The WNBA wouldn't be successful without the league's great fan support. And while we're always quick to commend the fans for their loyalty, it's tough to think of an All-Star starting roster that doesn't include Swin Cash.

	Swin Cash ranks sixth in the league in scoring (17.7 points) and eighth in assists (4.1).

Yet, when final returns of fan votes cast in the WNBA All-Star Balloting Program were announced Monday, Cash was left off the East's roster for the All-Star game, which will be played July 12 at Madison Square Garden.

The Detroit forward has had a tremendous season, lifting her game to an All-Star level and the Shock to first place in the East, far above the expectations most critics had for Detroit prior to the season.

Cash will find her way to New York; her name is sure to be called when the WNBA All-Star reserves are announced Wednesday. But it's ridiculous she won't be on the court for tipoff. She deserves that honor.

However, it's difficult to be too tough on the fans. All-star games are held for them, so if they don't quite hit the mark in selecting the league's top 10 players, it's understandable that they might slip in a fan-favorite or two.

Another player who's having a great season who probably narrowly missed the starting lineup is Seattle Storm center Lauren Jackson, although it's tough to omit Lisa Leslie. And New York's Becky Hammon, who suffered a torn ACL last weekend, deserves to be named an All-Star reserve.

The reserves should also include Katie Smith, Marie Ferdinand, Shannon Johnson and Yolanda Griffith. But Griffith's Sacramento teammate, four-time All-Star Ticha Penicheiro, might not make it this year. How's that for a bold prediction?

Nancy Lieberman, an ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's women's basketball coverage. Contact her at www.nancylieberman.com.