Unlike last year when he predicted his team would dominate the league, Bill Laimbeer has decided to let his players do the talking this year. Center Ruth Riley: "It's been frustrating the last two years. We know we have the talent, and underachieving is really hard to take when you're a competitive person.

Having both Swin Cash and Katie Smith healthy should help the team that starts five All-Stars live up to high expectations.

And the fact that a true PG likely will not be part of the starting line does not concern the coach. "Very few teams have true point guards," said Laimbeer.