From balling above the rim to coaching players below, Michael Cooper brings an unmatched knowledge of the game to his work with pro women’s hoopers.

/LA: How did the opportunity to coach women’s pro ball arise?
Coop: One time towards the end of our careers, Magic, Byron Scott, and I were discussing life after the pros. Byron says, “I’m gonna’ coach in the NBA.” Magic’s thing was, “I wanna’ own everything in LA.” [laughs] When it was my turn, I said, “I want to coach women’s basketball.”

/LA: Were there many opportunities to coach women at that time?
Coop: It was right around the time when people were talking about starting the women’s pro league. But initially, I started coaching in the Nike Summer Pro League—Rhonda Windham’s league. She’s the one who got me actively involved in coaching female athletes. She said, “Coop, just put a team together and start coaching.” So I got my first team and started having practices.

/LA: Do you approach the game differently with women than you do with male athletes?
Coop: Well, women truly play the game below the rim so they rely on the fundamental skills that Dr. Naismith had in mind when he started this sport. You have to play as five players. Set good picks. Be a good ball handler. You can’t be a specialized player like in the men’s league. You’ve got to be a little of everything. That’s what I enjoy most about basketball.

/LA: Has the game changed since the women’s league started twelve years ago?
Coop: The athleticism is evolving. The players are getting bigger and better. Look at the league now compared to the first 3 years. Back then, the league was more centered around players who were about 5’6” to 5’10.” Players like Lisa Leslie were considered freaks of nature because they were so tall. But looking at the current draft, you have many more players who are six feet and taller. The game is definitely changing.

/LA: Is the women’s game moving towards the men’s style of play?
Coop: Yes, but until the women start dunking more consistently, the game will always be played below the rim. It’s fun to watch because when the men’s league first existed, no one was dunking. So the women’s league is similar to the early days of the men’s league. Back in the 1950’s when no one was dunking, all you had was the athleticism it took to move the ball and get it in the basket. That’s what you’re seeing now in the women’s league.

You heard it straight from Coop, and only at /LA. Check back for more about Lisa Leslie, coaching female ballers, and advice on realizing your hoop dreams.