Women's Hoops Blog

Jayda Evans covers college and pro women's basketball. While its her first year on the Washington beat, she has covered the Storm since its inception. She'll offer observations, critiques, occasional off-beat tales and answers to select e-mail inquires. Evans also has written a book on the Storm and women's hoops, called "Game On!"

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May 6, 2008 4:59 PM

Storm makes Burse announcement official

Posted by Jayda Evans

The Storm released that center Janell Burse will indeed not return for the 2008 season. The press release is below. In an interview with the Times, Burse said this afternoon that she's going to have her left foot re-examined by Tulane doctors, where she played college hoops. They may opt to put a pin in the foot to correct the Jones fracture. Burse said she's managed the shoulder enough to be able to play on it, "it's really about the foot," she said.

On a lighter note, Burse was gushy when asked about her reaction to Yolanda Griffith giving up the No. 33 jersey number. "That was really sweet," Burse said. "I was joking with T [Tanisha Wright] though that she [Griffith] could have had it for $1,000."

Burse is staying in Houston with her family and hopes to attend a Storm-Comets game this summer.

STORM CENTER JANELL BURSE TO SIT OUT 2008 SEASON

6-5 center and WNBA record-holder to return in 2009

SEATTLE, Monday, May 5, 2008 -- Seattle Storm center Janell Burse will miss the entire 2008 season, team officials announced today.

"We will definitely miss Janell but respect her decision to sit out this season," Storm head coach Brian Agler said. "I am looking forward to coaching her next season."

Burse averaged 8.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game during the 2007 season. She set a WNBA record for rebounds in a half with 16 in the first half, and rebounds in a quarter with 10 against the Phoenix Mercury on May 23, 2007. The 2006 runner-up for the WNBA's Most Improved Player award has averaged 8.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game over four seasons with the Storm.

"We are disappointed but support Janell's decision," Storm CEO Karen Bryant said. "We wish her the best this season and look forward to seeing her back in Seattle in 2009."

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Posted by scullyfu

8:03 PM, May 06, 2008

i wonder why jb doesn't take advantage of the time off and get her shoulder fixed surgically? the fact that she's 'managed the shoulder enough to be able to play' sounds rather ominous; like its just a defensive block away from becoming unmanageable again. regardless, good luck and get healthy, jb.

Posted by MRobles

2:55 PM, May 07, 2008

With Burse out now Santos looks very good.
At the open practice her body type reminded me of Kamila. Just the kind of post needed to allow LJ to be LJ.