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Chat Reel: Dawn Staley
Hoops star talks Sting, Owls and Olympic gold
Posted: Wednesday June 07, 2000 04:07 PM
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Dawn Staley: "I think definitely to keep the public's interest we have to work on the fundamentals of the game." AP |
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's basketball chat with Dawn Staley. Hi Dawn. Thanks for joining us.
Dawn Staley: Hi - thank you for having me!
CNNSI Host: You're a busy person these days between playing for the Sting, getting ready for the Olympics and your new coaching job at Temple. How do you do it all?
Dawn Staley: Organization is key. Anytime you take on big responsibilities you need to have that. I can uphold my part in the playing and competition, but to be a head coach you have to surround yourself with trustworthy and responsible people. That's what I have done in choosing my staff.
Montessia Shondrea Turner in Quincy, Fla.: Do you enjoy playing basketball with the Charlotte Sting and why will you stop playing ball to coach Temple.
Dawn Staley: I am enjoying playing for the Sting. The friendships that I have developed over the past year and a half are tremendous - I wouldn't trade this in. I will fulfill my contract - this season and next - with the WNBA. Once I get to that point in a year from now - I don't want to decide now if I am going to retire. Temple has allowed me to continue my playing career and coach.
From Wahoo99: Dawn, what kind of music do you listen to to get pumped up before big games?
Dawn Staley: Actually, my teammates bring in the boom box and CDs. I just feed off their energy and music. Anything from rap to gospel to RB - whatever they choose.
From Guest: Do you feel pay levels will increase with increased ticket prices or will the increases alienate your fan base?
Dawn Staley: The nature of the business - you have to cover costs and expenses. I don't know if an increase in tickets will help that. Every franchise is affordable - I don't think they'll get it to the point where people can't afford to come to the games.
From Richard Fields in Salt Lake City: Dawn, as an integral part of the development of the modern women's game, what do you see as the keys to the WNBA continuing to improve attendance and providing women ballers with a place to showcase their talent? Where do you see the women's game headed or where do you hope the league is in say 5-10 years? Good luck at Temple.
Dawn Staley: Well, I think definitely to keep the public's interest we have to work on the fundamentals of the game. That's what women's basketball is based on - people like that we execute the fundamentals. We have to keep understanding the game and being studious to the game.
From Sprocketboy: The NBA got a lot of mileage in the '80s from the Bird/Magic rivalry. Is there a pair of players in women's basketball who could fill these roles for the NCAA or WNBA?
Dawn Staley: No - in the WNBA I think the most attractive thing about the league is its parity. Houston is the team to watch, but if you look at all the other teams you have parity. Even when you're going against Houston. No one is really head and shoulders above everyone else. The beauty of the WNAB is the team-orientedness.
From Guest: What is it going to take to make Temple a competitive program in the NCAA?
Dawn Staley: Players - you have to recruit top-notch players. They're the ones that will take your program to the next level. As coaches, all we can do is guide them. But they're the one that make the University special and a winning program.
From Guest: Won't you and the other WNBA stars on Team USA be tired by the time the Olympics role around? What are doing to make sure that doesn't happen?
Dawn Staley: I don't think you can do anything besides rest when you can. I'd rather go into the Olympics playing basketball rather than having a break. A lot of players have made sacrifices, but a gold medal is worth the sacrifices.
From NVPACK: Which country will give you the most trouble in your run for the gold?
Dawn Staley: I think since we're playing in Australia, they're a favorite to win the gold. The home court advantage plays an integral part in the Olympics. Russia, Brazil and Cuba - I may be leaving someone out, and I don't mean to - but they're the top countries that have always been at the top of their game in my 12-year career with USA Basketball.
From Guest: What was it like having the Women's Final Four in your hometown of Philly?
Dawn Staley: I think that was awesome. A lot of people look at Philly as being this big, dirty city. But when you look at the landscape and what makes Philadelphia great, if you visit you'll see how the city enjoys sports and enjoys the way the people play sports.
From Guest: Who's the toughest player in the WNBA for you to guard?
Dawn Staley: I really can't say there's one. There are a couple Shannon Johnson and Teresa Witherspoon are tough. Shannon is cat-quick and Teresa is a tall, powerful, strong guard that can get around you either way. Shannon can go past you and Teresa can go through you.
From Brian Riffey in Roanoke, Va.: What kind of workout do you participate in to keep your game sharp? Besides fundamentals, are there any other special drills you would recommend for a young female athlete who wants to play ball?
Dawn Staley: The fundamentals - you have to start and finish with those. You'll be a complete player when you have those. I work on those everyday - they're a lost art. Some people forget about them, but some people aren't as gifted as others, but the fundamentals are a mainstay and can prolong your career.
From Walquist: Who do you think will win the NBA finals? L.A. or Indiana?
Dawn Staley: To be honest - I just want a good series. But I should be rooting for the Lakers - the Pacers beat my NY team and the Lakers have hometown hero Kobe Bryant. But I just hope the series lives to its expectations.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have for today. Thanks again for joining us, Dawn. And good luck with everything you have going on this summer.
Dawn Staley: Thank you very much.
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