Shock re-signs Hodges, loses guard to Storm
BY Mike Brown World Sports Writer
Thursday, February 07, 2013
The Tulsa Shock lost one player but re-signed another Thursday. The team announced that veteran guard Roneeka Hodges has signed a multi-year contract.
Meanwhile, free agent guard Temeka Johnson signed with the Seattle Storm. Johnson, 14th in WNBA career assists, led the Shock with 4.7 per game in 2012 while averaging 12.2 points in her only Tulsa season.
Hodges, an eight-year WNBA veteran, was acquired in a trade with the Indiana Fever and played the final 20 games of 2012 with the Shock, averaging 10.2 points and 2.7 rebounds.
“(Hodges) contributed greatly down the stretch and had some clutch moments to help us win games,” coach Gary Kloppenburg said.
“She is a hard worker who continues to improve and expand her game, but more important she wants to be in Tulsa and is committed to helping us move toward becoming a playoff-level team.”
Johnson is the second free agent guard to leave the team in a week. Ivory Latta, who led the Shock in scoring (14.3) last season, signed last Friday with the Washington Wizards.
Latta also was second on the team in assists (3.3) last season. Losing both her and Johnson leaves the Shock team without its most experienced point guards.
Team president Steve Swetoha said the Shock is exploring other options to fill the quarterback role. One might present itself in the April 15 WNBA draft. Tulsa selects third, and would gladly take Notre Dame guard Skylar Diggins — if she is still available.
Diggins, Baylor center Brittney Griner and Delaware forward Elena Delle Donne are the top three players available, according to draftsite.com. The Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky have the first two picks.
The Shock has 10 players on its current roster, counting Australian Olympic standout Liz Cambage, who remains under contract with the Shock but bypassed the entire 2012 WNBA season.
Team officials are hopeful of Cambage’s return in 2013 and are working to re-sign Tiffany Jackson-Jones. The team’s leading scorer in 2011, Jackson-Jones missed last season while pregnant with her first child.
On Wednesday, the Shock re-signed guard Amber Holt, forward Courtney Paris and center Chante Black.
Already under contract were guards Scholanda Dorrell and Riquna Williams and forwards Glory Johnson, Jennifer Lacy and Kayla Pedersen.
Teams are allowed 15 players in training camp, which begins around May 1. The regular-season limit is 11.
The Shock opens May 25 at Atlanta and opens at home two days later against the Wizards. The 2 p.m. Memorial Day tipoff will be televised by ESPN2.
Associated Images:
Veteran guard Roneeka Hodges has re-signed with the Tulsa Shock for the 2013 season, which tips off May 25 in Atlanta. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World file
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