SacramentoMonarchs.comYou’re originally from the East Coast -- what is the biggest difference between New York and California? What do you like best about Sacramento?
Coach T: Everything is so fast on the East Coast. The best thing about living in California is that people are much more laid back and enjoyable to be around. The best thing about Sacramento are the Kings and Monarchs fans. This is a great sports town that loves basketball.

SacramentoMonarchs.comWhat was your reaction when you were offered the Monarchs assistant coaching position?
Coach T: I was elated because it gave me the chance to get back into coaching. It’s been refreshing working with the Monarchs. They are terrific, they learn quickly, they’re enthusiastic and a lot of fun.

SacramentoMonarchs.comHow did coaching men’s college basketball for over 20 years prepare you for the WNBA?
Coach T: I think it is very similar style wise. The women are professional players and it’s a similar type game with 20 minute halves and zone defenses. It’s an exciting brand of basketball.

SacramentoMonarchs.comDid you ever imagine coaching in the WNBA?
Coach T: No, I never thought about it. It’s a lot different. It’s really a lot of fun, but also very intense. I have been around the league traveling a little bit and found the league’s (popularity) is getting very big.

SacramentoMonarchs.comWhat was it like being a part of the North Carolina State Wolfpack staff of 1983 that won the NCAA men’s college basketball championship under head coach Jim Valvano?
Coach T: That was a dream come true. We were only 17-10 that year. We lived Jim Valvano’s dream of winning a national championship. It is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

SacramentoMonarchs.comWhat fuels your passion for coaching and basketball?
Coach T: I‘ve done it my whole life. I enjoy basketball and working with people.

SacramentoMonarchs.comWhat have you’ve learned in the past few weeks after joining the Monarchs staff and what has surprised you about women’s basketball?
Coach T: The thing I learned is our new system of man-to man (defense). Coach Whisenant’s system is exciting. Monarchs players are skilled and reliable and fun to work with.

SacramentoMonarchs.comWhat has been the main reason for the Monarchs turnaround?
Coach T: He has made it simpler for the players. Little by little he has put in a fun system to watch - pressure man-to-man defense and a motion offense.

SacramentoMonarchs.comHow do you think the Monarchs are going to finish this season?
Coach T: I think we’re going to make the playoffs and win the whole thing.

SacramentoMonarchs.comWould you like to continue coaching the Monarchs if the opportunity arose for next season?
Coach T: We haven’t even talked about that. We just worry about each game and each practice. I think that is part of the reason we’ve been so successful.

SacramentoMonarchs.comThere is a rumor you like to make up nicknames for your players. Why? And care to share any?
Coach T: I call Tangela Smith “Smitty.” Her sister is Little Smitty and her grandma is Grandma Smitty.