The Chicago Sky finally made the WNBA playoffs last season—the first time in team history. But the Sky's quick exit—back-to-back losses to Indiana—is motivating this year's team.
"Making it to the playoffs was awesome, but having our season cut so short was very disappointing. That said, you learn and I'm eager to get back out there and work toward our goal for the [2014] season: get past the first round of the playoffs," said Sylvia Fowles, a three-time WNBA All-Star and the reigning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.
"Once you're on the big stage, which is the playoffs, you should always be ready to play," she added. "But you live and you learn. I'm not sure we were the best prepared for the playoffs because we [mostly] had never been to the playoffs."
Fowles is, without question, one of the biggest concerns for the team this season.
That's because the Sky announced in mid-April that Fowles had undergone arthroscopic surgery of the hip to repair a torn labrum and impingement. She was expected to be out of action for three to six months following the early March surgery.
"I am doing well. Can you tell?" she asked, smiling, on May 6. "I'm feeling really good, ahead of schedule [for rehabilitation]. I'm looking to be back very soon."
Fowles wouldn't define when "soon" may be.
Fowles, the team's 6'6" center, averaged 16.3 points and a league-best 11.5 rebounds in 32 games last season. Fowles was the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month last July, August and September.
She will be on the bench at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont on May 16, when the Sky play host to Indiana for the season-opener.
But likely back in the team's baby blue uniform sooner than some expected.
"It was frustrating a month ago, but now that I'm able to do a few things, it isn't so bad.
I'm not in bad spirits. I'm just looking forward to getting stronger and getting back on the court," she said.
Sky head coach and general manager Pokey Chatman, speaking at the team's media day on May 6, said Fowles "will be back sooner than later."
Fowles, who was born in Miami and attended Louisiana State University, was a U.S. Olympic gold medal winner at the Summer Olympics in 2008 and 2012. Her WNBA career has spanned 166 regular-season games, and she's averaged 16 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. She started all 32 Sky games in 2013.
"Sylvia is a specimen of an athlete; there's no one like her in this world," said the Sky's Elena Delle Donne, the 2013 WNBA Rookie of the Year. "She's incredible and going to leave a legacy for the rest of her life."
The Sky is coming off a 24-10 season in 2013, led by Delle Donne's 18 points, Fowles' rebounding, and Courtney Vandersloot's 5 assists per game.
"The team is looking pretty good," Fowles said. "I'm actually sad that I'm not getting a chance to be a part of it [when the season opens]; it's kind of hard sitting on the sidelines, just having to talk and not actually going out there and showing them what to do. That's been the toughest part.
"We've got a lot of new faces this season, a lot of ladies who want to be here. And the energy level is just ridiculous. Plus, the talent some of these girls have will make a difference."
Chatman said it took her a few months after the team's playoff ouster to truly appreciate what the team achieved in 2013. "It was a breakthrough season, but just a small step, and definitely something we need to build on," she said.
The Sky plays 34 games in 96 days, with its final regular-season game set for Sept. 17 against San Antonio. Chicago opens with six of its first seven games at home and, on June 25, the Sky starts a five-game road trip. In July, the team plays eight road games and only four at home.
"We want to bring a championship to Chicago," Chatman said.
Markeisha Gatling ( North Carolina State University ) was Chicago's first pick, and the 10th overall, in the 2014 WNBA Draft, followed by Gennifer Brandon ( California ) as the 22nd overall pick in the second round. Jamierra Faulkner ( Southern Mississippi ) was chosen in the third round.
"I think you're going to see us get up and down the floor a lot more; I think they're comfortable with that [style of play]. I think the new additions [to the team] are a lot more athletic at some positions," Chatman said. "I think we have the ability to move players around, players who can play multiple positions. That will really help."
