Originally published February 9, 2010 at 9:08 PM | Page modified February 10, 2010 at 7:31 PM

Storm signs Le'coe Willingham from champion Mercury | WNBA

Forward started 61 of 68 games in Phoenix, averaged 10 points a game in 2009 title season.

Seattle Times staff reporter

Le'coe Willingham helped Phoenix to title.

Unrestricted free agent Le'coe Willingham signed with the Storm on Tuesday, telling the organization she wanted to play with elite players Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson.

Willingham, a six-year veteran, spent the past two seasons with reigning MVP Diana Taurasi and the champion Phoenix Mercury. A 6-foot forward, Willingham averaged 10.0 points and 4.2 rebounds during the 2009 title season.

But the WNBA's altered salary cap meant the Mercury couldn't keep its championship roster intact, according to general manager Ann Meyers Drysdale. The league and its union agreed to a $28,000 drop from 2009, setting the cap at $775,000 this summer.

Willingham, undrafted but signed by Connecticut out of Auburn in 2004, will challenge Camille Little for a starting forward slot in Seattle.

"I enjoy doing the little things that don't always get noticed," she told the team via phone from Spain, where she is currently playing. "I'm very passionate about what I do and I love basketball. I've been undersized all my life and I've adjusted to that. I bring toughness, I think."

The Storm's next moves will be to add another young post and a combo-guard, according to Brian Agler, coach and director of player personnel. The team also will re-sign Jackson to a two-year contract worth the veteran maximum.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com

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