WNBA GMs pick Sparks to win it all in 2005

Published on May 16, 2005 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) News Release

NEW YORK, NY, May 16, 2005 – Heading into the May 21st tip-off of the WNBA's ninth season, WNBA general managers predict that the Los Angeles Sparks will win the 2005 WNBA Finals and the Seattle Storm's Lauren Jackson will win the league's 2005 MVP award according to those who responded to the WNBA.com GM Survey. Beginning today selected results will be posted daily on WNBA.com.

The exclusive survey gives fans an insider's look into the minds of WNBA decision-makers as they reveal their thoughts on the 2005 season. Below are highlights:

Fifty percent of GM's believe the Sparks will win the 2005 WNBA Finals, while the Champion Seattle Storm, who won the 2004 WNBA Finals, received only 20% of the vote to repeat.

Jackson, the 2003 WNBA MVP, was selected by 40% of GM's to win the 2005 MVP award. The Sparks' Lisa Leslie, a two-time MVP award recipient, and the Indiana Fever's Tamika Catchings were second, with each receiving 20% of GM's votes.

In addition to being tapped for MVP honors, Jackson tied with the Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi and the Minnesota Lynx's Katie Smith -- each with 20% of the vote -- as the player GM's most want taking the final shot with the game on the line.

The WNBA.com GM Survey revealed that 100% of GM's think the Sparks' Leslie is the best center in the WNBA, and that 70% believe the Storm's Jackson is the best power forward. The Storm's Sue Bird (30%) and Charlotte Sting's Dawn Staley (30%) tied as the best point guards. Detroit Shock's Deanna Nolan (40%) was chosen as the best shooting guard and the Fever's Catchings (40%) was selected as the best small forward and defensive player (33%).

Additional WNBA.com GM Survey Results Include:
· Detroit Shock's Deanna Nolan most athletic player (37%)
· Storm's Anne Donovan best head coach (40%)
· Indiana Fever's Tan White winning Rookie of the Year Award (50%)
· Sting's Staley best on-court leader (60%), best court smarts (33%) and WNBA player who would make the best head coach (70%)
· Sparks' Chamique Holdsclaw the player acquisition that will make the biggest impact in 2005 (30%)
· Phoenix Mercury most fun team to watch in 2005 (30%)
· San Antonio Silver Stars WNBA most improved team in 2005(30%)
· Washington Mystic's Alana Beard WNBA player most likely to have a breakout season in 2005 (20%)

Women's National Basketball Association Stories from May 16, 2005

• Mercury to open ninth season this Saturday - Phoenix Mercury
• WNBA GMs pick Sparks to win it all in 2005 - WNBA
• Charlotte Sting Weekly Update - Charlotte Sting

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.