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April 22, 1997
Stanford's Wideman Opts for WNBA, Starbird Eyeing ABL
PALO ALTO, Calif. - Stanford guard Jamila Wideman said Monday she willplay in the Women's National Basketball Association, while Cardinalteammate Kate Starbird appeared headed for the rival American BasketballLeague.
Wideman agreed to a one-year contract with an option for asecond year. The team she'll play for will be determined Monday duringthe WNBA's inaugural draft in Orlando, Fla.
During a conference callfrom Orlando, Wideman said she was persuaded to join the WNBA because itis backed by the NBA.
''You're talking about their ability to market,their television connections, their sponsorships. I think all thesefactors will create a kind of national presence and influence which willbe able to push the women's game to that next level,'' she said.
Theeight-team league begins play June 21. Meanwhile, Starbird was scheduledto appear Tuesday at the Space Needle in Seattle with representativesfor the ABL and the Seattle Reign.
Starbird, Stanford's career scoringleader, reportedly signed a multiyear contract.