WNBA All-Star Catchings to Return to Chicago Blaze in 2005
January 6, 2005 - National Women's Basketball League (NWBL)
Chicago Blaze News Release
Naperville, IL - The Chicago Blaze today announced that they have re-signed WNBA All-Star and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Tamika Catchings for the 2005 season. Catchings played for the Blaze in 2004 on a very limited basis due to her Olympic commitment, but will be a more integral part of the team in 2005. Blaze general manager Robert Graham could not be happier, "Obviously we have been waiting for this day. There were a couple of issues that we had to deal with, but we are thrilled that Tamika will be with us for the 2005 season."
Catchings will be somewhat limited due to her hectic schedule. She is completing a Master's Degree at the University of Tennessee, and making scheduled appearances for both the WNBA and the Indiana Fever. Blaze officials say that she has committed to as many as 13 regular season games and that number could grow. "This is Tamika's third season with us. She is such a wonderful young lady and gives everything that she has when she is here. She wants to be here, so it was a no-brainer for us to accommodate her hectic schedule," said Graham.
Due to questions regarding Catchings' playing schedule, Blaze officials say that they will keep fans updated as to her playing status on their website, www.nwbl.com/blaze. "Our fans support the Blaze, but there are also basketball enthusiasts that come specifically to see Tamika play, as well. We will keep fans abreast of her whereabouts."
The Chicago Blaze open their fourth season on January 15 versus the 2004 NWBL Champion Dallas Fury. They will return on Sunday, January 16 to face the Colorado Chill at Merner Fieldhouse located at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.
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.
National Women's Basketball League Stories from January 6, 2005
- Chicago Blaze to Play Exhibition Games this Weekend - Chicago Blaze
- WNBA All-Star Catchings to Return to Chicago Blaze in 2005 - Chicago Blaze
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
