Sparks sign Gs Cohen, Silva

Mar 7, 2008 - 1:09 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday signed Israeli guard Liron Cohen and Mexican national team guard Brisa Silva.

Terms were not disclosed.

Cohen, who starred for the Israeli national team in 2005 and 2007, averaged 13.2 points in Europe Cup competition this season.

"We are very excited to be able to sign Liron," Sparks general manager Penny Toler said. "She is very talented and gifted enough to play both guard positions."

"This is a big opportunity," Cohen said. "I feel flattered that the Sparks have given me this opportunity. I hope that it will be a great summer for the team, and me as well."

The 5-6 Silva, who turns 24 on Friday, attended Los Angeles Garfield High School before later playing at Oklahoma State.

"It is a very pleasant surprise to be able to bring Brisa on board," Sparks coach Michael Cooper said. "She is a good basketball player with good international experience and a skilled point guard that we could use on our team."

A native of Sinaloa, Mexico, Silva played for the Mexican National Team last year in the Pan American Games. She will become the first Mexican national to play in the WNBA.