NATASHA HOWARD, JEWELL LOYD VOTED STARTERS FOR AT&T WNBA ALL-STAR 2019
Howard to make All-Star debut; Loyd earns first start in second appearance
SEATTLE – Seattle Storm forward Natasha Howard and guard Jewell Loyd were named starters for AT&T WNBA All-Star 2019, the league today announced.
The 2019 Player of the Month for June, Natasha Howard will make her first All-Star debut in her sixth WNBA season. The 6-foot-2 forward ranks among the league’s top five averaging 17.8 points (4th), 8.8 rebounds (4th) and 1.9 steals (5th) per game. Howard’s All-Star bid is just the latest in a series of accolades for the two-time WNBA champion, who was named to the 2018 WNBA All-Defense First Team and voted the 2018 WNBA Most Improved Player in her first year in a Storm uniform.
One year removed from her All-Star Game debut, Loyd will get the nod as a starter. Prior to suffering an ankle injury on June 25, Loyd averaged 15.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Playing for the winning Team Parker in the 2018 All-Star Game, Loyd scored 12 points and dished four assists. She also participated in the halftime three-point contest in support of the charity Strong Against Cancer.
Coaches will vote to select the pool of 12 reserves that will be announced on Monday, July 15. AT&T WNBA All-Star 2019 will follow last year’s format with the starters and reserves being selected without regard for conference affiliation. Captains Elena Delle Donne and A’ja Wilson will draft their respective rosters by selecting first from the remaining eight players in the pool of starters and then from the pool of 12 reserves.
The 16th WNBA All-Star game will be televised on ABC at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas Saturday, July 27 at 12:30 p.m. PT. The weekend festivities will officially tip off with a 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge as part of WNBA All-Star Friday Night on Friday, July 26. The six participants for the 3-Point Contest and eight participants for Skills Challenge will be announced at a later date.
Raise the trophy with the Storm with a Storm 360 Membership, package or group experience available online or by calling (206) 217-WNBA (9622). Single-game tickets are available at StormBasketball.com.
ABOUT THE SEATTLE STORM
The Seattle Storm is a three-time WNBA championship team committed to bringing a premium professional basketball and entertainment experience to a fan base rich in tradition and support. The organization places high value on community and building platforms to positively impact the overall entertainment, attraction and economy of the Puget Sound region. In addition, the Storm is dedicated to local youth development in the areas of fitness and wellness; with a special emphasis on inspiring leadership, motivation and the empowerment of girls and women. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit StormBasketball.com.