Last year, the Atlanta Dream didn’t do so well. This was to be expected from an expansion team, as the players learn how to play with one another and function together on the court.

But after obtaining a dismal 4-30 record (the worst in the WNBA’s 2008 season) the Dream made some impressive off-season moves and  have positioned themselves to have a successful season.

Angel McCoughtry could have an immediate impact with the Atlanta Dream this season.

With the number one pick in the draft, the Dream drafted Angel McCoughtry, the former Louisville star who proved to be both an offensive and defensive force throughout the NCAA tournament. In addition, the Dream also signed free agent center Michelle Snow and former Tennessee standout Chamique Holdsclaw.

Add Nikki Teasley and Sancho Lyttle to the mix and the Dream have the foundation for a force to be reckoned with. And I can guarantee that they win more than four games this season.

Image: Zuma

In 2007, former Tennessee standout Chamique Holdsclaw retired from the WNBA.

Many people, including myself, were shocked by her abrupt departure. There were rumors that Holdsclaw was depressed and that she had lost her love for the game. Though she had played  in the WNBA for seven seasons and averaged 17.7 points per game, Holdsclaw never seemed as comfortable or motivated in the WNBA as she did at Tennessee under Pat Summit’s guidance.

Chamique Holdsclaw only played five games for the L.A. Sparks before retiring abruptly in 2007.

Sometimes it’s good to step away from things and situations in order to get a better perspective. Two years after her sudden retirement, Holdsclaw is returning to the WNBA to play for the Atlanta Dream.

Seeing her on the court this season will be a “Dream” come true for her hometown of Atlanta. According to ESPN, Holdsclaw said the fan support made her “hungry” again and the thought of playing at home was appealing.

The Dream have also signed several other veterans, including Michelle Snow, Nikki Teasley and Sancho Lyttle.

Photo provided by Newscom.

The 2009 WNBA Draft was held the day after the women’s NCAA Tournament wrapped, and UCONN won yet another championship (sixth to be exact, therefore completing another undefeated season at 39-0, but really, who’s counting?).

Though Courtney Paris shed tears only a couple days earlier after failing to make it to the championship game, on Wednesday she was all smiles when she was drafted 7th by the Sacramento Monarchs.

The number one overall pick went to Angel McCoughtry, the former Louisville All-American who will now be part of the Atlanta Dream.

Here’s a recap of the Top 10 2009 WNBA Draft picks in full:

1. Atlanta Dream — Angel McCoughtry
2. Washington Mystics — Marissa Coleman
3. Chicago Sky — Kristi Toliver
4. Minnesota Lynx — Renee Montgomery
5. Phoenix Mercury — DeWanna Bonner
6. Indiana Fever — Briann January
7. Sacramento Monarchs — Courtney Paris
8. New York Liberty — Kia Vaughn
9. Minnesota Lynx — Quanitra Hollingsworth
10. Connecticut Sun — Chante Black