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The Comets have FINALLY announced the signing of Janeth Arcain. I heard the contract was sent a couple of weeks ago, but why the delay in the announcement is anyone's guess. From today's Houston Chronicle....

Comets welcome back Arcain
Brazilian native returns to team for 2005 season
By W.H. STICKNEY JR.
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Janeth Arcain, the Brazilian native who sat out the 2004 WNBA season, will return to the Comets in 2005.

Coach Van Chancellor confirmed Thursday that Arcain submitted a signed contract to the organization and should rejoin the Comets shortly after the start of training camp in May.

"It's hard to put into words how much we appreciate having Janeth Arcain back," Chancellor said.

"She has meant so much to this organization. Someone who helped you win four world championships, sure, you missed her when she wasn't here and you love having her back."

Arcain, a 5-11 guard and WNBA All-Star in 2001, chose to forgo the 2004 season in order to be a part of the Brazilian national Olympic team for the last time in her career.

In her absence, the Comets experienced the worst season in franchise history (13-21) and missed out on the WNBA playoffs for the first time.

"Janeth Arcain is one of the most unselfish players I've ever been around," Chancellor said. "She has contributed so much here.

"I'm excited about having her rejoin the Comets."

Having Arcain, 35, return relieves some of the pain the Comets will experience playing without All-Star power forward Tina Thompson for the beginning of the 2005 season.

Thompson is pregnant and will give birth to her first child in early May.

The Comets will begin preseason play at 7:30 p.m. on May 5, when they host the Washington Mystics.

william.stickney@chron.com