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Sky’s Bass not returning for sixth season

Chicago Sky power forward Mistie Bass will miss the 2011 season for personal reasons, the team announced Monday.

Bass, a five-year WNBA veteran, started 20 games for the Sky in 2010 and averaged 18.9 minutes, 4.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

“All my life I have devoted my time, energy, and passion into basketball,” said Bass. “It has allowed me to play in places I only dreamed about as a child, and the WNBA is a dream that I have been living for five seasons.

“The league has afforded me a tremendous opportunity to play with the best of the best while inspiring younger women to pursue their own goals and achievements. Over the past season, however, I felt something was missing from my life, and that was family. I respect the WNBA, the Chicago Sky, and all the fans too much to play while my heart is in another place.”

The Sky acquired Bass, a Duke graduate, as a free agent in August 2009 after she played for three seasons with the Houston Comets.