With the pandemic going on doing virtual interviews whether is via Zoom or other outlets is the new normal. Every sports journalist is hustling to get the next big interview. Well, the global pandemic didn’t stop me either. This week I reached out to Coach Pokey Chatman via Instagram for a mini-interview. The unexpected happened and she gladly said, ” Sure no problem.” Let’s take a look at the Q & A with the great coach Pokey Chatman after we give you a little history on who Pokey Chatman is to the basketball world.
Coach Pokey Chatman
Chatman has been coaching since 1992 making her a true veteran to the game. Last season she coached the Indiana Fever to a 13-21 good for a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Despite their record, Indiana finished strong by the end of the season. The Fever decided to make a few changes and decided to let go of Coach Pokey Chatman which was unfair in my opinion. However, I understand why they did it.
Indiana was heading in the right direction with last year’s rookie sensation Teaira McCowan. I know McCowan and Coach Chatman could have built a great player/coach relationship. Coach Pokey has coached for the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. In 2013 and 2014 the Chicago Sky were Eastern Champions under Coach Chatman. However, like every coach she had her good and bad moments. She didn’t have the best years in Indiana but the team ended last season on a good note.
Coach Chatman deserves our support and to be a coach in the league again. One of the greats to ever coach in the W. Let’s take a look at the Q & A with the great coach Pokey Chatman.
Who is the best player you’ve coached?
“I’ve been blessed to coach many of the GREATS, which makes it so hard to pick just one. Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Thompson, Lauren Jackson, Sylvia Fowles, to name a few. If I had to pick just one, it would be Diana. Her intellect, ice water in her veins, ability to elevate others, (all-time), and the fact that she could play the 1, effectively way back when (2007-2008) sets her apart. ”
Are you looking to coach again?
” Yes, I am looking to get back into it.”
Who has the best potential in this year’s draft class?
” Sabally’s versatility (on both ends) gives her a chance to be a special player.”
What did you think of the WNBA draft? And did you have a virtual party?
” I was happy with their (ESPN’s) ability to pull off the technical portion due to the pandemic, but I wanted more. More time, more footage of the league, more storytelling about the players, etc. No virtual party for Draft.”
How do you see the future of the league?
” I think the leadership of the NBA and WNBA are committed to seeing the league succeed, and will continue to push towards those goals. The challenge is the window in which the game is played. Summer-time. Talks of changing the season, and adding more games, are always thrown around, but we’ll see. ”
How do you want your former players to remember you?
” I simply hope my former players respect the effort I put into improving them, the team and they felt that I treated them with respect. ”
Would you consider doing a podcast?
” Yes, i would consider doing a podcast. Actually, i have something in the works. PGPOV/Point Guard Point of View. Glad you’re enjoying the basketball stuff I’ve been doing. ”
Do you think more women should coach in college and the WNBA?
” I am all about women having a ” true” opportunity to coach both men and women at all levels, and in every league the game offers. ”
If you had a choice what team would you like to coach and why?
” I am open to coaching at different levels, no particular favorite.”
Bonus thoughts from Coach Pokey Chatman:
Penny: I personally wish you were still coaching in the W. You were such a great coach and the way the Fever finished last season it seemed promising. The team had a good end of the season.
Coach Pokey Chatman: ” I appreciate the kind words, and yes we were moving in the direction especially after a franchise first TOTAL rebuild, without a couple of key players (Johnson and Vivians). The Fever’s in good shape to make a lot of progress, with the development of key players over the past few years. ”
I want to thank coach Chatman for taking her personal time and chatting with me. It was fun to chat and get her insight on the WNBA draft, the direction of the league, and much more.
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