2010: Making Moves
In 2010, the Sky’s biggest move took place when they relocated their home to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. The Sky went 14-20, recording 7 wins and 10 losses both home on in their new venue and away. This year saw big-name player trades, breakout performances, and exciting rookies. The season started with many new faces including Cat Kraayeveld and Shameka Christon who the Sky acquired from New York in a blockbuster 3 team trade that saw them send Candice Dupree to Phoenix and in return Phoenix’s Cappie Pondexter packed her bags for New York. Though Candice Dupree had been the star player for the Sky, the trade provided two veteran players who could contribute immediately and Head Coach Steven Key relied upon center Sylvia Fowles along with veteran Jia Perkins and rookie Epiphanny Prince to step up and lead the team on the floor.
Sylvia Fowles really came into her own in 2010, after missing games in her first two seasons due to injury, Fowles played all 34 games in 2010 and showed Sky fans what they had been waiting to see. All aspects of her game improved. She scored a total of 606 points, setting a Sky franchise record, and averaged 17.8 points per game. Her rebounding increased to 9.9 a game, and her shot blocking was just ridiculous with 2.59 blocks per game. Fowles established herself as one of the greatest players in the league. She ranked third in rebounds, third in field goal percentage, and first in blocks and was again rewarded for her efforts by being selected as a starter in the WNBA All-Star game.
Jia Perkins continued to be a consistent member of the Sky. Her 10.7 points and 2.44 assists per game helped lead this young squad to success. In addition, Perkin’s defense stepped up in a big way. She ranked fifth in the league for steals and kept heavy pressure on opposing team’s guards.
Rookie, Epiphanny Prince, who was drafted 4th overall, added an explosive spark on both offense and defense. Her 9.8 points and 2.71 assists per game were enough to earn her a spot on the 2010 WNBA All Rookie Team. The All Rookie Team nod would only be the beginning of her success in the league.
One of the most dominant games the Sky played in 2010 was the June 5 match-up vs. the newest team in the League, the Tulsa Shock. Sylvia Fowles had a performance that has since became all too common for opponents. She easily achieved a double, double with 32 points on 12-16 shooting and 13 rebounds.
After missing the playoffs and ending the season in 6th place in the Eastern Conference, the season long dominance of Sylvia Fowles was the story everyone was talking about –just how good could she be? Fowles led the way on multiple fronts as the Sky celebrated their fifth season in the league in their brand new home at Allstate Arena. With 606 points and 88 blocks in a single season, it was safe to say that Sylvia Fowles became a force to be reckoned with and the greatest player in Sky history thus far.
2010 Chicago Sky Team Photo
Back Row: Michael Alter, Stephanie White, Steven Key, Shandora Irvin, Christi Thomas, Sylvia Fowles, Cathrine Kraayeveld, Mistie Bass, Ann Crosby, Michelle Kania, Margaret Stender
Front Row: Epiphanny Prince, Jia Perkins, Shameka Christon, Tamera Young, Erin Thorn, Dominique Canty2010 News
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