The Utah Starzz relied on a balanced inside-oriented attack during the 1999 season, with Natalie Williams leading the scoring and rebounding, Adrienne Goodson providing consistent secondary offense and playmaking, and Margo Dydek supplying efficient interior scoring, rebounding, and rim protection. Debbie Black directed the offense and anchored the perimeter defense, helping drive a productive attack, although the team’s defensive struggles ultimately outweighed its offensive strengths.
Established herself as Utah’s franchise centerpiece almost immediately, overpowering defenders on the block while setting the team’s physical tone. Season coverage regularly credited her rebounding and interior toughness for transforming the Starzz into a far more competitive club after arriving from the ABL. (Wikipedia)
WNBA All-Star (1999); All-WNBA First Team (1999)
Adrienne Goodson
Starter/Star (1.1)
33.4
High (1.2)
14.9
4.3
2.7
1.1
60.19
Operated as Utah’s reliable secondary scorer, creating offense from the elbows and low post while handling difficult frontcourt matchups every night. Independent reporting noted that her veteran presence helped stabilize a roster filled with newcomers and midseason changes. (Wikipedia)
Margo Dydek
Starter/Star (1.1)
22.9
High (1.2)
12.6
6.4
1.8
2.8
62.30
Anchored the defense with elite rim protection, discouraging drives even beyond her league-leading block totals. Writers consistently highlighted her size as the foundation of Utah’s interior identity while her offensive efficiency improved noticeably from the previous season. (Wikipedia)
WNBA Blocks Leader (1999); WNBA Blocks Per Game Leader (1999); WNBA All-Star (1999)
Debbie Black
Starter/Star (1.1)
31.7
Medium (1.1)
5.1
3.5
5.0
2.6
39.93
Ran the offense with relentless defensive pressure and exceptional ball pressure at the point of attack. Contemporary reports praised her ability to ignite transition opportunities through steals and hustle plays rather than scoring. (Wikipedia)
WNBA All-Defensive First Team (1999)
Korie Hlede
Key Contributor (1.05)
25.2
Medium (1.1)
11.9
2.7
2.5
0.8
41.12
Arrived in the late-season trade with Detroit and immediately supplied perimeter shooting that Utah previously lacked. Her efficient outside scoring gave the offense better spacing during the closing weeks of the season.
Wendy Palmer
Key Contributor (1.05)
22.3
Medium (1.1)
8.4
4.2
1.5
0.6
33.18
Began the year as a regular frontcourt contributor before being dealt to Detroit at the trade deadline. Before the move, she remained an aggressive interior scorer who complemented Natalie Williams with physical play around the basket.
LaTonya Johnson
Key Contributor (1.05)
23.2
Medium (1.1)
6.5
1.7
1.6
1.0
24.95
Filled an important two-way wing role, defending multiple perimeter positions while supplying timely spot-up shooting. Coaches increasingly trusted her defensive versatility as the season progressed.
Elena Baranova
Key Contributor (1.05)
19.7
Medium (1.1)
6.0
3.4
1.6
1.5
28.01
Played a reduced offensive role but still flashed the passing and floor spacing that made her one of the league’s most unique frontcourt players. Injuries and roster adjustments limited her consistency before her eventual offseason trade.
Cindy Brown
Bench (1.0)
17.3
Low (1.0)
3.8
3.7
1.1
1.2
19.60
Joined the Starzz late in the year after the Detroit trade and provided experienced frontcourt depth. Her value came through rebounding, defensive positioning and veteran composure more than offensive production.
Krystyna Lara
Bench (1.0)
8.2
Low (1.0)
2.5
0.5
0.9
0.5
8.80
Served as a reserve perimeter option whose shooting range fit Utah’s second unit. Limited contemporary independent coverage was available regarding her individual season.
Chantel Tremitiere
Bench (1.0)
9.6
Low (1.0)
1.1
1.0
1.1
0.3
7.00
Opened the season in the rotation before being waived and later returning briefly. Her primary responsibility remained organizing possessions rather than looking for her own offense.
Olympia Scott
Bench (1.0)
9.0
Low (1.0)
2.3
2.0
0.5
0.3
10.20
Supplied energetic frontcourt minutes before being included in the trade with Detroit. Limited independent reporting was available beyond her role as interior depth.
Dalma Ivanyi
Bench (1.0)
4.8
Low (1.0)
0.8
0.4
0.5
0.3
4.00
Spent most of the season developing behind Utah’s veteran guards, appearing only in limited reserve opportunities. Independent player-specific coverage was scarce.
Michelle Campbell
Bench (1.0)
3.8
Low (1.0)
1.0
0.8
0.3
0.0
4.20
Saw only brief action before being waived as Utah reshaped its roster during the season. Limited contemporary independent reporting was available.
Tricia Bader Binford
Bench (1.0)
4.9
Low (1.0)
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.5
2.40
Returned late in the season as backcourt depth but played only a limited reserve role. Independent reporting on her individual contributions was minimal.
TOTALS
—
317.4
—
120.2
43.6
25.3
15.4
425.89
Utah posted its first winning season in franchise history (15–17), driven by the arrival of Natalie Williams, the defensive presence of Margo Dydek and Debbie Black, and a much tougher interior identity that kept the Starzz in the playoff race far longer than previous expansion campaigns.
