It is the start of a New Year and Coach Cooper is back with answers to your questions regarding the upcoming season and winning another championship. He also shares his views on the impact of dunking in the WNBA and more. Due to the volume of mail received, we apologize that we could not answer all questions.

Questions with Coop

Q: Have you ever heard of a player at Texas A&M Commerce named Vivian Chandler? She played in one of the best women�s basketball games I�ve ever seen.

A: Yes. I remember hearing the name Vivian Chandler and she has been recognized as one of the greatest women�s basketball players of all time.

Q: Coach Cooper, do you think the Sparks will three-peat like the Chicago Bulls? Would you ever consider coaching for another team when you are finished with the Sparks?

A: We can win another Championship, but it�s going to be a lot of hard work. We have what it takes to win but this year will be different especially if Cynthia Cooper returns to the Houston Comets. There are other good teams in the league besides the Sparks so we have to come ready. As far as my coaching career, I am enjoying my tenure with the Sparks. At this point, I�m not sure if I would consider coaching for another team.

Q: Hey Coach Cooper I have been a huge fan of the Los Angeles Sparks since the WNBA�s inaugural season and I am huge fan of you, Lisa and the entire Sparks squad. What do you look for in a player?

A: A typical Sparks player has love for the game and the athletic ability to play. All of our players have character, integrity, and good sportsmanship. You must have a positive disposition about your self on and off the court because WNBA players are positive examples for many young women.

Q: How tall do you have to be to play in the WNBA? Also, was Poppy Monroe ever a member of the Sparks?

A: The fun part of the WNBA League is that your athletic ability and talent is not determined on height. Having talent and knowledge of the game is extremely important. As long as you have these entities, height requirements are considered somewhat irrelevant.

Q: In your opinion, who has the best cross-over in the WNBA?

A: Nikki Teasley has one of the smoothest cross-overs in the league and does a good job running the show at point guard.

Q: Why doesn�t Lisa Dunkin� Leslie dunk more often? Will you encourage the dunk more often in 2003?

A: Women do not possess enough muscle mass that is needed to elevate the body over the rim. Right now, it�s physically impossible for women to dunk because it takes time, strength and practice. Men have had the opportunities to play basketball for years and the NBA is an established league where dunking is considered the norm. I will not encourage the dunk in 2003 because this should not be an issue for women�s professional basketball. I�d rather see the women lay the ball in the basket rather than miss two points and a dunk.

Q: In the game against the Miami Sol � did you devise the play for Lisa to make a fast-break and dunk the basketball?

A: No, we did not devise a plan for Lisa to dunk. The opportunity came on a fast break and it just happened that Lisa was wide open. She went for the dunk right before our eyes. It was so amazing and I was very proud of her.

Q: What do you expect from Nikki Teasley and the Sparks in 2003?

A: Our goal is to win another championship and I�m confident in our team. As an individual and as a team player, Nikki Teasley is a catalyst that gives the team exactly what we need to win. Our goals are achieved by everyone working together and Nikki Teasley is aware of this when she is on the floor. She will be a key asset to our team this year and I know �Lady Magic� will go as far as she can go.

Q: Who is the Sparks biggest rival and are we going to win another championship next season?

A: Probably the Houston Comets or Sacramento Monarchs. The Los Angeles Sparks and the Houston Comets are two highly touted teams and consist of the only two teams in the league to win consecutive titles. For these reasons, I think people enjoy watching when the two teams meet. The Sacramento Monarchs are also a great match up for us due to the interesting match of both teams post players. Yolanda Griffith and Tangela Smith both do a good job at utilizing their size and strength under the basket. As far as winning another championship, we are hungry to win and teams will have to chase us this year.

Q: Do you accept walk-on players at tryouts and what is the process they go through?

A: Yes, we do accept walk-on players. Our camp is held annually in April and we select 22 of the best players we feel have the opportunity to make the team. You must be invited by the coaching staff to participate in tryouts. Interested candidates should submit a video and an athletic resume to:

Los Angeles Sparks
Attention: Michael Cooper
401 S. Prairie Ave.
Inglewood, CA. 90301

Thank you for your questions and for supporting your Los Angeles Sparks. We look forward to having a successful season and hope you will be there to cheer us on. Happy New Year, from all of us to you,

Coach Cooper