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TENNESSEE COACH AND ESPN ANALYST CHATTED LIVE ON AUG. 16 One-on-One with Pat Summitt When talking basketball, playoffs, and success on the court, we have THE source right here for you: University of Tennessee coaching legend Pat Summitt. Summit joins ESPN's panel of experts for their 2001 WNBA Playoffs coverage. When it comes to "asking the experts," chatting live with Summitt creates a whole new meaning for the term. During her 26-year career as University of Tennessee Lady Volunteer Head Basketball Coach, Summitt has achieved unthinkable plateaus en route to 728 career victories, including six NCAA titles, 19 Southeastern Conference tournament and regular season championships. She has coached some of the most successful players in basketball, including 11 Olympians, 16 Kodak All-Americans named to 27 teams and 45 All-SEC performers -- what a resume! When it comes to picking talent, Summitt is queen. When it comes to getting the best inside perspective on the 2001 WNBA Playoffs, WNBA.com users were able to get it from the best. Summitt chatted live on Aug. 16.
Jonah from 209.86.36.dial1.losangeles1.level3.net at 5:32pm ET Which playoff team has surprised you the most? Pat Summitt at 5:33pm ET I would have to say the Charlotte Sting. They started the season 1-10 and made an incredible turn around. THey are playing their best basketball going into the playoffs. I think Dawn Staley and Andrea Stinson have provided the leadership from the backcourt. Allison Feaster was a great addition for them and feels very comfortable in their system which gives them a strong perimeter. The leadership of Staley in particular is key. Stick-2 from chron.com at 5:33pm ET How would you characterize the ongoing rivalry between the Comets and Sparks? Pat Summitt at 5:34pm ET It's been a very intensive, competitive and healthy rivalry. Healthy because it's been very good for the WNBA. In a time when we're promoting the league, you look at the playoffs series and history between the two and it has been a very good rivalry. Clearly I think LA is the best team on paper right now but they have to prove it on the court. K. Dub at 5:35pm ET Do you believe the Sting has a chance to win the Eastern Conference crown? Can you see yourself pursuing a head coaching job in the WNBA soon? Pat Summitt at 5:37pm ET First of all I think Charlotte has the potential to go all the way. In my mind there are two teams that could win this, maybe more. Two are peaking at the right time and Charlotte is one of those. As coach at Tennessee, I've never coached anywhere else and don't have any aspirations of coaching at another college. I need to figure out how to finish out my career and I'm looking at the WNBA, certainly. But I have a great team at Tennessee this year and I'm looking forward to it. Put it this way, I hadn't looked at going to the pros in the near future, but I don't want to close that door. Allie from ruraltel.net at 5:38pm ET Coach Summitt, I LOVE the Lady Vols and I admire you deeply. I look up to you in so many ways. I just wondered if you thought the Comets will pull through? If not, what about the Monarchs? Thanks Pat Summitt at 5:39pm ET I think the Comets right now are not the same team they were a year ago, but they have two great players in Thompson and Arcain. Without question they've the most experienced team and Van Chancellor has proven four times that he knows how to prepare a team. Never count out the Comets. I like the Monarchs, you have to ask, who has an answer for Yo. Bill from rmt.utk.edu at 5:40pm ET Just wondering whether there is any way in the world the Sparks can be stopped? They seem to be on a mission this season. Thanks for your comments. Pat Summitt at 5:40pm ET I think they're clearly the favorite. It is often very difficult to do what you're supposed to do. If they can get over the psychological hurdle with the Comets, I think they'll get a ring. This is more or a mental and emotional playoffs for them than anything. Carrie from epix.net at 5:41pm ET Jackie Stiles and Lauren Jackson have been outstanding for their teams this year but I think that Katie Douglas has been solid for Orlando. Who is your pick for rookie of the year? Pat Summitt at 5:42pm ET Well, I think there's an argument for all three of those players. Probably the most impressive thing about Jackie and what gave her the nod was that she had such a smooth transition from college to the pros. I can see why she was selected for Rookie of the Year. Just the way she plays and the fact that she's in the backcourt, she has the ball a lot and plays hard at both ends. Erika Johnson from tnt2.dothan.al.da.uu.net at 5:43pm ET Coach Summitt, how impressed are you with Semeka Randall's rookie performance this season? Pat Summitt at 5:43pm ET I was very pleased for Semecka and I think that she is only going to get better. She fit in well and contributed and has made a relatively easy transition to the pros. Carrie from epix.net at 5:44pm ET Although LA and cleveland have been playing great this year I think that NY will come out on top if Tari, VJ, Crystal and Becky all play good games. Who do you think needs to step up big for their team throughout the playoffs in order for their team to go all the way? Pat Summitt at 5:45pm ET I think Teresa Weatherspoon does, she's the leader. You have to recognize that they are a very balanced offensive team. Phillips has made a huge impact and VJ has been great for them. They can relax and play their game knowing that they don't have to rely on one or two players to carry the load. Wicks needs to be healthy for them. sammy from rutgers.edu at 5:45pm ET Who do you think is the coach of the year? Hughes has done an amazing job in Clev., Cooper has led the Sparks to the WNBA's best record, Rothstein has guided the Sol into the playoffs after they were an expansion team last year, and Donovan has led the Sting to the playoffs after starting 1-10. Which one of these coaches do you think is most deserving of this award? Pat Summitt at 5:47pm ET It's obviously clear that a lot of coaches deserve recognition for an outstanding job. With Coach Hughes, a lot of people have given him the nod because they've proven to be the best defense in the league. Cooper is doing what he's supposed to be doing, and he is doing well. anthony cannon from nipr.mil at 5:47pm ET Who do you like in the finals? Pat Summitt at 5:47pm ET I really like Los Angeles and New York, but I think it's certainly the toughest race we've seen in the WNBA so far. Tami at 5:48pm ET Which players do you think will have the biggest impact on the playoffs? Pat Summitt at 5:49pm ET I think every team will have an impact player or x-factor, but I think if Tina Thompson's healthy it's her, Griffith, Leslie in LA, Jennifer Azzi for Utah could be an x factor. In the East, Debbie Black and spoon for their respective teams. Dawn Staley for Charlotte and Merlakia Jones needs to step up for Cleveland. Becki from tnt3.boise.id.da.uu.net at 5:49pm ET What player has surprised you the most during the season? Thanks, I'm a huge fan of the Lady Vols, good luck toward your season! Pat Summitt at 5:50pm ET Tari Phillips' play in New York has been great. She has adjusted so well and has made an impact. I also think Ukari Figgs in LA has been powerful in her development...she's been quiet, but watch out. PhiSlammaJamma from asam.org at 5:51pm ET What is the key matchup in the Sparks - Comets series? Pat Summitt at 5:51pm ET I think Leslie and Thompson is key. If I'm LA, I'm taking it at Thompson. At the other end the same could happen. Pat Summitt at 5:55pm ET Thanks for tuning into the WNBA Playoffs and for your interest in the women's game. I look forward to seeing you all in the fall!
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