Storm starts training camp

By TIM BOOTH | The Associated Press • Published April 22, 2008

“There does seem to be a lot of buzz,” said Anne Levinson, one of the four owners. “We’ve been in a number of community events. People have been so generous in their comments and attention, talking about their excitement. ... It sure feels like it to us, just an incredible burst of community support.”

The new owners are taking over at a time when the city is on the verge of losing its NBA team after the league’s board of governors last week approved Bennett’s application to move the Sonics from Seattle to Oklahoma City for the 2008-09 season, pending the resolution of litigation between the city and the team.

But the sale of the Storm to local owners meant Agler could keep the core of his team intact — Jackson and Bird had both expressed their desire not to play in Oklahoma — and then build around those two.

While some observers wonder if the players can put their egos and credentials aside and mesh together, no one on Monday thought that would be a problem — even with Jackson and Bird potentially not joining the team until a week before the opener.

“If players come in and accept their role, I think it’s scary how good this team can be,” Swoopes said.

Notes: The Storm re-signed restricted free agent C Ashley Robinson on Monday. Robinson played in 33 games for Seattle last year. ... Agler expects Cash to join the team in Chicago before its exhibition opener on April 30. ... The other Storm players still overseas: C Janell Burse, G Katie Geralds, G Roneeka Hodges, G Doneeka Lewis, F Kelly Santos and G Tanisha Wright.