Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
April 12, 2001

Cooper lead the Sparks to first place in the Western Conference last season. (Allsport)

L.A. Sparks head coach Michael Cooper stopped by to chat about the upcoming draft, his team's upcoming season and much more.

Cooper lead the Sparks to first place in the Western Conference last season with a 28-4 regular season record. The Sparks, headed by center Lisa Leslie, lost the Western Conference Championship playoff series to eventual WNBA champion Houston Comets.

Cooper was an assistant coach with the Lakers under Del Harris (1994-97) and played for the team, where he appeared in eight NBA Finals. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 becoming the only player in Laker franchise history to win the award.

Michael Cooper: Hello to all the WNBA and Sparks fans out there!

Question: Compare the teamwork of the women to your experiences with the men in the NBA. Isn't it true the ladies play more like a -team-?

Michael Cooper: Most definitely so! They truly play the game below the rim and that requires them to use all the technical and fundamental aspects about the game of basketball. Which is a reason I so enjoy coaching women's basketball. It is a throwback to the days when I used to play - the 80s.

Question: What do the Sparks have to improve on in the coming season to finally take the Western Conference?

Michael Cooper: I think one of the keys is to be able to sustain the momentum we create during the regular season. And to be able to, when the play dictates, to take it to another level. "IT" means our defense and offense and each player's mental intensity level.

Question: Is there a more complete player in the league than Lisa Leslie, in your opinion?

Michael Cooper: I think that is the joy of the WNBA right now. You are getting many complete players at the caliber of a Lisa Leslie. Until she retired, Cynthia Cooper was at that level and you have Cheryl Swoopes, Yolanda Griffin, that are at that level now. Plus the better part is that you have a lot of young, new talent coming in. They are going to make an impressive impact on the league. Just to name a few... Tamika Catchings, Jackie Stiles, Ruth Riley and many more.

Question: What do you think of Cynthia Cooper becoming a head coach?

Michael Cooper: I think it is great for the league! I think it is great for upcoming players to know that when you put in a significant amount of time in your career, that you can take it to the next level -- giving something back to the up and coming generation of players. It is hard to get used to because I thought I would be the only Coach Cooper in the league! Overall I think she will do a marvelous job.

Question: Who are the Sparks looking at in the draft? Who do you think would best fit the needs of the team?

Michael Cooper: First of all that is a difficult question because we pick #16. Being 16th we have to wait and see what is there. I could tell you we would love Jackie Stiles and Tamika Catchings but probably they won't be available. We will have to wait and see who is the best player available and who suits our style of play.

Question: Who do you think will be the first overall pick?

Michael Cooper: Another difficult question to answer! I would love to be in that position, as Seattle is. With so many great players coming out, it depends on Seattle's needs. Being in the West I would think they have to select a big person. Provided Lauren Jackson signs on with the WNBA, I would guess she would go as the #1 pick.

Question: Lisa Leslie was asked what ONE word she would use to describe the Sparks and she said "heart". What one word would you choose?

Michael Cooper: Competitive. I think that is the key for our success last year. We came to play every night and as long as you compete against your opponent you will have a better than 50% chance of winning.

Question: You open the season with Houston, how up are the girls going to be for that rematch?

Michael Cooper: Very up! I think we will be very excited to play against them This will set the tone for the season and whether it will be winning or losing. Obviously we would love to win. But we will get a chance to test where we are right from the get go.

Question: What does someone have to do to knock the Comets off the top of the WNBA world?

Michael Cooper: They must come and compete every night! They are still the WNBA Champions. But they are a little more vulnerable without one of their big three there -- Cynthia Cooper. But you better believe Van Chancellor has an ace up his sleeve. Swoopes still has a champion's heart. So you have to come play that team like it was last year.

Question: Who has the best legitimate shot at the title this year in your opinion? Without being biased of course.

Michael Cooper: Again, you have to put Houston up there. Four time defending champions and they have to remain on top until beaten. I would like to think the Sparks have a legitimate chance. I think Utah will be a team to deal with. They will get a good player in the draft to add to what they have. Can't forget about Sacramento and their new addition of Walters. And last but not least my darkhorse, and only in the west, is Minnesota. The only reason I name west coast teams is because we have to beat Houston to make it to the finals! There are a lot of great east coast teams but we out west have to contend with the defending champion!

Question: Describe what it was like playing on the LA Lakers Championship Teams in the 80's?

Michael Cooper: Actually.. indescribable! The closest I can come would be like playing with your family -- your brothers or sisters -- and you taking on the kids on the next block or anywhere in the neighborhood. You always knew someone had your back, someone had your front, and someone had your side covered. It was all for one and one for all! I think that is the best way to play a team sport, everyone has to be connected. Best feeling in the world!

Question: If you had a situation like the Lakers have with Kobe and Shaq, how would you handle it?

Michael Cooper: I think someone needs to bring them together, whether it be the head coach, GM or owner, sit them down and show them the elation and jubilation they had last year in winning the championship. That in itself should be proof in the pudding. That they can, together, get this done again. I think that has gotten lost throughout the season. They have to re-focus on "we" instead of "I".

Question: Back to the draft for a minute - whose stock has fallen the most recently? Whose stock has risen?

Michael Cooper: Really no one has fallen. If anyone's stock was hurt by this past season it would be the injuries to Shea Ralph. People knew she could play but they questioned her perimeter game. I think as the NCAA Tournament went on she could have proven them wrong. And maybe had gone to the combines and played at a little higher level. But still she is a great player. If anyone's has risen, I think the Miller twins in Georgia. Also, Amanda Lassiter from Missouri played extremely well against Georgia in that tourney. She was a sleeper that opened people's eyes. Niele Ivy took her game to another level to make her a more legitimate point guard. As well as many others but we don't have time to name them all.

Question: Does Ruth Reily reminds you of young Lisa Leslie?

Michael Cooper: No. But she is a very good player! She only got better as the tournament went on. And showed people she is a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA.

Question: Do you think the WNBA will become as popular as the NBA? If so, what can be done to spark that interest?

Michael Cooper: Yes I do! I think with fan appreciation, coming out and appreciating the players we have, and giving that same enthusiasm that people give to the NBA will help take the WNBA to another level. But it is going to be upon the players, the younger ones coming into the league, to hone their skills in college so when they do reach this level it is a level the fans can be excited about.

Michael Cooper: First of all I want to thank everyone for being on the chat line. I want everyone to come out and support your local team and the WNBA as a whole. And all you Sparks fans around the country - We're gonna SPARK the WNBA up!