STAR-LIKE VERSATILITY

After being named head coach of the San Antonio Silver Stars last winter, Dee Brown immediately took steps to obtain two players from the Oriando Miracle squad he coached in 2002.

"I went after two players I had coached before because I have respect for them," Brown explained. "They play hard and make their teammates better."

Those players were national team member and WNBA All-Star Shannon "Pee Wee" Johnson and back-up center Jessie Hicks. The selection of Johnson, a point guard who in 2002 was named All-WNBA Second Team, needs no explanation. Davis said of the 6'4" Hicks, "She's just the type of player every team needs in their locker room. Jessie is a quiet leader who always gives her best. She comes to practice and works hard. She plays hard every night no matter if she gets four minutes or 40."

It was the connection with her former coach that prompted the Maryland graduate to sign as a free agent with the Silver Stars. "I chose San Antonio because Dee Brown coached me before and knew what I could do," said Hicks. "I think I can help the team out. The Stars can have two looks - a big or smaller lineup, and I can help with both. I'm quick enough for the small lineup, and I can guard bigger players and do the high-low with Margo [Dydek] or Sylvia [Crawley] with the bigger lineup."

Ironically, the 33-year-old's professional career began in 1997 with Utah Starzz (which became the Silver Stars in 2003). She then took two years off after the birth of her son, Jamon, now 6, before joining the Orlando Miracle.

"The Starzz and the Silver Stars are run by totally different people," said Hicks.

On juggling basketball with motherhood, Hicks added, "It's stressful, but it's a blessing. I have good support at home. My mom takes care of my son, and I take care of her." - Janice Kritchevsky

Copyright Ashton International Media, Inc. Jun 2004
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