She's a big girl now. In fact, the WNBA turns "Sweet 16" with expansion teams in Indiana, Miami, Portland and Seattle.

Is mo' better? Time will tell in a league where a 15-17 record last season earned two teams playoff spots.

Some stories to watch in 2000:

Houston, we have a problem: Sure, the Comets' Cynthia Cooper (league-leading 22.1 ppg in 1999), Sheryl Swoopes (18.3 ppg) and Tina Thompson (12.2 ppg) have been fitted for three consecutive championship rings. But the power could be shifting out West. Sacramento has the WNBA's best player in Yolanda Griffith, and Los Angeles and Phoenix also look very strong.

	Can the Comets' Big Three -- Tina Thompson, Sheryl Swoopes and Cynthia Cooper -- make it four?

Something about Sydney: The Games give the game a different look for 2000. With the Sydney Olympics starting in September, many international players are skipping the 2000 WNBA season. Thus Detroit and Minnesota were left scrambling to fill voids left by the defections.

WNBA title or Olympic gold: There's also an impact on Team USA players. Sting guard Dawn Staley had her knee scoped while training for the Games, and Mystics' All-Star Chamique Holdsclaw is recovering from two stress fractures suffered during a March exhibition game. The dilemma facing Team USA members: Will their eyes be focused on the WNBA title, or Olympic gold?

Old faces, new places: Former Laker defensive specialist Michael Cooper is coaching the Sparks. One time NBA journeyman T.R. Dunn takes over in Charlotte. Ron Rothstein, former coach of the expansion Miami Heat, is now coach of the expansion Miami Sol. Notice the trend? More WNBA teams are seeking coaches with NBA connections.

Former NBA coach Richie Adubato says his current post with the Liberty is more pleasant because of the smaller player salaries. Rothstein agrees, explaining, "Whatever business you're in, the more money escalates, the more attitudes change."

Can those attitudes change in the WNBA? With the average salary in 1999 at $56,000 -- at a time when attendance, sponsorship and exposure is thriving -- the answer is yes.

She may be a big girl now, but the WNBA still has to be prepared for the growing pains that are sure to occur down the road.

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