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Chat Reel: Nell Fortner
Team USA coach says five possible for hoops gold
Posted: Friday May 05, 2000 08:14 PM
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U.S. Olympics women's coach Nell Fortner is hoping to rely on the experience of Teresa Edwards in Sidney. Al Bello/Allsport |
CNNSI Host: Hello and welcome to today's Team USA chat with Team USA head women's basketball coach, Nell Fortner. Hi Nell, thanks for being with us.
Nell Fortner: Thank you.
From Kelli in Warsaw, Ind.: What will you be doing this summer to prepare for the Olympics while the National Team members are playing in the WNBA?
Nell Fortner: I'll be scouting our Olympic opponents in Australia, Brazil and Poland and also traveling to see my Olympic players play on their WNBA teams.
From Guest: How have fans received the team in the U.S. and overseas? Do you think it has been different from the U.S. team tour in 1996?
Nell Fortner: I think they've been well received at both times. It's amazing how we're received overseas, because we're very popular over there. It's exciting for the players to get that kind of reception. Both times we've been well received.
From Lisa in Indianapolis: Hi Coach. Good luck in your quest for the gold. I know that is your top priority. But what are you doing to keep in touch with the happenings of the Indiana Fever?
Nell Fortner: I will be on the phone, I will always be updated with what's happening. There's no question I care deeply about the Indiana Fever, but my No. 1 priority until I take over at Indiana will be the Olympic team.
From Guest: What kind of effect is the WNBA season going to have on your players? Are they going to be exhausted by the time the Olympics roll around?
Nell Fortner: The one thing about being an Olympian and playing in the Olympics is the adrenaline that the players experience going into a competition like that. Playing a WNBA season is not a bad thing; it keeps them sharp with their game. They have a weight program to maintain to make sure their strength is OK and they don't de-condition. But they are highly motivated to play in the Olympics.
From Michael in Canberra, Australia: Do you think that the US Team is as prepared as it was for the 1996 Olympics? In 1996 there were only two starters and one possible team member missing from extended training/playing together. This year seems to be very disjointed. Do you think this will effect the team's chemistry to a significant degree?
Nell Fortner: I think our training over the past six months has been very good for chemistry. There are several ways to train a team and that's how we did it this time. The team chemistry is very good on this team after having been together the past six months. I feel good about where we are right now.
From Mike in Melbourne, Australia: How do you rate the chances of the Australian women at the Olympics? And which Australian players in particular do you see as potential stars at the games?
Nell Fortner: I think Australia is a gold medal contender. They have tremendous players, Timms being one with great international experience, Lauren Jackson being another - a young player. And a lot of veteran players, Michelle Griffiths, Rachel Sporn, and Sandy Brondello - they have great experience.
Nell Fortner: Home court advantage is a tremendous thing to have.
From Sissi in Austin, Texas: Nell, your style of coaching seems very positive and encouraging, rather than always yelling at the players. How has your coaching style developed and who have been your role models or mentors? We miss you here in Austin!
Nell Fortner: My biggest role model is Leon Barmore – he has taught me a lot about the game. My natural instinct is to be positive - it melds into how I coach. He has been a tremendous role model for me.
From Guest: Who will be the teams to beat at this year's Olympics?
Nell Fortner: Australia, Russia, Brazil, Cuba, the USA.
From Guest: The national team has so many stars...who have emerged as the leaders?
Nell Fortner: It's funny with this bunch because they all have leadership skills and are called upon to be leaders on their WNBA team. But when they're together Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie and Teresa Edwards all have years and years of USA Basketball experience that is respected by the players.
From Guest: Are you surprised that Teresa Edwards has been able to remain one of the country's top players long enough to play in five Olympic Games?
Nell Fortner: Knowing her for the past 5 years, it doesn't surprise me at all. She loves the game of basketball for the pure game that it is. She keeps her body in tremendous shape - there's no telling how long she can play.
From Guest: With such depth, are you going to play a lot of players each game. Will you start the same five each time?
Nell Fortner: It depends on the team that we're playing. When you have this deep of a bench, you can play a fast style you tend to play more players. It depends on the competition what type of style we'll play and how many players we'll use.
From Guest: Have you had a chance to play in Sydney? What did you think of the city and its Olympic preparation?
Nell Fortner: Yes, we played in Sydney in September of 1998. It's a beautiful city. They're prepared very well for these Olympic games. The venues are beautiful and it'll be a very exciting Olympics.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have for today. Thanks again for joining us, Nell. And good luck with Team USA.
Nell Fortner: Thank you very much. I enjoyed it.
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