By Wyatt Yearout

Coming off its second consecutive and 12th overall postseason appearance, the Seattle Storm opened the 2018 training camp on Sunday at Royal Brougham Pavilion on the campus of Seattle Pacific University under new head coach Dan Hughes.

Storm all-star Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd both shared their thoughts on how day one went.

Stewart: “I think the first practice was great. You always know on day one there’s jitters and nerves, but once we actually slowed down and really played, today was a good day one.”

Loyd: “It was awesome, the intensity was definitely there. I think early on everyone was a little nervous to see how everything was going to go. But after about the first 10 minutes the focus was there and the energy was there, it was just really competitive all through out practice today.”

DAN’S DEBUT

Loyd liked what she saw on day one from Hughes in regard to how he approaches players and practice, as well as his basketball IQ.

Loyd: “He’s definitely intense, and he holds people accountable which is awesome. He’s excited and he’s motivated. He see’s stuff that we probably don’t even see ourselves yet, but he’s ready to go. His knowledge of the game, and the belief that he has in his players, it’s all there, so I think he gives everyone on the floor confidence to do what they do.”

Hughes felt his veteran players were a huge help in getting everyone acclimated and comfortable with the new system.

Hughes: “Obviously it’s a beginning, but when you look on the court and see some veterans who have the ability to help the teaching process, that’s always a good sign to me, and you could see that happening.

A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

Fifth overall pick Jordin Canada made her official Storm practice debut and impressed everyone with her speed and IQ, including teammates Loyd and Sue Bird.

Bird: “She’s fast, she’s really fast. For any rookie, but especially a point guard, it’s not easy, the learning curve is crazy. But the fact that she has this athleticism about her and her skill set, I think that will help her along really quickly.”

Loyd: “She’s super intelligent. She knows where everyone is on the floor. You could tell from today, her ability to get into the lane and know there’s shooters in the corners, find them and give them perfect passes, that was something that we noticed right away.”

Canada’s first impressions of the team and the area have been nothing but positive.

Canada: “It’s been great, I love it here. Everyone has been very welcoming, its just been an awesome time. I’m trying to take things in one step at a time but it’s been great.”

PRESEASON ON TAP

With the team’s first preseason game less than 10 days away, the Storm got right into heavy competition in day one of training camp, ending the day with full-court scrimmages and drills in preparation for the upcoming games.

The Storm tips off its preseason slate against the Mercury at Noon/PT on May 8 at KeyArena. They head to Phoenix for the final preseason game of the season on May 12 at 7 p.m./PT.