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Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 AM

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First off the bench for the Storm

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Janell Burse, center

Height: 6-5. Weight: 199.

Age: 25, born May 19, 1979 in New Orleans.

College: Tulane, 2001.

Hometown: New Orleans.

Acquired: By trade with F Sheri Sam for F Amanda Lassiter and a 2004 draft pick.

Game time: Burse was 11th in the league in blocks last season (0.97 per game) and if she can stay out of foul trouble, she could do well in that category again this summer. Burse is accepting a lesser role than when she broke into the Lynx starting lineup toward the end of last season, saying she isn't going to allow the change to bother her. In her fourth season, Burse has a wealth of potential to build on her averages of 7.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in Minnesota last season.

The look: It's menacing and fierce. And if you don't know Burse, it'll stop you dead in your tracks. It's her glare where her eyes pierce through your soul. "That's just that sister-girl stare," Burse said with a laugh. "I'm told players are a little more hesitant (inside) because I'm known for blocking shots. I want to keep that up."

AKA: JB.

Tully Bevilaqua, guard

Height: 5-7. Weight: 140.

Age: 31, born July 19, 1972 in Merredin, Australia.

High school: Merredin Senior High.

Hometown: Perth, Australia.

Acquired: Signed as a free agent April 19, 2003.

Game time: Bevilaqua is still that double-shot jolt of energy off the bench and will add a different dimension to the Storm as Sue Bird's backup. Last season she didn't reach her full potential, but more comfortable in Seattle's system, Bevilaqua is prepared to lead and score. In her final exhibition game, she scored nine points and had three assists. In 31 games last season, she averaged 1.9 points in 8.1 minutes. Entering her sixth season, she passed on potentially making the Australian Olympic team.

Little farmer: Bevilaqua and her husband of seven years bought 175 acres of land outside Perth to cultivate Sandalwood trees, which can be used for cabinet making or burned as incense. "I'm being environmentally friendly," Bevilaqua said. "And it's my last financial endeavor after (playing)."

AKA: TT.

Michelle Greco, guard

Height: 5-9. Weight: 145.

Age: 24, born March 24, 1980 in Panorama City, Calif.

College: UCLA, 2003.

Hometown: Los Angeles.

Acquired: Signed as a free agent this month.

Game time: Greco forced her way onto the roster with her play in the exhibition games. As a former Pac-10 scoring leader, it's hard to turn down her offense, even though you can tell she's still inexperienced. She's learning the point-guard position to be more versatile and the coaching staff wants her to rebound more. Greco was cut in Cleveland's training camp last season, but traveled overseas to Israel and Greece (where she was named an All-Star) to improve her game.

Sunshine: Through injuries, missed shots and hard fouls, Greco is constantly smiling. Maybe it's her California roots, but you can't knock the grin off her face. "It's weird, I don't even know I'm doing it," she said. "I like to look at the bright side. I've had so many injuries (two concussions and three nose fractures) that I have to laugh about it, shrug it off."

AKA: Rookie.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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