Originally published November 3, 2009 at 11:04 PM | Page modified November 4, 2009 at 12:23 AM
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Storm's Agler, Bryant on Bird, LJ, 2010
Here are highlights from an exclusive online chat with Storm coach Brian Agler and CEO Karen Bryant that covered everything from Lauren...
Here are highlights from an exclusive online chat with Storm coach Brian Agler and CEO Karen Bryant that covered everything from Lauren Jackson's future with the team to offseason moves. For the complete text, go to here.
Question: What is the biggest need to address this offseason?
Agler: With Shannon Johnson retiring and free agency coming up, as well as the draft, we want to get better and deeper at certain positions — possibly adding one perimeter player and one post player.
Q: How can we get Ashley Robinson more involved in the rotation? Does she need to put up bigger offensive numbers?
Agler: Funny you ask. She's in town right now and we've had a lot of conversations. I think it's important that Ashley work hard on her game this offseason and come in with the mentality that she wants to make our team next season.
Q: How is Lauren Jackson doing? Is she back on the court?
Agler: She has started training within the last three weeks. This is her second week of being back on the basketball court, so she continues to make progress. Keep sending your good vibes to Australia.
Q: I was surprised to hear the Shock relocated to Oklahoma. What does that mean for the league?
Bryant: The ownership group in Tulsa has been vocal about their interest in acquiring a franchise. In conjunction with the significant turn in the Detroit economy and other circumstances around that organization, it was in the league's best interest to have the Shock relocate to Tulsa. Having spent some time with the new ownership group, I think we're all really excited about the potential for the WNBA in that market. And so much for having an expansion roster.
Q: Will ticket prices increase next year?
Bryant: Nearly all prices for season-ticket holders remained flat. Storm basketball has always been affordable, and particularly in a challenging economy, it's important to make sure the games remain accessible for all fans.
Q: Do you typically call most of the offensive sets, or does Sue have some flexibility based on what she is seeing on the court?
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Agler: I encourage Sue to enter our offense and direct what goes on on the floor, but there are times when she wants some input and times I want some thoughts from her.
Q: Do you think LJ could move out to the 3 and develop a slashing game to keep her from getting so banged up?
Agler: Our offense is versatile enough to allow her opportunities to play quite a bit on the perimeter even as a post player. I feel strongly that her best days are ahead of her. Just a reminder: Lisa Leslie won two of her MVPs after turning 30. Lauren is still 28.
Q: Any chance we will see more Storm players using Twitter and other social media to reach out to fans?
Bryant: Sorry, you interrupted me. I was tweeting right then. Seriously, there are opportunities to build our brand with social media, whether as the team itself or our players.
Q: Is Doppler a boy or a girl?
Bryant: Quoting Brian, "Yes."
Q: What was your favorite game of the 2009 season?
Agler: We had so many overtime wins and great wins and players making big plays — Sue hitting so many clutch shots — but who can forget the great finish to Game 2 against L.A. at KeyArenaIt was amazing when I got back to Ohio how many people saw the end of that game.
Q: With the Sonics no longer here, does it sometimes feel a little bit strange "going it alone" down in your offices and at KeyArena?
Bryant: Firstly, we miss our friends who moved to Oklahoma. Secondly, as a basketball fan, it's sad to not have the NBA in town. From a Storm perspective, we're proud to carry the banner for professional basketball in the city.
Q: What are you most excited about for the 2010 season?
Agler: Taking care of unfinished business.
Bryant: For me, 2010 marks the beginning of the next era of Storm basketball under Force 10 Hoops. Each season is a chance to pursue another championship (2004 was too long ago) and make more fans.
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