Awa Fam Is Halfway Across the World While the Storm Open Preseason, and Here's Why That's Actually Fine

The Seattle Storm's preseason exhibition against Golden State tips off Saturday, but you won't see their star rookie on the floor. Instead, 19-year-old Awa Fam will be competing in Spain, wrapping up her season with Valencia Basket in the Liga Femenina while the Storm get their tune-up games going without her.

Fam, the No. 3 overall pick in last week's WNBA draft, is putting up solid numbers overseas. She's averaging 9.0 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 51.9% from the field across 29 league games for Valencia Basket this season. In 12 EuroLeague games, she's posting 7.0 points and 4.8 rebounds. The 6-foot-4 center isn't just taking up roster space in Spain, she's actually producing at a real level.

The Rookie Exemption Gives the Storm Breathing Room

Here's the thing that makes this work: Fam gets a rookie pass. Because she's in her first WNBA season, she's exempt from the league's prioritization rule that requires players with three or more years of experience to report by the start of training camp or May 1. Those veterans who blow that deadline face a season-long suspension. Fam doesn't have that pressure.

The Storm are basically saying, "finish what you started in Spain, then come join us." Once her Valencia Basket season wraps up, she's expected to link up with Seattle and get ready for the real thing.

The Timeline Works Out Just Fine

The Storm host Portland in an exhibition at Climate Pledge Arena on Wednesday, and they kick off the regular season at home against Golden State on May 8. That gives Fam a window to finish her international commitments and get integrated before the games that actually count. Missing preseason as a young player stings, but the Storm clearly think she'll be ready when it matters.

This is one of those moves that looks weird on the surface but actually makes sense when you understand the rules and the timeline. Fam gets to complete her professional obligations in Europe, and Seattle gets a generational talent ready to contribute when the real season starts.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.