A storm is brewing in Seattle
Photo by Seattle Storm
By Christan Braswell
Seattle, WA - Building chemistry on the fly in training camp is no easy feat in the WNBA, especially for teams looking to compete for a championship. In the case of the Seattle Storm, players aren’t phased by the challenge. Taking it in stride, they have owned it. After the team’s media day on Thursday, their message is as synonymous as it is clear.
“We have a focus. We’re dangerously disciplined,” said Storm star Jewell Loyd. “That’s our motto. We’re here to work.”
For just the second time in her career, Loyd is entering a season as the head honcho. Gone are the days of Bird and Stewart. In her era with the makeup of the team, playing with legends is not new to her.
“I have no problem sharing the spotlight. That’s why I said my job is to be the DJ.”
A DJ’s job is strenuous yet when executed correctly, the vibes are immaculate as the kids say. In Loyd’s case, her eye is on the team’s pulse and what is needed at any given moment. Changing the song or tempo, she owns the responsibility and is eager to get on the court to show it.
Storm guard Skylar Diggins-Smith echoed the same sentiment when asked what “dangerously disciplined” means to the team.
“Not cutting corners. We don’t say sacrifice. We say investment. It’s really about the habits we’re trying to form.”
Winners aren’t made solely on the court during camp. Healthy habits paired with team bonding off it are paramount and Storm players have had their fill before camp started. When head coach Noelle Quinn last spoke with Circling Seattle Sports, she mentioned how players came to Seattle before Sunday to work out individually and with each other.
During her time with media Thursday, Quinn noted how players have bonded already and is seeing it play out on the court. Being so early in camp, she believes it will pay dividends down the road.
At the center of camp is the actual Center for Basketball Performance itself. From Loyd to Ogwumike to Kaela Davis, players have spoken at length about having such a resource. During her time with media Thursday, Quinn noted how players have been bonding in their own unique way and believes it will pay dividends down the road.
“Having everything here in one place makes it easier,” Davis said. “Not having to worry about food or treatment. Not having to think about those things during camp.”
When asked if she ever lingers after practice, Davis laughed before saying things like comfy couches and chairs in the locker room make it easy to.
“I’m ready to play,” said Ogwumike. “I’m excited to be in Seattle. I’m happy to be in a facility that fosters our growth.”
One recurring trend throughout media day was players noticing how the team’s leadership structure is forming and firing on all cylinders. Several have mentioned how attentive Ogwumike is when running plays and how she stops them when something can be perfected.
“I think the beauty of this team is we have so many styles of leadership,” she said. “For me, there’s definitely a burden lifted in not having to always be the one to solve the problem.”
Since Candace Parker left the Sparks in 2020, the team was in the palm of Ogwumike’s hands. Unfortunately, the team failed to build a cohesive roster around her and foster a space where players felt respected like the one she enjoys currently with Seattle. The team only ran as far as she could sprint and in this league, one star simply isn’t enough.
At the end of the day, the day must end. Everyone from players to staff is on one accord and understands that champions don’t take form overnight. Reps now and a lot of them do. The first of two preseason games is in Edmonton for the WNBA Canada Game against the Sparks on Saturday night.
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