Women's Professional Basketball Leagues

Included in this Web Page:

Note-1- Before the WBL ever began play, a league called the Women's Professional Basketball Association (WPBA) was scheduled to begin play in 1975. These teams were set to be part of the league; Indianapolis Pink Panthers, Arkansas Lassies, Atlanta, Greenville, Nashville and Winston-Salem. The league folded before it ever started. 

Note-2 - A new league was formed in 1980 called the Ladies Professional Basketball League (LPBA) was set to compete with the WBL. Molly Bolin left the WBL's Iowa Cornets and signed to play for the Southern California Breeze. These other teams were part of the league also; New Mexico Energee, Oakland Outlaws, Phoenix Flames, San Jose Chips and Tucson Storm. The league folded seven (7) games into the season. Molly Bolin was averaging over 40 points per game at this time.

Note-3 - The National Women's Basketball Association (NWBA) was set to start in 1986 with these teams aboard:  California Stars, Georgia Peaches, Pride of Iowa, Louisiana Blues, North Carolina Blaze, Tennessee Tiger-Cats, Texas Twisters and Virginia Express. The league folded right before the season was supposed to start.

Note-4 - The Liberty Basketball Association (LBA) actually played one pre-season game before it folded in 1991. The Detroit Dazzlers defeated the LBA All-Stars in the only game played. The league folded soon after leaving these other teams without even playing a game: Chicago Slammers, Los Angeles Lancers, New York Blasters and Philadelphia Freedoms.
 

Women's (Professional) Basketball League (1978-81)

WPBL/WBL

 

Championships

Year Champion Runner-up Series

Playoff Finals MVP
1978-79 Houston Angels Iowa Cornets 3-2 no info or not awarded
1979-80 New York Stars Iowa Cornets 3-1 no info or not awarded
1980-81 Nebraska Wranglers Dallas Diamonds 3-2 Rosie Walker, Nebraska

 

Annual Standings

1978-79
Eastern Division         W L Pct. GB
Houston Angels          26 8 0.768 ..
New York Stars          19 15 0.559 7
Dayton Rockets          12 22 0.353 14
New Jersey Gems          9 25 0.265 17
Midwest Division         W L Pct. GB
Chicago Hustle          21 13 0.618 ..
Iowa Cornets            21 13 0.618 ..
Minnesota Fillies       17 17 0.500 4
Milwaukee Does          11 23 0.324 10
1979-80
Eastern Division         W L Pct. GB
New York Stars          28 7 0.800 -
New Orleans Pride       21 13 0.618 6.5
New Jersey Gems         19 17 0.528 9.5
St. Louis Streak        15 21 0.417 13.5
Washington Metros*      3 7 0.300 -
Philadelphia Fox*       2 8 0.200 -
Midwestern Division      W L Pct. GB
Iowa Cornets            24 12 0.667 -
Minnesota Fillies       22 12 0.647 1
Chicago Hustle          17 19 0.472 7
Milwaukee Does          10 24 0.294 13
Western Division         W L Pct. GB
Houston Angels          19 14 0.576 -
San Francisco Pioneers  18 18 0.500 2.5
California Dreams       11 18 0.393 6
Dallas Diamonds         7 28 0.200 13
* Philadelphia and Washington disbanded during the season
1980-81
Coastal Division         W L Pct. GB
Dallas Diamonds         27 9 0.750 -
New Jersey Gems         23 13 0.639 4
New Orleans Pride       18 19 0.486 9.5
San Francisco Pioneers  14 22 0.389 13
New England Gulls *      2 10 0.167 -
Central Division         W L Pct. GB
Nebraska Wranglers      27 9 0.750 -
Chicago Hustle          18 18 0.500 9
St. Louis Streak        14 21 0.400 12.5
Minnesota Fillies       7 28 0.200 19.5
* New England disbanded during the season

Playoff Results

1978-79
Semi-Final Results
  Houston Angels defeated New York Stars (2-0)
Iowa Cornets defeated Chicago Hustle (2-1)
Championship
Houston Angels defeated Iowa Cornets (3-2)
Final Series MVP  - No information available or not awarded
(Note: Molly Bolin, Iowa, 19.6 ppg playoff average - 157 points)

------------------------

1979-80
First Round Results
San Francisco Pioneers defeated Houston Angels (2-1)
Minnesota Fillies defeated New Orleans Pride (2-1)
Semi-Final Results
 Iowa Cornets defeated Minnesota Fillies (2-1)
New York Stars defeated San Francisco Pioneers (2-0)
Championship
New York Stars defeated Iowa Cornets (3-1)
Final Series MVP - No information available or not awarded
(Note: Molly Bolin, Iowa, 33.1 ppg playoff average - 232 points)

------------------------

1980-81
Semi-Final Results
  Dallas Diamonds defeated New Jersey Gems (2-1) - Coastal Division Championship
Nebraska Wranglers defeated Chicago Hustle (2-0) - Central Division Championship
Championship
Nebraska Wranglers defeated Dallas Diamonds (3-2)
Final Series MVP - Rosie Walker, Nebraska (34.2 ppg in final series - 171 points)
(Note: Nancy Lieberman, Dallas, 35.4 ppg in final series - 177 points)

Awards and Honors

Year WBL Most Valuable Player
1978-79 Rita Easterling, Chicago (21.5 ppg, 10.5 apg)
1979-80 Molly Bolin, Iowa (32.8 ppg, 2.7 spg)
Ann Meyers, New Jersey (22.2 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 5.9 apg, 4.9spg)
1980-81 Rosie Walker, Nebraska (25.8 ppg, 13.5 rpg)
Year WBL All-Star Game (MVP)
1978-79 No info on score (Rita Easterling, Chicago, 19 pts /18 asts)
1979-80 West beat East 115-112 (No info on MVP)
1980-81 West beat East 125-92 (Nancy Lieberman, Dallas), Note-Bolin-29 pts
Year Rookie of the Year
1978-79 Not awarded
1979-80 Not awarded
1980-81 Nancy Lieberman, Dallas (25.7 ppg)
Year Coach of the Year
1978-79 Don Knodel, Houston Angels
1979-80 Dean Meminger, New York Stars
1980-81 Greg Williams, Dallas Diamonds

 

Annual All Pro Teams

1978-79 WBL All Pro team
Rita Easterling, Chicago Hustle
Molly Bolin, Iowa Cornets
Brenda Chapman, Minnesota Fillies
Vonnie Tomich, Dayton Rockets
Debra Waddy-Rossow, Chicago Hustle
Marie Kocurek, Minnesota Fillies
Paula Mayo, Houston Angels
Denise Sharps, Iowa Cornets
Gail Tatterson, New Jersey Gems
Belinda Caldler, Houston Angels
Althea Gwyn, New York Stars
Doris Draving, Iowa Cornets
1979-80 WBL All-Pro Team
Alfredda Abernathy, Dallas Diamonds
Molly Bolin, Iowa Cornets
Doris Draving, Iowa Cornets
Rita Easterling, Chicago Hustle
Sharon Farrah, New York Stars
Bertha Hardy, New Orleans Pride
Marie Kocurek, Minnesota Fillies
Charlene McWhorter, Chicago Hustle
Pat Mayo, San Francisco Pioneers
Paula Mayo, Houston Angels
Ann Meyers, New Jersey Gems
Adrian Mitchell, St. Louis Streak
Anita Ortega, San Francisco Pioneers
Heidi Nestor, Milwaukee Does
Janice Thomas, New York Stars
1980-81 WBL All-Pro Team
Carol Blazejowski, New Jersey Gems
Molly Bolin, San Francisco Pioneers
Cindy Brogdon, New Orleans Pride
Carol Chason, Nebraska Wranglers
Althea Gwyn, Chicago Hustle
Cindy Haugejorde, San Francisco Pioneers
Rosalind Jennings, Dallas Diamonds
Nancy Lieberman, Dallas Diamonds
Paula Mayo, Chicago Hustle
Inge Nissen, Chicago Hustle
Patricia Roberts, St. Louis Streak
Janice Thomas, New Jersey Gems
Rosie Walker, Nebraska Wranglers

 

Annual Leaders

1978-79 Leaders    
Scoring Total   Avg
Brenda Champman, Minn-Milw 863 27.8
Debra Waddy-Rossow, Chicago 833 24.5
Vivian Green, Dayton 744 21.9
Althea Gwyn, New York 718 23.2
Gail Tatterson, New Jersey 711 20.9
Rita Easterling, Chicago 666 21.5
Marie Kocurek, Minnesota 649 20.3
Belinda Candler, Houston 616 19.9
   
Rebounding Total   Avg
Althea Gwyn, New York 535 17.3
Gerry Lynn Booker, Milw. 441 13.0
Denise Craig, Dayton 440 13.3
Doris Draving, Iowa 434 12.8
Paula Mayo, Iowa 359 10.6
Angela Scott, Dayton 351 10.3
Gail Tatterson, New Jersey 349 10.3
Marie Kocurek, Minnesota 337 10.5
Susan Digitale, Chicago 335 9.9
Belinda Candler, Houston 334 10.8
Joan Uhl, Iowa 293 9.8
   
Assists Total   Avg
Rita Easterling, Chicago 313 10.1
Janice Thomas, New York 262 7.7
Marie DeLorma, Minnesota 235 8.1
Robin Tucker, Iowa 207 6.1
Vivian Green, Dayton 180 5.7
Vonnie Tomich, Dayton 172 5.7
Janie Fincher, Chicago 170 5.0
Kathy Solano, New Jersey 158 5.1
   
Steals Total   Avg
Liz Galloway, Chicago 136 4.00
Janice Thomas, New York 108 3.18
Vivian Green, Dayton 102 3.00
   
Blocked Shots Total   Avg
Susan Digitale, Chicago 38 1.12
Patti Bucklew, Dayton 36 1.06
Denise Craig,, Dayton 32 0.97
Gerry Lynn Booker, Milw. 32 0.94
   
   
1979-80 Leaders    
Scorong Total   Avg
Molly Bolin, Iowa 1179 32.8
Alfredda Abernathy, Dallas 945 27.0
Anita Ortega, San Francisco 867 24.1
Ann Meyers, new Jersey 756 22.2
Elizabeth Silcott, SF-St.L. 725 30.2
Marie Kocurek, Minnesota 707 22.1
Paula Mayo, Houston 673 20.4
Heidi Nestor, Milwaukee 660 20.0
Donna Geils, New Jersey 659 18.8
Augusta Forest, New Orleans 657 18.3
Sharon Farrah, New York 653 26.1
Belinda Candler, Houston 644 19.5
   
Rebounding Total   Avg
Alfredda Abernathy, Dallas 501 14.3
Kim Hanson, San Francisco 383 10.6
Paula Mayo, Houston 367 11.1
Ann Mayers, New Jersey 351 10.3
Pat Colasurdo Mayo, SF 327 9.0
Retha Swindell, Chicago 325 10.2
Gail Marquis, New York 324 9.0
Augusta Forest, NO 321 8.9
Shiela Patterson, St. Louis 320 9.4
Stacey Rhoades, Cal-NY 315 10.2
Katrina Owens, Minnesota 301 9.7
Willodean Harris, NJ-Wash 248 10.3
Debra Comerie, New Jersey 248 10.3
   
Assists Total   Avg
Janice Thomas, New York 302 12.1
Rita Easterling, Chicago 257 8.3
Bertha Hardy, New Orl-Was 204 6.2
Ann Meyers, New Jersey 202 5.9
Anita Green, Iowa 201 5.6
Anita Ortega, San Francisco 187 5.2
Robin Tucker, Iowa 165 4.7
Sybil Blalock, New Orleans 164 4.7
Donna Geils, New Jersey 156 4.6
Linda Matthews, Hou-Cal-Phi 150 5.4
Marie DeLorme, Minnesota 148 4.4
Karen Aulenbacher, Houston 147 4.6
Elizabeth Scott, SF-St. Lou 124 5.2
   
Steals Total   Avg
Ann Meyers, New Jersey 166 4.88
Liz Galloway, Chicago 120 3.33
Pat Colasurdo Mayo, SF 119 3.31
Janice Thomas, New York 106 4.88
   
Blocked Shots Total   Avg 
Bertha Hardy, New Orl-Was 61 1.85
Retha Swindell, Chicago 60 1.82
Nancy Dunkle, Cal-San Fran 55 1.72
   
   
1980-81 Leaders    
Scoring Total   Avg
Carol Blazejowski, New Jer. 1067 29.6
Rosie Walker, Nebraska 929 25.8
Nancy Lieberman, Dallas 814 26.3
Inge Nissen, Chicago 765 23.2
Molly Bolin, San Francisco 723* 26.8
Tara Heiss, New Jersey 645 17.9
Althea Gwyn, Neb-Chicago 642 19.5
   
Rebounding Total   Avg
Rosie Walker, Nebraska 487 13.5
Althea Gwyn, Neb-Chicago 459 13.9
Inge Nissen, Chicago 409 12.4
Pat Johnson, St. Louis 374 10.4
Gail Marquis, New Jersey 319 9.1
Doris Draving, San Francisco 316 10.2
Willodean Harris, NJ-Wash 264 9.4
   
Assists Total   Avg
Janice Thomas, New Jersey 323 9.0
Tara Heiss, New Jersey 225 6.3
Sybil Blalock, New Orleans 194 5.2
Nancy Lieberman, Dallas 189 6.1
Linnell Jones, St. Louis 184 5.4
Holly Warlick, Nebraska 181 5.0
Pearl Moore, St. Louis 147 4.3
   
Steals Total   Avg
Nancy Lieberman, Dallas 111 3.58
Janice Thomas, New Jersey 110 3.06
Patricia Roberts, St. Louis 103 3.03
   
Blocked Shots Total   Avg
Inge Nissen, Chicago 106 3.21
Kathy Andrykowski, NO 58 1.76
Willodean Harris, NJ-Wash 45 1.61

  *Note- A new league was formed in 1980 called the Ladies Professional Basketball League (LPBA). Molly Bolin left the Iowa Cornets and signed to play for the Southern California Breeze. These other teams were part of the league also; New Mexico Energee, Oakland Outlaws, Phoenix Flames, San Jose Chips and Tucson Storm. The league folded seven (7) games into the season. Molly Bolin was averaging over 40 points per game at this time. She then headed back to play in the WBL's third and final season for the San Francisco Pioneers. She joined the team and played 27 of the team's 36 games and still finished fifth in the league in points scored and second in scoring average.

Career Leaders

Points Total   Avg
Molly Bolin 2469 25.5
Paula Mayo 1780 17.5
Marie Kocurek 1758 18.1
Althea Gwyn 1653 18.2
Donna Wilson 1652 17.0
Janice Thomas 1572 16.5
Belinda Candler 1518 15.5
Brenda Chapman 1444 23.3
Vicky Chapman 1421 ??.?
Debra Waddy-Rossow 1412 20.5
Rita Easterling 1402 14.6
Alfredda Abernathy 1387 21.7
Anita Ortega 1248 19.8
Donna Geils 1206 13.0
Pearl Moore 1200 17.4
Wanda Szeremeta 1157 11.6
Susan Digitale 1103 ??.?
Gail Tatterson 1086 ??.?
Carol Blazejowski 1067 29.6
Augusta Forest 1058 ??.?
Bertha Hardy 1000 15.4
Vivian Greene 934 18.0
Gail Marquis 932 13.1
Rosie Walker 929 25.8
Doris Draving  905 9.0
Nancy Lieberman 814 26.3
Inge Nissen 765 23.2
Ann Meyers 756 22.2
   
Rebounds Total   Avg
Althea Gwyn 1243 13.7
Paula Mayo 997 9.8
Belinda Candler 800 8.2
Doris Draving 797 7.9
Marie Kocurek 758 7.8
Alfredda Abernathy 693 10.8
Susan Digitale 687  ?.?
Denise Craig 667 10.1
Donna Wilson 649 6.7
Gail Marquis 643 9.1
Gerry Lynn Booker 618 8.2
Vicky Chapman 580  ?.?
Connie Kunzmann 558  ?.?
Rosei Walker 487 13.5
Inge Nissen 409 12.4
Lydia Johnson 374 11.3
   
Assists Total   Avg
Janice Thomas  887 9.3
Rita Easterling 692 7.2
Marie DeLorme 467 5.0
Robin Tucker 372 5.4
Sybil Blalock 358 5.0
Anita Green 345 4.2
Donna Geils 308 3.3
Donna Wilson 294 3.0
Karen Aulenbacher 289 4.5
Janie Fincher 279 3.6
Anita Ortega  271 4.3
Bertha Hardy  256 3.9
Tara Heiss 225 6.3
Ann Meyers 202 5.9
Nancy Lieberman 189 6.1
   
Steals Total   Avg
Janice Thomas 324 3.41
Liz Galloway 256 3.66
Molly Bolin 217 2.24
Paula Mayo 207 2.03
Donna Geils 201 2.16
Ann Meyers 166 4.88
Nancy Lieberman 111 3.58
   
Blocked Shots Total   Avg
Inge Nissen 106 3.21
Retha Swindell 97 1.43
Nancy Dunkle 86 1.43
Willodean Harris 84 1.62
Bertha Hardy 70 1.08
Kathy Andrykowski 58 1.76
   
3-Point Field Goals Total    
Musiette McKinney 5  
Tara Heiss 4  
Janie Fincher 3  
   
Free Throws Total    
Rita Easterling 532  
Molly Bolin 496  
Althea Gwyn 435  
Vicky Chapman 424  
Belinda Candler 423  
   
Games Total    
Paula Mayo 102  
Doris Draving 101  
Belinda Candler 98  
Donna Wilson 97  
Molly Bolin 97  
Rita Easterling 96  

(Molly Bolin - 55 points in a game)

 

Other WBL Links:

Robert Bradley's WBL Web Page

Karra Porter's WBL Memories Web Site

John Molina's WBL Web Site 

Women's American Basketball Association (1984)

WABA

 

Championships
Year Champion Runner-up
1984 Dallas Diamonds Chicago Spirit

 

Standings

1984 W L Pct. GB
Dallas Diamonds         19 2 0.91 -
Columbus Minks          12 5 0.71 5
Atlanta Comets          7 6 0.538 8
Virginia Wave           5 9 0.357 11
Chicago Spirit          6 14 0.3 13
Houston Shamrocks       3 14 0.176 14

 

Awards and Honors
MVP - Nancy Lieberman, Dallas, (27.0 ppg)

Women's Basketball Association (1993-95)

WBA

 

Championships

Year Champion Runner-up Results

Playoff Finals MVP
1993 Kansas Crusaders Nebraska Express 3-1 Robelyn Garcia, Kansas
1994 Nebraska Express Memphis Blues 3-2 Maurtice Ivy, Nebraska
1995 Chicago Twisters St. Louis River Queens 1-0* no info or not awarded

* Note - 1995 was a one game Championship, Chicago defeated St. Louis 107-96

 

Annual Standings

1993
American Conference  W L Pct. GB
Nebraska Express        13 2 0.867 -
Missouri Mustangs       10 5 0.667 3
Oklahoma Cougars        3 12 0.200 10
World Conference  W L Pct. GB
Kansas Crusaders        10 5 0.667 -
Iowa Unicorns           5 10 0.333 5
Illinois Knights        4 11 0.267 6
1994 
American Conference   W L Pct. GB
Nebraska Express       10 5 0.667 -
Indiana Stars          8 7 0.533 7
Oklahoma Flames        3 12 0.200 12
Iowa Twisters  1 14 0.067 14
National Conference      W L Pct. GB
Kansas City Mustangs  15 0 1.000 -
Memphis Blues       10 5 0.667 5
St. Louis River Queens    9 6 0.600 6
Kansas Marauders          4 11 0.267 11
1995
American Conference      W L Pct. GB
Chicago Twisters        15 1 0.938 -
Nebraska Express        6 9 0.400 8.5
Minnesota Stars         5 10 0.333 9.5
Oklahoma Flames         5 10 0.333 9.5
National Conference      W L Pct. GB
St. Louis River Queens   9 7 0.562 -
Kansas City Mustangs    7 8 0.467 1.5
Kentucky Marauders      7 8 0.467 1.5
Memphis Blues           7 8 0.467 1.5

NOTE- League disbanded after the 1995 season and made plans to reorganize again in 1997, but the league disbanded once again before ever playing a game in 1997. These teams were scheduled to play in the league - Illinois Twisters, Indiana Bullets, Iowa River Queens, Kansas City Lightening, Michigan Lady Bulls, Minnesota Heat, Nebraska Express, North Dakota Jazz, Ohio Flame, St. Louis Breakers and South Dakota Storms

Playoff Results

1993
First Round Results
 Missouri Mustangs defeated Iowa Unicorns (2-1)
Kansas Crusaders defeated Oklahoma Cougars (2-0)
 Nebraska Express defeated Illinois Kinghts (2-0)
Semi-Final Results
Kansas Crusaders defeated Missouri Mustangs (2-0)
Championship
Kansas Crusaders defeated Nebraska Express (3-1)
MVP - Robelyn Garcia, Kansas

1994
First Round Results
 Memphis Blues defeated St. Louis River Queens (2-0)
Indiana Stars defeated Oklahoma Flames (2-0)
Semi-Final Results
 Memphis Blues defeated Kansas City Mustangs (1-1, aggregate score)
Nebraska Express defeated Indiana Stars (2-0)
Championship
Nebraska Express defeated Memphis Blues (3-2)
MVP - Maurtice Ivy, Nebraska

1995
Championship (One Game Championship between Division Champs)
Chicago Twisters defeated St. Louis River Queens (107-96)

------------------------

Awards and Honors
 1993 MVP - Evette Ott, no info available on team
 1994 MVP - Sarah Campbell, Kansas City Mustangs
 1995 MVP - no info available or not awarded

 

Other WBA Links:

Robert Bradley's Women's Basketball History Web Page

WBA Reunion Web Page

WBA 1994 All Star Photos 

American Basketball League (1996-98)

ABL

 

Championships

Year Champion Runner-up

Result

 Playoff Finals MVP
1996-97 Columbus Quest Richmond Rage 3-2 Valerie Still, Columbus
1997-98 Columbus Quest Long Beach Sting Rays 3-2 Valerie Still, Columbus
1998-99 League disbanded during the season

 

Annual Standings

1996-97
Eastern Conference       W L Pct. GB
Columbus Quest          31 9 0.775 -
Richmond Rage           21 19 0.525 10
Atlanta Glory           18 22 0.45 13
New England Blizzard    16 24 0.400 15
Western Conference       W L Pct. GB
Colorado Explosion      25 15 0.625 -
San Jose Lasers         18 22 0.450 7
Seattle Reign           17 23 0.425 8
Portland Power          14 26 0.350 11
1997-98
Eastern Conference       W L Pct. GB
Columbus Quest          36 8 0.818 -
New England Blizzard    24 20 0.545 13
Atlanta Glory           15 29 0.340 21
Philadelphia Rage       13 31 0.295 23
Western Conference       W L Pct. GB
Portland Power          27 17 0.613 -
Long Beach StingRays    26 18 0.591 1
San Jose Lasers         21 23 0.477 6
Colorado Xplosion       21 23 0.477 6
Seattle Reign           15 29 0.340 12
1998-99
Eastern Conference       W L Pct. GB
Columbus Quest          11 3 0.786 -
Philadelphia Rage       9 5 0.643 2
Chicago Condors         4 8 0.333 6
Nashville Noise         4 11 0.267 7.5
New England Blizzard    3 10 0.231 7.5
Western Conference       W L Pct. GB
Portland Power          9 4 0.692 -
San Jose Lasers         9 6 0.600 1
Seattle Reign           8 7 0.533 2
Colorado Xplosion       5 8 0.385 4

* League disbanded  on December 22, 1998

Playoff Results

1996-97
Semi-finals
 Richmond defeated Colorado (2-0)
Columbus defeated San Jose (2-0)
Championship
Columbus defeated Richmond (3-2)
MVP - Valerie Still, Columbus (71 points, 14.2 ppg; 12.3 rpg)

1997-98
First Round
 San Jose defeated New England (2-0)
Long Beach defeated Colorado (2-1)
Semi-finals
Columbus defeated San Jose (2-0)
Long Beach defeated Portland (2-0)
Championship
Columbus defeated Long Beach (3-2)
MVP - Valerie Still, Columbus (25 points in game-5)

1998-99
League disbanded during the season, no playoffs were ever contested.
 Columbus Quest had the best record at the time the league folded.

Awards and Honors

Year ABL MVP Award
1996-97  Nikki McCray, Columbus,  (19.9 ppg)
1997-98  Natalie Williams, Portland,   (21.9 ppg, 11.6 rpg)
1998-99 League Disbanded during the season
Year Defensive Player of the Year
1996-97 Debbie Black, Colorado
1997-98 Yolanda Griffith, Long Beach
1998-99 League Disbanded during the season
Year Rookie of the Year
1996-97 Crystal Robinson, Colorado
1997-98 Shalonda Enis, Seattle
1998-99 League Disbanded during the season
Year Coach of the Year  
1996-97 Brian Agler, Columbus  
1997-98 Lin Dunn, Portland  
1998-99 League Disbanded during the season
   
Year All Star Game,  (Most Valuable Player)
1996-97 West 81 - East 65, (Tari Phillips, Colorado - 18 pts, 11 rbs)
1997-98 West 102 - East 73,  (Shalonda Enis, Seattle - 15 pts)
1998-99 League Disbanded during the season- No All Star Game

 

Annual All-Pro Teams

 

1996-97
First Team Second Team
Teresa Edwards, Atlanta Carolyn Jones, New England      
Dawn Staley, Richmond       Debbie Black, Colorado
Natalie Williams, Portland  Taj Williams, Richmond
Nikki McCray, Columbus      Cindy Brown, Seattle       
Adrienne Goodson, Richmond Crystal Robinson, Columbus
1997-98
First Team Second Team
Teresa Edwards, Atlanta Jennifer Azzi, San Jose
Yolanda Griffith, Long Beach Shalonda Enis, Seattle
Carolyn Jones, New England Adrienne Goodson, Philadelphia
Katie Smith, Columbus Dawn Staley, Philadelphia
Natalie Williams, Portland Valerie Still, Columbus
1998-99
League Disbanded during the season

 

Annual Leaders

1996-97 Leaders    
Scoring Total Avg
Carolyn Jones Young, New England 847 21.2
Teresa Edwards, Atlanta 842 21.1
Nikki McCray, Columbus 797 19.9
Adrienne Goodson, Richmond 690 17.3
Crystal Robinson, Colorado 684 17.1
Cindy Brown, Seattle 665 17.5
Katie Smith, Columbus 631 15.8
Charlotte Smith-Taylor, Colorado 626 15.7
Tonya Edwards, Columbus 624 15.6
Dawn Staley, Richmond 597 14.9
Shanda Berry, New England 561 14.4
Sherri Sam, San Jose 561 14.4
Natalie Williams, Poretland 555 17.3
Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil, New Eng. 413 14.8
   
Rebounds Total Avg
Natalie Williams, Portland 400 12.5
Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Richmond 340 8.5
Shanda Berry, New England 318 8.2
Cindy Brown, Seattle 316 8.3
Tari Phillips, Seattle 296 7.4
Adrienne Goodson, Richmond 291 7.3
Teresa Edwards, Atlanta 266 6.7
Crystal Robinson,  Colorado 263 6.6
Charlotte Smith-Taylor,  Colorado 259 6.5
Stacey Ford,  Portland 249 6.4
Debbie Black,  Colorado 240 6.0
Stacey Lovelace-Tolbert, Atlanta 237 6.1
   
Assists Total Avg
Dawn Staley, Richmond 320 8.0
Debbie Black, Colorado 275 6.9
Teresa Edwards, Atlanta 252 6.3
Niesa Johnson, Atlanta 247 6.3
Jennifer Rizzotti, New England 231 5.8
Kate Paye, Seattle 174 4.4
Shannon Johnson, Columbus 151 3.8
Carolyn Jones Young, New England 129 3.2
Sonja Henning, San Jose 126 3.2
Sheri Sam, San Jose 117 3.0
Michelle Marciniak, Portland 116 2.9
Christy Hedgpeth, Seattle 86 3.2
   
Steals Total Avg
Debbie Black, Colorado 177 4.43
Dawn Staley, Richmond 111 2.78
Cindy Brown, Seattle 100 2.63
Teresa Edwards, Atlanta 93 2.33
Niesa Johnson, Atlanta 91 2.33
   
Blocked Shots Total Avg
Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Richmond 58 1.45
Stacey Lovelace-Tolbert, Atlanta 52 1.33
Val Whiting-Raymond, San Jose 50 1.35
   
   
1997-98 Leaders    
Scoring Total Avg
Natalie Williams, Portland 964 21.91
Carolyn Jones Young, New England 963 21.89
Teresa Edwards, Atlanta 899 20.4
Yolanda Griffith, Long Beach 827 18.8
Katie Smith, Columbus 764 17.4
Adrienne Goodson, Philadelphia 761 17.7
Shalonda Enis, Seattle 754 18.0
Jennifer Azzi, San Jose 651 14.8
Val Whiting-Raymond, Seattle 645 15.4
Crystal Robinson, Colorado 642 14.9
Sheri Sam, San Jose 624 14.5
Stacey Lovelace-Tolbert, Atlanta 616 13.9
Edna Campbell, Colorado 613 ??.?
Tari Phillips, Colorado 610 13.9
Dawn Staley, Philadelphia 582 13.2
   
Rebounds Total Avg
Natalie Williams, Portland 508 11.5
Yolanda Griffith, Long Beach 493 11.2
Adrienne Goodson, Philadelphia 376 8.7
Tari Phillips, Colorado 360 8.2
Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Phil. 356 8.1
Shalonda Enis, Seattle 321 7.6
Valerie Still, Columbus 316 7.2
Sheri Sam, San Jose 305 7.1
Val Whiting-Raymond, Seattle 303 7.2
Dale Hodges, New England 297 6.8
Teresa Edwards, Atlanta 285 6.5
Venus Lacy, Long Beach 266 6.5
Katrina McClain, Atlanta 259 7.8
Charlotte Smith-Taylor, San Jose 252 6.0
   
Assists Total Avg
Teresa Edwards, Atlanta 293 6.7
Dawn Staley, Philadelphia 286 6.5
Andrea Nagy, Long Beach 273 6.2
Debbie Black, Colorado 268 6.1
Jennifer Azzi, San Jose 224 5.1
Shannon Johnson, Columbus 215 4.9
Jennifer Rizzotti, New England 193 4.4
Elaine Powell, Portland 166 3.8
Crystal Robinson, Colorado 146 3.4
Kate Paye, Seattle 145 3.3
Beverly Williams, Long Beach 135 3.1
Kate Starbird, Seattle 135 3.1
Falisha Wright, Portland 131 3.9
   
Steals Total Avg
Yolanda Griffith, Long Beach 138 3.14
Teresa Edwards, Atlanta 118 2.68
Debbie Black, Colorado 109 2.48
Valerie Still, Columbus 101 2.30
Dawn Staley, Philadelphia 98 2.23
   
Blocked Shots Total Avg
Kara Wolters, New England 64 1.45
Yolanda Griffith, Long Beach 59 1.34
Natalie Williams, Portland 50 1.14
   
   
1998-99 Leaders *    
Scoring Total Avg
Teresa Edwards, Philadelphia 294 21.0
Natalie Williams, Portland 258 19.9
Tonya Edwards, Columbus 227 16.2
Edna Campbell, Colorado 225 17.3
Kedra Holland-Corn, San Jose 220 14.7
Jennifer Azzi, San Jose 217 14.5
Shannon Johnson, Columbus 211 15.1
Adrienne Goodson, Chicago 207 17.3
Yolanda Griffith, Chicago 206 17.2
Shalonda Enis, Seattle 205 13.7
Kate Starbird, Seattle 204 13.6
Sheri Sam, San Jose 203 13.5
Clarisse Machanguana, San Jose 201 13.4
   
Rebounds Total Avg
Yolanda Griffith, Chicago 147 12.3
Natalie Williams, Portland 129 9.9
Val Whiting, Seattle 127 8.5
Shalonda Enis, Seattle 120 8.0
Tari Phillips, Colorado 119 9.2
Taj McWilliams, Philaelphia 112 8.0
Vicki Hall, Nashville 91 6.1
DeLisha Milton, Portland 89 6.9
Sheri Sam, San Jose 88 5.9
Adrienne Goodson, Chicago 86 7.2
   
Assists Total Avg
Andrea Nagy, Philadelphia 90 6.4
Niesa Johnson, Seattle 89 5.9
Teresa Edwards, Philadelphia 79 5.6
Sonja Henning, Portland 78 6.0
Jennifer Azzi, San Jose 72 4.8
Debbie Black, Colorado 65 5.0
Jennifer Rizzotti, New England 56 4.3
Shannon Johnson, Columbus 55 3.9
Elaine Powell, Portland 50 3.9
   
Steals Total Avg
Debbie Black, Colorado 44 3.38
Teresa Edwards, Philadelphia 41 2.93
Yolanda Griffith, Chicago 39 3.35
   
Blocked Shots Total Avg
Taj Mcwilliams, Philidalphia 21 1.50
Kara Wolters, New England 16 1.23
Yolanda Griffith, Chicago 15 1.25
Vicki Hall, Nashville 15 1.00

* League Disbanded during the season

(Theresa Edwards - 46 points in a game)

 

Career Leaders

Points Total Avg
Teresa Edwards 2035 20.8
Carolyn Jones Young 1910 21.5
Natalie Williams 1777 20.0
Adrienne Goodson 1658 17.5
Katie Smith 1431 16.6
Edna Campbell 1404 14.5
Tonya Edwards 1392 15.1
Crystal Robinson 1389 15.1
Sheri Sam 1388 14.3
Tari Phillips 1351 13.9
Val Whiting-Raymond 1305 13.9
Stacey Lovelace-Tolbert 1242 13.1
Charlotte Smith-Taylor 1238 13.0
Dawn Staley 1179 14.0
Taj McWilliams-Franklin 1176 12.0
Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil 1119 12.9
Shannon Johnson 1104 11.3
Jennifer Azzi 1051 15.0
Yolanda Griffith 1033 18.4
Shalonda Enis 959 16.8
Niesa Johnson 943 9.6
Jennifer Rizzotti 919 9.5
Shanda Berry 885 10.7
Valerie Still 881 10.5
Kate Starbird 761 12.9
Katrina McClain 414 12.5
   
Rebounds Total Avg
Natalie Williams 1037 11.7
Taj McWilliams-Franklin 808 8.2
Tari Phillips 775 8.0
Adrienne Goodson 753 7.9
Val Whiting-Raymond 669 7.1
Yolanda Griffith 640 11.4
Teresa Edwards 618 6.3
Sheri Sam, 603 6.2
Charlotte Smith-Taylor 558 5.9
Shanda Berry 533 6.4
Valerie Still 532 6.3
Stacey Lovelace-Tolbert 531 5.6
Cindy Brown 316 8.3
Katrina McClain 259 7.8
Shalonda Enis 441 7.7
   
Assists Total Avg
Teresa Edwards  624 6.4
Debbie Black 608 6.3
Dawn Staley 606 7.2
Jennifer Rizzotti 480 5.0
Andrea Nagy 476 4.9
Niesa Johnson 461 4.7
Shannon Johnson 421 4.3
Kate Paye 350 3.5
Jennifer Azzi 348 5.0
   
Steals Total Avg
Debbie Black 330 3.40
Teresa Edwards 252 2.57
Dawn Staley 209 2.49
Jennifer Rizzotti 207 2.13
Cindy Brown 100 2.63
   
Blocked Shots Total Avg
Taj McWilliams-Franklin 123 1.26
Natalie Williams 100 1.12
Stacey Lovelace-Tolbert 95 1.00
Val Whiting-Raymond 93 0.99
Kara Wolters 80 1.40
Yolanda Griffith 74 1.32
   
Free Throws Total  
Carolyn Jones Young 555  
Natalie Williams 456  
Teresa Edwards 447  
Adrienne Goodson 416  
Val Whiting-Raymond 378  
Charlotte Smith-Taylor 346  
Jennifer Azzi 323  
   
3-Pointers Total  
Teresa Edwards 206  
Crystal Robinson 203  
Katie Smith 183  
Tonya Edwards 159  
Edna Campbell 154  
Dawn Staley 149  
   
Games Total  
Kate Paye 99  
Theresa Edwards 98  
Niesa Johnson 98  
Shannon Johnson 98  
Taj McWilliams-Franklin 98  
Sonja Tate 98  

 

Other ABL Links:

Robert Bradley's ABL Web Page

 

Combined Statistical Totals (ABL-WNBA)

 

Points Total
Katie Smith (ABL-WNBA)  5558
Lisa Leslie, (WNBA)  5412
Yolanda Griffith (ABL-WNBA)  4746
Natalie Williams (ABL-WNBA)  4671
Sheri Sam (ABL-WNBA)  4485
Sheryl Swoopes (WNBA)  4376
Adrienne Goodson (ABL-WNBA)  4363
Tina Thompson (WNBA)  4243
Taj McWilliams-Franklin (ABL-WNBA) 4195
Shannon Johnson (ABL-WNBA)  4075
 
Rebounds Total
Natalie Williams (ABL-WNBA) 2869
Lisa Leslie (WNBA) 2863
Yolanda Griffith (ABL-WNBA) 2741
Taj McWilliams-Franklin (ABL-WNBA) 2622
Tari Phillips (ABL-WNBA) 2044
 
Assists Total
Dawn Staley (ABL-WNBA)  1943
Ticha Penicheiro (WNBA)  1707
Shannon Johnson (ABL-WNBA)  1569
Teresa Weatherspoon (WNBA)  1338
Debbie Black (ABL-WNBA)  1220
Jennifer Azzi (ABL-WNBA)  986

 

Women's National Basketball Association (1997 - present)

WNBA

 

Championships

Year Champion Runner-up Result Playoff/Finals MVP
1997 Houston Comets New York Liberty 1-0* Cynthia Cooper, Houston (28.0 ppg, 4.5 apg)
1998 Houston Comets Phoenix Mercury 2-1 Cynthia Cooper, Houston (25.8 ppg)
1999 Houston Comets New York Liberty 2-1 Cynthia Cooper, Houston (20.3 ppg, 6.8 apg)
2000 Houston Comets New York Liberty 2-1 Cynthia Cooper, Houston (22.7 ppg)
2001 Los Angeles Sparks Charlotte Sting 2-0 Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles (24.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg)
2002 Los Angeles Sparks New York Liberty 2-0 Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles (16.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg)
2003 Detroit Shock Los Angeles Sparks 2-1 Ruth Riley, Detroit (14.7 ppg, 3.3 bpg)
2004 Seattle Storm Connecticut Sun 2-1 Betty Lennox, Seattle (22.3 ppg)
2005 Sacramento Monarchs Connecticut Sun 3-1 Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento (18.5 ppg)
2006 Detroit Shock Sacramento Monarchs 3-2 Deanna Nolan, Detroit (17.8 ppg, 1.6 spg)
2007 Sacramento Monarchs Detroit Shock 3-2 Cappie Pondexter, Sacramanto (22.6 ppg)
2008 Detroit Shock San Antonio Silver Stars 3-0 Katie Smith, Detroit (21.7 ppg)

* Note - 1997 was a one game Championship, Houston defeated New York 65-51

Playoff Results

 1997
Semifinals
Houston defeated Charlotte 1-0 (70-54)
New York defeated Phoenix 1-0 (59-44)
Championship
Houston defeated New York 1-0 (65-51

1998
Semifinals
Houston defeated Charlotte 2-0
Phoenix defeated Cleveland 2-1
Championship
Houston defeated Phoenix 2-1

1999
First Round
Charlotte defeated Detroit 1-0 (60-54)
Los Angeles defeated Sacramento 1-0 (71-58)
Conference Finals
East - New York defeated Charlotte 2-1
West - Houston defeated Los Angeles 2-1
Championship
Houston defeated New York 2-1

2000
First Round
Cleveland defeated Orlando, 2-1
New York defeated Washington 2-0
Los Angeles defeated Phoenix 2-0
Houston defeated Sacramento 2-0
Conference Finals
East - New York defeated Cleveland 2-1
West - Houston defeated Los Angeles 2-0
Championship
Houston defeated New York 2-0

2001
First Round
Charlotte defeated Cleveland 2-1
New York defeated Miami 2-1
Los Angeles defeated Houston 2-0
Sacramento defeated Utah 2-0
Conference Finals
East - Charlotte defeated New York 2-1
West - Los Angeles defeated Sacramento 2-1
Championship
Los Angeles defeated Charlotte 2-0

2002
First Round
New York defeated Indiana 2-1
Washington defeated Charlotte 2-0
Los Angeles defeated Seattle 2-0
Utah defeated Houston 2-1
Conference Finals
East - New York defeated Washington 2-1
West - Los Angeles defeated Utah 2-0
Championship
Los Angeles defeated New York 2-0

2003
First Round
Detroit defeated Cleveland 2-1
Connecticut defeated Charlotte 2-0
Los Angeles defeated Minnesota 2-1
Sacramento defeated Houston 2-1
Conference Finals
East - Detroit defeated Connecticut 2-0
West - Los Angeles defeated Sacramento 2-1
Championship
Detroit defeated Los Angeles 2-1

2004
First Round
Connecticut defeated Washington 2-1
New York defeated Detroit 2-1
Seattle defeated Minnesota 2-0
Sacramento defeated Los Angeles 2-1
Conference Finals
East - Connecticut defeated New York 2-0
West - Seattle defeated Sacramento 2-1
Championship
Seattle defeated Connecticut 2-1

2005
First Round
Connecticut defeated Detroit 2-0
Indiana defeated New York 2-0
Houston defeated Seattle 2-1
Sacramento defeated Los Angeles 2-0
Conference Finals
East - Connecticut defeated Indiana 2-0
West - Sacramento defeated Houston 2-0
Championship
Sacramento defeated Connecticut 3-1

2006
First Round
Detroit defeated Indiana 2-0
Connecticut defeated Washington 2-0
Los Angeles defeated Seattle 2-1
Sacramento defeated Houston 2-0
Conference Finals
East - Detroit defeated Connecticut 2-1
West - Sacramento defeated Los Angeles 2-0
Championship
Detroit defeated Sacramento, 3-2

2007
First Round
Detroit defeated New York 2-1
Indiana defeated Connecticut 2-1
Phoenix defeated Seattle 2-0
San Antonio defeated Sacramento 2-1
Conference Finals
East - Detroit defeated Indiana 2-1
West - Phoenix defeated San Antonio 2-0
Championship
Phoenix defeated Detroit 3-2

2008
First Round
Detroit defeated Indiana 2-1
New York defeated Connecticut 2-1
San Antonio defeated Sacramento 2-1
Los Angeles defeated Seattle 2-1
Conference Finals
East - Detroit defeated New York 2-1
West - San Antonio defeated Los Angeles 2-1
Championship
Detroit defeated San Antonio 3-0

Awards, Honors and Annual Leaders

Year MVP Award  
1997 Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets  
1998 Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets  
1999 Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento Monarchs  
2000 Sheryl Swoopes, Houston Comets  
2001 Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks  
2002 Sheryl Swoopes, Houston Comets  
2003 Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm  
2004 Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks  
2005 Sheryl Swoopes, Houston Comets    
2006 Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks    
2007 Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm    
2008 Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks    
 
 
Year Scoring Leader PPG PTS
1997 Cynthia Cooper, Houston 22.2 621
1998 Cynthia Cooper, Houston 22.7 680
1999 Cynthia Cooper, Houston 22.1 686
2000 Sheryl Swoopes, Houston 20.7 643
Katie Smith, Minnesota 20.2 646
2001 Katie Smith, Minnesota 23.1 739
2002 Chamique Holdsclaw, Washington 19.9 397
Tamika Catchings, Indiana 18.6 594
2003 Lauren Jackson, Seattle 21.2 698
2004 Lauren Jackson, Seattle 20.5 634
2005 Sheryl Swoopes, Houston 18.6 614
2006 Diana Taurasi, Phoenix 25.3 860
2007 Lauren Jackson, Seattle 23.8 739
Seimone Augustus, Minnesota 22.6 769
2008 Diana Taurasi, Phoenix 24.1 820
 
 
Year Rebounding Leader RPG Rebnds
1997 Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles 9.5 266
1998 Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles 10.2 285
Cindy Brown, Detroit 10.0 301
1999 Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento 11.3 329
2000 Natalie Williams, Utah 11.6 336
2001 Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento 11.2 357
2002 Chamique Holdsclaw, Washington 11.6 232
Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles 10.4 322
2003 Chamique Holdsclaw, Washington 10.9 294
Cheryl Ford, Detroit 10.5 334
2004 Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles 9.9 336
2005 Cheryl Ford, Detroit 9.8 322
2006 Cheryl Ford, Detroit 11.3 363
2007 Lauren Jackson, Seattle 9.7 300
2008 Candace Parker, Los Angeles 9.4 313
 
 
Year Assist Leader APG Assts
1997 Teresa Weatherspoon, New York 5.9 172
1998 Ticha Penicheiro, Sacramento 7.5 224
1999 Ticha Penicheiro, Sacramento 7.1 226
2000 Ticha Penicheiro, Sacramento 7.9 236
2001 Ticha Penicheiro, Sacramento 7.5 172
Teresa Weatherspoon, New York 6.3 203
2002 Ticha Penicheiro, Sacramento 8.0 192
2003 Ticha Penicheiro, Sacramento 6.7 229
2004 Nikki Teasley, Los Angeles 6.1 207
2005 Sue Bird, Seattle 5.9 176
Temeka Johnson, Washington 5.2 177
2006 Nikki Teasley, Was 5.4 183
2007 Becky Hammon, San Antonio 5.0 140
Lindsay Whalen, Connecticut 4.97 169
2008 Lindsay Whalen, Connecticut 5.4 166
Ticha Penicheiro, Sacramento 5.2 172
 
     
Year Rookie of the Year  
1997 not awarded    
1998 Tracy Reid, Charlotte  
1999 Chamique Holdsclaw, Washington  
2000 Betty Lennox, Minnesota  
2001 Jackie Stiles, Portland  
2002 Tamika Catchings, Indiana  
2003 Cheryl Ford, Detroit  
2004 Diana Taurasi, Phoenix  
2005 Temeka Johnson, Washington    
2006 Seimone Augustus, Minnesota    
2007 Armintie Price, Chicago    
2008 Candace Parker, Los Angeles    
 
 
Year Defensive Player of the Year  
1997 Teresa Weatherspoon, New York  
1998 Teresa Weatherspoon, New York  
1999 Yolanda Griffith, Sacremento  
2000 Sheryl Swoopes, Houston  
2001 Debbie Black, Miami  
2002 Sheryl Swoopes, Houston  
2003 Sheryl Swoopes, Houston  
2004 Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles  
2005 Tamika Catchings, Indiana    
2006 Tamika Catchings, Indiana    
2007 Lauren Jackson, Seattle    
2008 Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles    

 

WNBA All Star Game

Year Result MVP
1999 West 79 - East 61 Lisa Leslie, West (LA),  (13 pts, 5 rbs)
2000 West 73 - East 61 Tina Thompson, West (Houston),  (13 pts,11 rbs)
2001 West 80 - East 72 Lisa Leslie, West (LA),  (20 pts, 9 rbs)
2002 West 81 - East 76 Lisa Leslie, West (LA),  (18 pts, 14 rbs)
2003 West 84 - East 75 Nikki Teasley, West (LA),  (10 pts, 6 rbs, 6 asts)
2004 * Team USA 74 - WNBA 58

Yolanda Griffith, Team USA (11 pts, 15 rbs)
2005 West 122 - East 99 Sheryl Swoopes, West (Houston), (15 pts)
2006 East 98 - West 82 Katie Douglas, East (CT), (16 pts, 5 rbs)
2007 East 103 - West 99 Cheryl Ford, East (Det), (16 pts, 13 rbs)
2008 Not Held

Summer Olympics in China

* The US Olympic Team (Consisting of the best players in the WNBA) played an WNBA All Star Team instead of the traditional All-Star format of years past.

 

All -WNBA Teams

1997
First Team
 Eva Nemcova, Forward, Cleveland Rockers
Tina Thompson, Forward, Houston Comets
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Cynthia Cooper, Guard, Houston Comets
Ruthie Bolton-Holifield, Guard, Sacramento Monarchs
Second Team
Wendy Palmer, Forward, Utah Starzz
Rebecca Lobo, Forward, New York Liberty
Jennifer Gillom, Center, Phoenix Mercury
Teresa Weatherspoon, Guard, New York Liberty
Andrea Stinson, Guard, Charlotte Sting

1998
First Team
Tina Thompson, Forward, Houston Comets
Sheryl Swoopes, Forward, Houston Comets
Jennifer Gillom, Center, Phoenix Mercury
Suzie McConnell Serio, Guard, Cleveland Rockers
Cynthia Cooper, Guard, Houston Comets
Second Team
Eva Nemcova, Forward, Cleveland Rockers
Cindy Brown, Forward, Detroit Shock
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Teresa Weatherspoon, Guard, New York Liberty
Andrea Stinson, Guard, Charlotte Sting

1999
First Team
Sheryl Swoopes, Forward, Houston Comets
Natalie Williams, Forward, Utah Starzz
Yolanda Griffith, Center, Sacramento Monarchs
Cynthia Cooper, Guard, Houston Comets
Ticha Penicheiro, Guard, Sacramento Monarchs
Second Team
Chamique Holdsclaw, Forward, Washington Mystics
Tina Thompson, Forward, Houston Comets
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Teresa Weatherspoon, Guard, New York Liberty
Shannon Johnson, Guard, Orlando Miracle

2000
First Team
Sheryl Swoopes, Forward, Houston Comets
Natalie Williams, Forward, Utah Starzz
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Cynthia Cooper, Guard, Houston Comets
Ticha Penicheiro, Guard, Sacramento Monarchs
Second Team
Katie Smith, Forward, Minnesota Lynx
Tina Thompson, Forward, Houston Comets
Yolanda Grifith, Center, Sacramento Monarchs
Teresa Weatherspoon, Guard, New York Liberty
Betty Lennox, Minnesota Lynx
Shannon Johnson, Orlando Miracle, Guard

2001
First Team
Katie Smith, Forward, Minnesota Lynx
Natalie Williams, Forward, Utah Starzz
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Janeth Arcain, Guard, Houston Comets
Merlakia Jones, Guard, Cleveland Rockers
Second Team
Tina Thompson, Forward, Houston Comets
Chamique Holdsclaw, Forward, Washington Mystics
Yolanda Grifith, Center, Sacramento Monarchs
Ticha Penicheiro, Guard, Sacramento Monarchs
Tamecka Dixon, Guard, Los Angeles Sparks

2002
First Team
Tamika Catchings, Forward, Indiana Fever
Sheryl Swoopes, Forward, Houston Comets
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Sue Bird, Guard, Seattle Storm
Mwadi Mabika, Guard, Los Angeles Sparks
Second Team
Tina Thompson, Forward, Houston Comets
Chamique Holdsclaw, Forward, Washington Mystics
Tari Phillips, Center, New York Liberty
Katie Smith, Guard, Minnesota Lynx
Shannon Johnson, Guard, Orlando Miracle

2003
First Team
Lauren Jackson, Forward, Seattle Storm
Tamika Catchings, Forward, Indiana Fever
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Katie Smith, Guard, Minnesota Lynx
Sue Bird, Guard, Seattle Storm
Second Team
Sheryl Swoopes, Forward, Houston Comets
Swin Cash, Forward, Detroit Shock
Cheryl Ford, Center, Detroit Shock
Nikki Teasley, Guard, Los Angeles Sparks
Deanna Nolan, Guard, Detroit Shock

2004
First Team
Lauren Jackson, Forward, Seattle Storm
Tina Thompson, Forward, Houston Comets
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Diana Taurasi, Guard, Phoenix Mercury
Sue Bird, Guard, Seattle Storm
Second Team
Tamika Catchings, Forward, Indiana Fever
Swin Cash, Forward, Detroit Shock
Yolanda Griffith, Center, Sacramento Monarchs
Nikki Teasley, Guard, Los Angeles Sparks
Nykesha Sales, Guard, Connecticut Sun

2005
First Team
Lauren Jackson, Forward, Seattle Storm
Sheryl Swoopes, Forward, Houston Comets
Yolanda Griffith, Center, Sacramento Monarchs
Deanna Nolan, Guard, Detroit Shock
Sue Bird, Guard, Seattle Storm
Second Team
Tamika Catchings, Forward, Indiana Fever
Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Forward, Connecticut Sun
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Becky Hammon, Guard, New York Liberty
Diana Taurasi, Guard, Phoenix Mercury

2006
First Team
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Diana Taurasi, Guard, Phoenix Mercury
Tamika Catchings, Forward, Indiana Fever
Lauren Jackson, Forward, Seattle Storm
Katie Douglas, Guard, Connecticut Sun
Second Team
Cheryl Ford, Center, Detroit Shock
Alana Beard, Guard, Washington Mystics
Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Forward, Connecticut Sun
Seimone Augustus, Guard, Minnesota Lynx
Sheryl Swoopes, Forward, Houston Comets

2007
First Team
Lauren Jackson, Center, Seattle Storm
Becky Hammon, Guard, San Antonio Silver Stars
Diana Taurasi, Forward, Phoenix Mercury
Deanna Nolan, Guard, Detroit Shock
Penny Taylor, Forward, Phoenix Mercury
Second Team
Tamika Catchings, Forward, Indiana Fever
Katie Douglas, Guard, Connecticut Sun
Tina Thompson, Center, Houston Comets
Seimone Augustus, Guard, Minnesota Lynx
Sophia Young, Forward, San Antonio Silver Stars

2008
First Team
Candace Parker, Forward, Los Angeles Sparks
Lisa Leslie, Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Lindsay Whalen, Guard, Connecticut Sun
Diana Taurasi, Guard/Forward, Phoenix Mercury
Sophia Young, Forward, San Antonio Silver Stars
Second Team
Sue Bird, Guard, Seattle Storm
Becky Hammon, Guard, San Antonio Silver Stars
Asjha Jones, Forward, Connecticut Sun
Deanna Nolan, Guard/Forward, Detroit Shock
Lauren Jackson, Center, Seattle Storm

------------------------

> WNBA 10th Anniversary All-Decade Team
Sue Bird, Seattle Storm (2002-Current)
Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever (2001-Current)
Cynthia Cooper, Houston Comets (1997-2000, 2003)
Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento Monarchs (1999-Current)
Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm (2001-Current)
Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks (1997-Current)
Katie Smith, Minnesota Lynx (1999-2005), Detroit Shock (2005-Current)
Dawn Staley, Charlotte Sting (1999-2005), Houston Comets (2005-Current)
Sheryl Swoopes, Houston Comets (1997-Current)
Tina Thompson, Houston Comets (1997-Current)

Honorable Mentions
Ruthie Bolton, Sacramento Monarchs (1997-2004)
Chamique Holdsclaw, Washington Mystics (1999-2004), Los Angeles Sparks (2005-Current)
Ticha Penicheiro, Sacramento Monarchs (1998-Current)
Diana Taurasi ,Phoenix Mercury (2004-Current)
Teresa Weatherspoon, New York Liberty (1997-2003), Los Angeles Sparks (2004)

 

Career Leaders

Points Total Avg
Lisa Leslie  5909 17.4
Tina Thompson  5424 16.3
Katie Smith  5077 15.9
Sheryl Swoopes  4604 15.8
Lauren Jackson  4602 19.4
Yolanda Griffith  4219 13.7
Tangela Smith  4123 11.9
Vickie Johnson  4039 10.7
Chamique Holdsclaw  3975 17.7
Nykesha Sales  3955 14.2
Taj McWilliams-Franklin 3762 12.3
DeLisha Milton-Jones 3606 12.1
Mwadi Mabika  3572 10.5
Tamika Catchings  3535 16.7
Betty Lennox  3479 12.9
Becky Hammon  3476 12.1
Chasity Melvin  3436 10.6
Shannon Johnson  3417 10.7
Deanna Nolan  3412 13.1
Diana Taurasi  3398 20.3
Tamecka Dixon  3368 10.3
Sheri Sam  3353 10.2
Andrea Stinson  3351 12.3
Tamika Whitmore  3258 10.0
Margo Dydek  3220 10.0
Wendy Palmer  3140 10.1
Katie Douglas  3094 12.5
Jennifer Gillom  2896 13.1
Natalie Williams  2894 13.4
Sue Bird  2841 12.6
Alana Beard  2636 16.3
Cynthia Cooper  2601 20.9
Nikki McCray  2550 10.1
Dawn Staley  2226 9.4
Ticha Penicheiro  2205 6.5
Ruthie Bolton 2183 10.0
Seimone Augustus  2104 21.3
Ruth Riley 1900 7.5
Cheryl Ford 1867 11.2
Jennifer Azzi 1288 9.5
Teresa Weatherspoon 1264 5.0
Candace Parker 610 18.5
   
Rebounds Total Avg
Lisa Leslie  3156 9.2
Yolanda Griffith  2437 7.9
Taj McWilliams-Franklin 2222 7.3
Tina Thompson  2211 6.7
Margo Dydek  2143 6.6
Lauren Jackson  1887 8.0
Chamique Holdsclaw  1862 8.3
Tangela Smith  1856 5.3
Natalie Williams  1832 8.3
Wendy Palmer  1825 5.9
Chasity Melvin  1801 5.5
DeLisha Milton-Jones 1757 5.9
Cheryl Ford  1692 10.1
Tamika Catchings  1647 7.8
Murriel Page  1603 4.5
Michelle Snow  1575 6.8
Vickie Johnson  1533 4.1
Tammy Sutton-Brown  1479 5.7
Sheryl Swoopes  1460 5.0
Sheri Sam  1356 4.1
   
Assists Total Avg
Ticha Penicheiro  2023 6.0
Shannon Johnson  1372 4.3
Teresa Weatherspoon  1338 5.2
Dawn Staley  1337 5.1
Sue Bird  1246 5.5
Vickie Johnson  1128 3.0
Sheryl Swoopes  961 3.3
Tamecka Dixon  924 2.8
Nikki Teasley  923 5.0
Katie Smith  895 2.8
Becky Hammon  876 3.0
Lisa Leslie  825 2.4
Deanna Nolan  814 3.1
Andrea Stinson  810 3.0
Lindsay Whalen  808 5.0
Tamika Catchings  790 3.7
Diana Taurasi 679 4.1
Jennifer Azzi 638 4.5
Michele Timms 551 4.8
   
Steals Total Avg
Ticha Penicheiro 655 1.93
Sheryl Swoopes  632 2.17
Tamika Catchings  532 2.51
Yolanda Griffith  529 1.72
Nykesha Sales  490 1.76
Lisa Leslie  476 1.40
Shannon Johnson  467 1.47
Teresa Weatherspoon  465 1.83
Vicky Bullett 353 1.90
Alana Beard 292 1.80
   
Blocked Shots Total Avg
Margo Dydek  877 2.72
Lisa Leslie  789 2.32
Lauren Jackson  485 2.05
Tangela Smith  452 1.30
Ruth Riley  393 1.55
Tammy Sutton-Brown  392 1.51
Taj McWilliams-Franklin  327 1.07
Yolanda Griffith  321 1.04
Elena Baranova  320 1.53
Vicky Bullett 288 1.55
   
3-Point Field Goals Total  
Katie Smith  674  
Tina Thompson  495  
Becky Hammon  482  
Crystal Robinson  426  
Diana Taurasi  423  
   
Free Throws Total  
Lisa Leslie  1412  
Katie Smith  1253  
Yolanda Griffith  1225  
Tina Thompson  1099  
Lauren Jackson  1059  
   
Games Played Total  
Vickie Johnson  378  
Murriel Page  354  
Tangela Smith  347  

 

Other WNBA Links:

Women's National Basketball Association

Robert Bradley's WNBA Web Page

Extinct Sports Leagues Home Page

©1998 Steve Dimitry, all rights reserved.

Email: sdimitry@verizon.net