Unlocking the Game - Week 3

Hey Sky Fans! It's week three and Coach Key has once again answered the questions that you fans have sent in. Read on to see what Coach said this week!

I have read a lot of articles about basketball players and coaches watching a lot of game film. Some of these people will watch game film that is current or watch game film that is multiple years old. Where do you guys get this film/media from?

- Wallace, Milwaukee

Coach Key: We get it from NBA media archives, but its not public access material.

It seems like Cathrine Kraayeveld and Shameka Christon are better shooters from specific places on the court while Candice Dupree was better in a flow. Have you changed the offense at all to better accommodate the strengths of your new players? How do you get them to positions where they are comfortable?

- Duane, New York

CK: Yes we had to change the positions and cater to the players on the team we have now. It’s still a work in progress and its coming on and getting better all the time.

When you look at the WNBA standings, is there anything that surprises you?

- Marcin, Poland

CK: No not really, I think we’ve been seeing this since before the season started. If you don’t show up to play on that given night, you’ve got a good chance of losing.

It seems like when we put a shot up, the team starts to get back on defense and no one is in position to rebound. Why don't the players crash the boards on both ends of the floor? Isn't the saying ..."offense sells ticket, defense wins games, rebounding wins championships" Where's our defense and rebounding?

- Vicki, Chicago

CK: Yes, we would like for them to rebound. The amount of crashing varies on the team. For example for Atlanta, they are a transition team. And sometimes crashing can be a double negative. The other part of rebounding is willingness, its got nothing to do with size. We could use more willingness.

Would you pick up a player who is 4-feet 11-inches tall that has tremendous skills, but because of her height no one really thinks she is ready for WNBA basketball?

- Kimberly, Mississippi

CK: I would have to see that person play. I wouldn’t hold their height against them. But I would have to see what they brought to the team, their height would not be a determining factor.

Coach, the Mystics game showed a definite hole in scoring capability when the normal scoring options are defended well. After that it looked like it was every-woman-for-herself for your starters. At the college level, that would result in being benched. What is your normal approach to playing good team basketball that affords feel-good touches and moves the defense?

- Katie, Chicago

CK: Well, we have one team, and we’ve got to continue to share the ball regardless of score. If one option is taken away it’s that person’s job to facilitate their teammates. At times when it doesn’t flow comfortably we are promoting an atmosphere of sharing the ball.

Hey Coach, I’ve been a long-time Mistie Bass fan, so it was nice to see her in the starting lineup against Atlanta. What spurred the changes in the starting lineup?

- Emily, Chicago

CK: We are looking for different answers and different combinations. With Shameka out we are down to 10 players and are looking for more playing time for other players and to spur on production from some of the other players as well.