(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

NEW YORK (AP) The chance to stay home this winter and work on her craft and get paid was appealing to Indiana Fever center Jantel Lavender.

The fifth pick in the 2011 draft is one of five WNBA players who are joining the newly formed Athletes Unlimited basketball league that's starting this winter. Lavender usually goes overseas after her WNBA season ends.

"I have played 18 straight seasons with one week in between," Lavender said in a phone interview. "It was taxing on my body. Being home this winter and working out, I have time to do recovery and do a lot of things that will help for the next WNBA season. In Athletes Unlimited, you can see what you worked on and feel our bodies."

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