Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
May 21, 2001

Dunn is hoping to improve from a 6-26 finish last year. (Allsport)

First year WNBA head coach Lin Dunn is hoping to do what she did when she was the coach of the ABL's Portland Power ... take then from worst to first. Head coach and general manager Lin Dunn stopped by to chat about this year's draft and the start of the WNBA season.

This year, Dunn hopes to improve on a 6-26 record with the help of No. 1 draft pick Lauren Jackson from Australia. Dunn was looking for size and scoring ability in the draft and with Jackson she got both. The storm also drafted top rated Semeka Randall from Tennessee.

Dunn become head coach of the expansion Storm in July of 1999 after a successful run as head coach of the ABL's Power. During her Portland day's, she compiled a 45-30 record and helped the team reach second in average attendance for the league.

Lin Dunn: Hello everyone. I am just outside the Nike Employee Store in Portland Oregon. We are here for our exhibition game tomorrow night against Portland.

Question: How different is it coaching in the WNBA than in the college game?

Lin Dunn: It is similar and different. The biggest difference is that the game is faster, the players are stronger and better. This is the creme of the creme. The other big difference is that these are adults and this is their profession or career.

Question: What will be the most challenging aspect of coaching in the WNBA this upcoming season?

Lin Dunn: For us, it is building this team. We are only 2 years old. We have to be patient and lay a foundation. Bring in more talent. But the bottom line is being patient as we compete against 4 and 5 year old teams.

Question: How much do you try to make the players you have fit the system you want, vs making the system fit the players?

Lin Dunn: I try to draft, trade and pick up players that fit the style of play I prefer. So I try not to bring in a player who doesn't fit an uptempo, pressing style that is defensively oriented. If I end up with a player like that then I have made a poor decision with my evaluation. So it is important to obtain players that fit my style of play.

Question: Was there ever a doubt that we'd take Lauren Jackson?

Lin Dunn: Well there was a doubt whether she would come into the league. That was the question mark. We were committed to signing her if she came into the league.

Question: How much pressure is there in having the #1 pick of a draft?

Lin Dunn: I don't see it as pressure. I see it as a wonderful opportunity. You get to evaluate the top 4 or 5 and take your pick. I always saw it as a special opportunity.

Question: What's the biggest challenge when dealing with a team that's been down before you get there?

Lin Dunn: The biggest challenge in building a team from almost scratch is developing the confidence. You know early on that you don't have the most talent and you have to get the players to buy into the system, stay positive, and be patient. Then you go and get players from the draft that fit your team.

Question: When did you begin coaching and how did you get into it?

Lin Dunn: I coached my first team in 1970. So I have been coaching for 31 years. Yikes! The good news is that we have the talent and have people fighting for the spots. The bad news is that I will have to cut a good player with talent. And that is the hardest part of the job.

Question: You open the season with Phoenix. What will you be looking at when the team finally gets in a game situation?

Lin Dunn: Well we feel everything will start with our defense. Full court pressure, pressure in the quarter court, rotation. And our goal for offense is to score more. We didn't have enough firepower. The addition of Randall and Jackson will help our scoring ability.

Question: If you were put in charge of the WNBA and had no restrictions, what one change might you make?

Lin Dunn: I would give the expansion teams more talent from the beginning!

Question: What teams on the schedule do you think could be the toughest?

Lin Dunn: I think LA in the West will be tough. All the West teams are talented. Charlotte will be better in the East. New York and Cleveland will be good. And I think Miami will be a surprise team in the East.

Question: How much tougher is the Western Conference than the Eastern, in your opinion?

Lin Dunn: All I know is Minnesota was 10-1 against the West and didn't get in the playoffs. Utah had a winning season and couldn't get in the playoffs. That is how I judge the West. And the West got better in the draft too!

Question: Can you compare the WNBA to the ABL? Why did one fail and one succeed?

Lin Dunn: I have had the wonderful opportunity to coach in both leagues. I believe the ABL's intention were excellent. But unfortunately they did not have the financial resources and television contracts to succeed. The WNBA has made very good use of the resources already in place for the NBA.

Question: Were there any picks in the draft that surprised you?

Lin Dunn: That is a good question! I think I was surprised that Camille Cooper wasn't selected sooner. I was surprised that Bunny Randall was left to the 2nd round. And maybe a little surprised that Miller was the 2nd pick.

Question: Who will be the main Scorers for The Seattle Storm to be successful this WNBA Season?

Lin Dunn: I think for a team to be successful you need at least 3 primary scorers. Those will be Randall, Jackson and Steding for us. But we need additional scoring from Henning, Redd and de Oliviera.

Question: What has been the most pleasant surprise for you with this team?

Lin Dunn: I think from top to bottom it would be the tremendous work ethic. Every game and practice they give me 110% effort. From a coach's perspective that is wonderful!

Lin Dunn: It is great to talk to the fans! We are really looking forward to this 2nd WNBA season. Thank you and goodnight!