Ask Nancy: Q/A with Nancy Lieberman - Week 6

Hi Nancy,
Has Marianne Stanley re-surfaced recently in any coaching capacity? Also, if you were starting a team with any players in her prime, who would you choose as your first pick? Blaze, Ann Meyers, Chamique? Thanks.
-Ed (Philadelphia, PA)
A. Cynthia Cooper. She is just such a competitor and had such an edge to her game. She is one of the all-time great competitors and we know what she has been able to do on the court. She makes people around her better and she is a very clutch shooter. As for Marianne Stanley, I have not seen her land anywhere yet, but I am confident that she will.

Hi Nancy,
I wish the WNBA had done more to separate itself from the college game, especially the decision to play two 20 minute halves. I would rather see four 12 minute quarters. I think this would increase scoring and do more to emphasize the difference between college and pro ball. What are your thoughts, and do you think the league will change? Thanks for answering!
-Christy (Plymouth, MN)
A. I think the WNBA is doing the right thing. Women are comfortable with the game because that is what we played in college and play internationally. Maybe someday they will try the quarter system, but right now, I think this is serving us well and we are getting a high level of play from WNBA players. In moving to the quarter system, all you are really doing is adding a little bit more time to a game. But eventually, there will be change in the game.

Hey Nancy! We shared a table (and fries) in Sydney. . . expecting any big surprises in Greece for Team USA?
-Jill (Washington D.C.)
A. I do not think the Olympics are a foregone conclusion for the United States. The U.S. team will have to play very strong and aggressive basketball and shoot the ball well. The Russians, Australians and Czechs are all gearing up for this. We always have a target on our back because we set the standard for women's basketball, so I think we have to be prepared for everyone to play their best ball against us.

hi nancy, when did u decide u wanted to coach at the elite level and how easy was it for you, as a former player, to break into the mould of a coach instead of a leader on the court?
-Loz (Melbourne, Australia)
A. I really did not know tha tI wanted to coach, to be honest. I knew that I loved the game, but it was not until I was a player in the WNBA that people were interested in me as a coach of G.M. I had offers for college jobs prior to the WNBA, but I was not sure that it was the place for me because I had been involved in so many different aspects of my life and career at that time. But after being in the WNBA and knowing that I could only play one or two years, I knew I wanted to contribute to the game. I knew that coaching and sharing my knowledge and love would be the next best thing. I was grateful to Detroit for that opportunity.

Hey Nancy-
It's nice that you are doing this email thing this season, and naturally I'm going to take part and ask you a question. With as much basketball knowledge as you have, has any team in the NBA ever asked you about a head coaching position? I know that you have played in a few leagues with men(have even seen you play a few of those games), and I was just wondering...thanks!!!!
-Deb (Hillsborough, NJ)
A. Coaching is coaching. No one has ever approached me about being a head coach in the NBA, but I have had friendly discussions with some of the people I am close with in the NBA. The question has been asked whether I would enjoy being an assistant coach in the NBA. They have talked about me, Cheryl Miller. I think you have to be a strong presence, not just knowledgeable. Those guys would have to respect you for what you have done and what you have accomplished. It would be very difficult initially, but I could do it given the opportunity.

On paper, the Washington Mystics should always be in the playoff hunt. I have high hopes this year, but after watching a couple of games, they seem to have the same problem of scoring. What do you think the Mystics can do to compete in the post season?
-Molly (Washington D.C.)
A. I think it is important for the Mystics to push the tempo of games. It would really help if they could establish the inside-out. Holdsclaw continues to be tremendous for them. There are not many players in the league who can rebound and score the way she can night after night. She is maturing each and every year. But it is really important for them to establish the inside game. They have been playing much better lately, though. Stacey Dales-Schuman is shooting the ball very well and the ability to knock down shots is a premium in this league. They are talented, athletic and smart and not too far out of it right now. Michael Adams is a really solid coach, too.

As a commentator do you have a favorite player to interview?
-Alyssa (Tampa, FL)
A. I really enjoy talking to knowledgeable and fun people with good personalities and senses of humor. I always enjoy my interactions with Becky Hammon, Shannon Johnson is great, and Plenette Pierson is funnier than heck.

Hi Nancy, I'm a big fan of Yolanda Griffith and I love her game. She is my favorite role model. What are some of the things the monarchs need to accomplish to do better in the season? Thanks!
-Tiffany (Chicago, IL)
A. As I have said all along, Sacramento needs to develop its perimeter game. Yolanda Griffith is a great player, but the opposition knows that she will be the focal point of the offense and can focus on her. I know that Ticha Penicheiro does not score a lot of points, Edna Campbell has been on IR, Ruthie Bolton has been playing sporadically and Kara Lawson is being relied on to hit more shots, but the outside game will create a better balance. I still think Sacramento can be a playoff team.