understanding of how to play to her strengths within the team setting. I admire Le'coe's competitive drive - it's something she always brings to her game whether playing in the WNBA or overseas."
Willingham started 34 games for the WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury during the 2009 season, averaging 10.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. She scored a season- and career-high 26 points against the now defunct Sacramento Monarchs on June 13, 2009. Willingham ranks ninth on the WNBA's all-time list for field goal percentage at.533 with 351 out of 659 field goals made.
"I am very excited to be joining the Storm organization," said Willingham. "Coach Agler has put together a great program and I look forward to being able to contribute to another successful Storm season."
The former Auburn University player was signed by the Connecticut Sun as a free agent on April 25, 2004. Willingham started in just five games in four seasons with the Sun before signing with the Mercury on March 10, 2008. Willingham enjoyed a breakout season in 2008, recording career highs in nearly every category including leading the WNBA in field goal percentage at.570 - a Mercury franchise record. Also in 2008, Willingham recorded her first two career double-doubles in a three-game span from June 6-14.
About the Seattle Storm The Seattle Storm, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2009, is one of seven independently owned teams in the WNBA, the world's preeminent women's professional basketball league. Established in 2000, the Storm is committed to bringing outstanding professional basketball to a diverse and rapidly growing fan base. The team also plays an active role in promoting literacy, health and fitness, support for women and girls and youth basketball in local communities. More information is available at stormbasketball.com
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from February 9, 2010
- E.O. Smith Named Sun Team Of The Week - Connecticut Sun
- Storm Signs Veteran Forward Le'Coe Willingham - Seattle Storm
- Minnesota Lynx Re-Sign Two-Time WNBA All-Star and League's All-Time Scoring Average Leader - Minnesota Lynx
- Sun To Host Open Forum For Fans - Connecticut Sun
- WNBA Stars To Join NBA All-Star 2010 In Dallas - WNBA
- Penicheiro Joins Sparks For Her 13th WNBA Season - Los Angeles Sparks
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