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CBS Sports college basketball insiders Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander spent a month surveying 100-plus Division I men’s basketball coaches for our annual Candid Coaches series. They polled across the sport’s landscape: some of the biggest names in college basketball, but also small-school assistants in low-major leagues. Coaches agreed to share unfiltered opinions in exchange for anonymity. We asked them 10 questions, and will post the results over a three-week span.
When evaluating the WNBA’s Coach of the Year, expectations inevitably impact candidacies. How did the Connecticut Sun’s Stephanie White, New York Liberty’s Sandy Brondello, Dallas Wings’ Latricia Trammell, and Los Angeles Sparks’ Curt Miller meet, exceed, or change their teams’ expectations?
On Aug. 1, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Atlanta Dream to extend their record to 24-2, good for a winning percentage of .923. If the Aces had continued winning at such a pace, thus besting the 1998 Houston Comets for the highest single-season winning percentage in WNBA history, Becky Hammon would be a shoo-in for a second-straight Coach of the Year Award.
Introduction
In the fast-paced world of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the race for the Coach of the Year Award is often a reflection of a coach’s ability to meet, exceed, or even redefine expectations. As we delve into this intriguing competition, we take a closer look at four notable candidates: Stephanie White of the Connecticut Sun, Sandy Brondello of the New York Liberty, Latricia Trammell of the Dallas Wings, and Curt Miller of the Los Angeles Sparks.
Meeting Expectations: Stephanie White
Stephanie White of the Connecticut Sun entered the 2023 season with high expectations following a successful 2022 campaign. Her ability to maintain the Sun’s competitive edge and consistency has been impressive. White’s strategic coaching and player development have kept the Sun as strong contenders in the league. Her team’s performance speaks volumes about her coaching prowess.
Exceeding Expectations: Sandy Brondello
Sandy Brondello of the New York Liberty faced considerable skepticism at the start of the season due to the team’s relatively young and inexperienced roster. However, Brondello’s leadership has been a revelation. She has nurtured the talents of her players, turning the Liberty into a formidable force. The Liberty’s unexpected rise in the standings is a testament to Brondello’s coaching acumen.
Changing Expectations: Latricia Trammell
Latricia Trammell of the Dallas Wings inherited a challenging situation with a team in transition. Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances and cultivate a winning mentality among her players has been nothing short of remarkable. The Wings, once considered underdogs, are now contenders, largely thanks to Trammell’s coaching philosophy.
Curt Miller’s Challenge: Los Angeles Sparks
Curt Miller’s tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks has been marked by the need to rebuild and redefine the team’s identity. While the Sparks may not have achieved the same level of success as some of their competitors, Miller’s patient and methodical approach to rebuilding the franchise deserves recognition. He is laying the foundation for future success, making him a valuable candidate in this Coach of the Year race.
The Becky Hammon Factor
Becky Hammon’s near-historic season with the Las Vegas Aces added an intriguing element to the Coach of the Year race. Her remarkable success with the Aces, had it continued, would have set a new standard for winning percentages in the WNBA. Hammon’s coaching prowess and her ability to maximize her team’s potential are unquestionable, making her a formidable contender for the award.
In conclusion, the race for the WNBA’s Coach of the Year is a compelling narrative of expectations versus performance. Stephanie White, Sandy Brondello, Latricia Trammell, and Curt Miller have all left their mark on the league this season, each in their unique way. While Becky Hammon’s Aces fell short of the historic winning percentage, her impact on the league remains undeniable. As the season unfolds, the WNBA community eagerly awaits to see who will be crowned Coach of the Year, as these coaches continue to strive for excellence in a fiercely competitive league.
