...test your memory. Harken back to a simpler time, four months ago, before the WNBA season began. Check your pre-season predictions.

Almost everyone I can think of expected the WESTERN conference to be dominant. Phoenix had traded Cappie, but the addition of Candice Dupree was heralded as a real post presence to assist MVP Diana Taurasi. Minnesota was the sexy pick to go far in the playoffs, with the additionns of Lindsay Whalen, Rebekah Brunson and Monica Wright to a core of Seimone Augustus and Candice Wiggins. Los Angeles added the best available point guard in Ticha Penichiero to eliminate their one (on paper) weak spot and to get the ball to Candace Parker, Tina Thompson and DeLisha Milton-Jones. San Antonio added Michelle Snow and then Chamique Holdsclaw. And I haven't even mentioned Seattle yet, who I picked to win it all from the beginning, with the additions of Le'Coe Willingham and Svetlana Abrosimova to a sterling starting lineup.

Now look at your EASTERN conference predictions. Credible pundets such as Mechele Voepel and Rebecca Lobo picked Connecticut to be a contender, with the addition of Tina Charles, Renee Montgomoery and Kara Lawson to All-Star Asjha Jones. Most thought Indiana would be right there again, with the return of their starting five. Atlanta was a question mark. They weren't deep on paper, and would Erika DeSousza, Shalee Lehning, Sancho Lyttle and Izi Castro-Marques be able to duplicate last year's success. Washington, while adding Katie Smith, lost Alana Beard for the year. There was optimism in New York, with Cappie Pondexter and Taj McWilliams-Franklin joining the team, but questions in Lelani Mitchell at the point and a short bench. And Chicago was Chicago...no one was quite sure what to expect out of the Sky.


In other words, almost NO ONE expected to see the final standings we are looking at now, with the entire West other than Seattle below .500 and the entire East other than Chicago above .500. It's been a startling difference, one that I can't remember ever being seen before in any sport.

So, in conclusion, as much as Connecticut fans, including myself, would love a chance at Maya Moore as a consolation prize to finishing outside the playoffs despite having a record that would have them in 2nd place in the West, you can certainly see the thought process behind Mike Thibault and Chris Sienko feeling this year was an opportunity for them to make waves. And believe me, if this team had made another run to the finals, I know this Sun fan would have gladly given up that draft pick.

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