Lynx starting center Taj McWilliams-Franklin has been named an assistant women's basketball coach at Rice University. McWilliams-Franklin, who is in her 14th WNBA season, will join the Owls staff when the Lynx season ends. That could be late October if the defending league champions make another deep playoff run.
For the past 10 WNBA offseasons, she has played overseas, but she has a home in San Antonio.
McWilliams-Franklin said she was thrilled and excited about coaching in Houston, according to a Rice news release, and added, "I am looking forward to becoming a contributing member of [Greg Williams'] staff as well as part of the Rice community."
A Lynx spokesperson said the team was unsure if McWilliams-Franklin's new career path meant she already has decided not to return for the 2013 season. At 41, she is the WNBA's oldest player this season and has a one-year contract.
McWilliams-Franklin is averaging 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 27.8 minutes through four games.
• Los Angeles backup center Nicky Anosike, a former Lynx player, will have arthroscopic surgery on her left knee Wednesday. She is expected to be out about six weeks.
ROMAN AUGUSTOVIZ
