Already busy working on next year, Monarchs general manager John Whisenant has few changes in mind for 2009.
"We hope they're all coming back," he said of his 13 players. "We were so close (to advancing in the playoffs). But we still need to get better."
Unlike last year, the franchise faces few free-agent issues and may be set for several seasons.
The Monarchs have their core trio of Kara Lawson, Nicole Powell and Rebekkah Brunson – all members of Sacramento's 2005 championship team – under contract for 2009. They also hold exclusive rights to their four rookies, reserve guard Scholanda Robinson and forward Kim Smith.
Guard Chelsea Newton, who will undergo ankle surgery Friday to remove bone chips, is eligible to be a restricted free agent. Veterans DeMya Walker, Ticha Penicheiro and Adrian Williams-Strong are eligible for unrestricted free agency.
"I don't see Ticha or DeMya playing anywhere but Sacramento," Whisenant said. "Adrian's not sure if she's going to play another year. But she enjoys this team so much, she said she may be back."
Williams-Strong, 31, plans to spend the offseason traveling with her husband, musician Buddy Strong.
Walker, who returned to action in August after breaking her right kneecap, will continue to rehabilitate her knee in Sacramento.
Under league rules, the Monarchs can't talk contract with their unsigned players until Dec. 15, and the earliest they could sign is January.
For next year's college draft, Whisenant still is hunting for more talent and willing to listen to trade offers.
"It's a business," he added. "I'll have to scout it out until January. I saw a lot of good juniors last year (in college). This may be almost as deep a draft as the last one. We've built our team through the draft without lottery picks."
Most of the Monarchs have firmed up their plans.
Penicheiro, 34, leaves Saturday for Milan, Italy, where she'll play for a team owned by fashion designer Giorgio Armani.
"I have to put myself on a strict budget," said Penicheiro, a noted fashionista. "It could be dangerous."
Also Italy-bound is Robinson, who will play in Naples. Brunson is expected back in Taranto in southern Italy but might have knee surgery first.
Rookie center Laura Harper and forward Powell are headed to Turkey. Rookie forward Crystal Kelly will spend the winter in Spain. Rookie guards A'Quonesia Franklin and Charel Allen are finalizing their overseas offers.
After a short vacation, Lawson will be back broadcasting basketball on ESPN and expects some Kings-related assignments, too.
"Hopefully, I'll know my schedule by the end of September," she said.
Call The Bee's Debbie Arrington, (916) 326-5514.
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