As expected, the Storm re-signed SG Tanisha Wright (pictured right), which keeps a solid-working backcourt intact with Wright flipping between shooting and running the offense with PG Sue Bird.

In addition, the team invited PG Kim Beck and Washington standout G/F Kristen O'Neill back to training camp. Once again they have to battle for slots on the final roster, but hopefully this go-round the experience of already being in coach Brian Agler's system helps them. There are some tough guards expected to enter the draft -- one UW fans saw in Kansas State senior Shalee Lehning, aka Ms. Triple-Double.

Agler said signing a back-up PG would be a priority and he'd like to have a veteran, so expect him to still be in the running for names like former Storm Tully Bevilaqua, who helped the organization win their championship in 2004. The coach is also looking at numerous posts other than prized free agent PF Lauren Jackson -- in case that re-signing doesn't work.

Agler won't name the other free agents he's talking to, but C Michelle Snow and PF Tina Thompson are players out there, although Thompson is expected to retire. Thompson is really good friends with Storm F Swin Cash, so it's not far-fetched that she'd play here. That might put a crimp in Sheryl Swoopes returning, however, which may be why the guard has changed her tune about being back, according to some fans who spoke with her recently. Swoopes still isn't really talking to media, choosing to focus on being a mom and coaching a Seattle-area youth basketball team.

But the news-of-the day -- re-signing Tanisha Wright -- is great for the Storm. She's really improved her game and confidence while being in Seattle. She's currently playing in France and it'll be exciting to see the tweaks in her game that make her even better this summer.

Other news to look for from the Storm is the new KeyArena deal. It was supposed to be made in December, but officials were out-of-town for the holidays. An announcement is expected around Jan. 13.

The Storm owners did look at the Comcast Arena in Everett last fall, but opted to re-up with KeyArena for a reported 10-year deal.

"We'd still love to have them for an exhibition game in the future or something," said Kim Bedier, Comcast Arena general manager. "I keep bugging them every year."

Anyway, here's the press release from the team regarding Wright, Beck, and O'Neill:

SEATTLE, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 -- Seattle Storm head coach and director of player personnel Brian Agler announced today the re-signing of 5-11 guard Tanisha Wright. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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