http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/204133.html
Monarchs Notes: Atkinson's wait for minutes ends
By Melody Gutierrez - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:18 am PDT Sunday, June 3, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C5
La'Tangela Atkinson waited patiently to log her first minutes with the Monarchs. Saturday night, she finally received her chance.
After being moved from the inactive list to the 11-player roster before the game, Atkinson entered the game against the Los Angeles Sparks in the third quarter. She scored with 1:51 remaining in the quarter to put the Monarchs ahead 60-58 and finished with four points in six minutes.
"I'm very excited," the guard-forward said. "I get a chance to get out and help my team."
Atkinson was acquired from Indiana for the Monarchs' 2008 second-round draft pick, but she struggled through the start of the season because of a hamstring injury.
"She's a talent, and we need to give her some game experience," coach Jenny Boucek said.
Forward Kim Smith, the Monarchs' top draft selection last year, was deactivated. Smith, who has been slowed by a sprained left foot, has played only six minutes and has yet to score.
Atkinson said she was happy to finally join her team on the floor after the season-opening four-game road trip.
"I just want to do whatever it takes to help my team win," she said.
Cooper readjusts in return -- Sparks coach Michael Cooper paced the sideline in a gray suit, wildly waving his arms.
In his return to coaching the Sparks this season, Cooper said he is reminded of the difference between coaching men and women.
"Women truly play the game below the rim," said Cooper, who just finished coaching two seasons in the NBA Development League. "They grasp the game. You don't have to have a lot of fundamentals as a man because we are more athletic."
Cooper led the Sparks to championships in 2001 and 2002, but he left midway through the 2004 season to take a NBA assistant coaching position with the Denver Nuggets. When coach Jeff Bzdelik was fired, Cooper took the reins on an interim basis for 14 games.
"I felt my time there was productive," Cooper said.
Before Saturday's game, Cooper said he was enjoying his time with the Sparks. After the 88-85 loss, however, he refused to speak to reporters.
About the writer: The Bee's Melody Gutierrez can be reached at (916) 326-5521 or mgutierrez@sacbee.com.
Monarchs Notes: Atkinson's wait for minutes ends
By Melody Gutierrez - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:18 am PDT Sunday, June 3, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C5
La'Tangela Atkinson waited patiently to log her first minutes with the Monarchs. Saturday night, she finally received her chance.
After being moved from the inactive list to the 11-player roster before the game, Atkinson entered the game against the Los Angeles Sparks in the third quarter. She scored with 1:51 remaining in the quarter to put the Monarchs ahead 60-58 and finished with four points in six minutes.
"I'm very excited," the guard-forward said. "I get a chance to get out and help my team."
Atkinson was acquired from Indiana for the Monarchs' 2008 second-round draft pick, but she struggled through the start of the season because of a hamstring injury.
"She's a talent, and we need to give her some game experience," coach Jenny Boucek said.
Forward Kim Smith, the Monarchs' top draft selection last year, was deactivated. Smith, who has been slowed by a sprained left foot, has played only six minutes and has yet to score.
Atkinson said she was happy to finally join her team on the floor after the season-opening four-game road trip.
"I just want to do whatever it takes to help my team win," she said.
Cooper readjusts in return -- Sparks coach Michael Cooper paced the sideline in a gray suit, wildly waving his arms.
In his return to coaching the Sparks this season, Cooper said he is reminded of the difference between coaching men and women.
"Women truly play the game below the rim," said Cooper, who just finished coaching two seasons in the NBA Development League. "They grasp the game. You don't have to have a lot of fundamentals as a man because we are more athletic."
Cooper led the Sparks to championships in 2001 and 2002, but he left midway through the 2004 season to take a NBA assistant coaching position with the Denver Nuggets. When coach Jeff Bzdelik was fired, Cooper took the reins on an interim basis for 14 games.
"I felt my time there was productive," Cooper said.
Before Saturday's game, Cooper said he was enjoying his time with the Sparks. After the 88-85 loss, however, he refused to speak to reporters.
About the writer: The Bee's Melody Gutierrez can be reached at (916) 326-5521 or mgutierrez@sacbee.com.