Cooper Is Already in Defensive Mode
Michael Cooper, as expected, was named coach of the Sparks on Thursday.
And he said Spark partisans can expect a new, busier defensive look next summer and, hopefully, some big, young players from the April college draft who can provide relief for Lisa Leslie.
Cooper became the team’s fourth coach after its third season, following the dismissal Sept. 30 of Orlando Woolridge by team President Johnny Buss. Cooper was Woolridge’s assistant.
The first task, he said, is to agree with Buss on which players the Sparks will protect in the December expansion draft, whether it’s a list of five or six players.
In the college draft, Cooper said he wants to find one or two more inside players to help Leslie in the low post, and some backup guard help.
He wouldn’t name anyone, but UCLA’s Maylana Martin and Jannae Hubbard are high on the scouting lists of every WNBA club. He’ll have no chance at Martin, who some figure as the No. 1 overall pick for whichever expansion club wins the coin toss.
Offensively, he said, expect few changes.
“I think offensively, [Woolridge] left us with a good foundation,” Cooper said.
“But I want to put in some new stuff. We got hurt in a few games . . . early in the season, by full-court defenses. We had Orlando down 17 in the first half, and because we couldn’t handle their press in the second half, they came back and beat us.
“I think I can fix that, and I can get it done in training camp.
“I want us to be better defensively on a full-court basis.
“We’ll have a very good core group coming back and from the draft, I want to fit in some new pieces. I want to bring in some young, excited players who can function in a team environment.
“Yes, we need more big people who can take the burden off Lisa Leslie. She’s played a lot of minutes the last two seasons and her knees have taken a pounding. I want to be able to play her in more selected minutes.”
Around the WNBA
Detroit Shock Coach Nancy Lieberman-Cline will be back for a third season after the team exercised its option on the final year of her contract. Lieberman-Cline, also the general manager, accepted the option, Shock spokesman Dennis Sampier said. She led the team to a playoff berth in its second season after finishing 15-17. Her two-year record is 32-30.