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2002 Results: The Lynx finished the season 10-22 (.313, eighth place in the West). Roster | Stats | 2003 Schedule Purchase Lynx tickets now! WNBA 2003 Season Preview

2003 Probable Starters: C: Svetlana Abrosimova PF: Tamika Williams SF: Sheri Sam SG: Katie Smith PG: Teresa Edwards

2003 Draft Results: Rd. 2: Teresa Edwards Rd. 3: Jordan Adams Rd. 3: Carla Bennett D.D.*: Sheri Sam

2002 Leaders: Points Katie Smith, 16.5 ppg Rebs. Tamika Williams, 7.4 rpg Assts. Tamara Moore, 3.0 apg Blocks Lynn Pride, .81 bpg Steals Svetlana Abrosimova, 1.56 spg

Head Coach: Suzie McConnell Serio enters into her first season coaching the Lynx. McConnell Serio played three seasons in the WNBA with Cleveland.

They Said It: “Teresa Edwards is, in my opinion, the best guard to play the game. I believe she will make an immediate impact and will be a tremendous leader.” --Lynx coach Suzie McConnell Serio on Edwards.

VGM Prospect: Tamika Williams Williams' deft shooting touch and solid rebounding (10.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, .561 FG%) make her a solid option. Sign-up for WNBA.com Virtual GM

Lynx Headlines: Lynx re-sign Harrower Van Gorp re-signs | Stires retires

(*-Denotes "Dispersal Draft")

Your team's fortunes rest on the shoulders of a 38-year-old rookie. Are you excited? Generally, no. But when that 38-year-old rookie is five-time Olympian Teresa Edwards, things suddenly look a lot brighter.

Edwards

Edwards, drafted in the second round of the 2003 WNBA Draft, has done everything there is to do in women's basketball. Except play in the WNBA. So it would only make sense that the veteran guard would look to add to her legacy at this late stage in her career. Edwards' legacy already includes: five Olympic appearances; four gold medals; stints in Italy, Japan, Spain and France; and a 20.8 ppg average in three ABL seasons.

While 38 may be a bit late to embark upon a WNBA career, there aren't many who doubt that Edwards is still capable of helping Minnesota reach the playoffs. She's a steady, proven leader who should have no trouble fitting in with her new team, as she has played with both Lynx coach Suzie McConnell Serio and All-Star Katie Smith.

Edwards' arrival strengthens an already formidable group of perimeter players, led by Smith, a three-time WNBA All-Star. While the 5-11 scorer had a strong 2002 campaign (16.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg), she needs to get more aggressive offensively, as her free throw attempts per game dipped dramatically last season ( 4.9 per game in 2002 vs. 8.6 per game in 2001).

Smith and Edwards will be joined by dispersal draftee, Sheri Sam. Sam did it all for Miami in 2002 (14.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.16 spg) en route to her first WNBA All-Star appearance, and teams with Edwards and Smith to give Minnesota a very formidable 1-2-3 punch.

The biggest question mark for the Lynx is with their interior game. Svetlana Abrosimova (11.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.56 spg) and Tamika Williams (10.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.42 spg) are both versatile, athletic 6-2 forwards, but the team still lacks a dominating post presence, especially on defense. Only two players on the team averaged at least .50 blocks per game in 2002, Michele Van Gorp (.50) and Lynn Pride (.81).

If the Lynx are to make their first postseason appearance, then they'll have to do it from the outside-in and not vice-versa. But given the experience and talent that they'll have on the perimeter, this is a squad that could dictate the pace and flow of most games.

The Lynx's backcourt was already solid, but the addition of Edwards and Sam makes Minnesota truly formidable from the outside. The Lynx also drafted 6-3 center Jordan Adams out of New Mexico. Adams set the school's all-time record for blocked shots with 344 for her career.

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