Dawn Staley, a renowned basketball coach, has expressed skepticism about the possibility of an NBA team hiring a woman as head coach, based on her recent experience with the New York Knicks.
Experience with the Knicks
Staley, with an impressive basketball background, was interviewed by the Knicks earlier this year. Although she approached the process with an open mind, she now believes that the league is not ready for an appointment of this magnitude.The coach revealed that she accepted the interview due to her long relationship with the team president, Leon Rose, and senior advisor William “Worldwide Wes” Wesley. Staley also noted that, had she received an offer, she would have accepted it. During the interview process, Staley emphasized that the Knicks would have to be prepared for the intense media attention that would arise if they hired her as the first head coach in NBA history. Staley, a Naismith Hall of Famer, with three national championships with South Carolina, explained that any losing streak by the team would be attributed to her being a woman, and not to the team’s performance. Although he doubts that an NBA team will make that decision, Staley believes that his experience with the Knicks provided him with valuable knowledge that could benefit future candidates and NBA teams.No, I don’t think it will happen in my lifetime. And I hope I’m wrong.
Dawn Staley
Staley is also willing to advise NBA franchises interested in hiring a female coach, highlighting the need to be prepared for the challenges this entails. The Staley-led Gamecocks are ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press preseason poll, just behind defending champion UConn.If anyone is interested in knowing and being the first NBA coach, I have all the information. Come see me, because I will prepare you for the interview.
Dawn Staley
Recently, South Carolina announced that Chloe Kitts, who was an All-America honorable mention last season, will miss the entire season due to a torn ACL. Staley considers the injury a big loss for the Gamecocks, but states that this will not affect the team’s aspirations.
We are not afraid to face the season without Kitts. We are not going to stop. Our players know that, in the face of any injury, we believe in the system we have built. We believe in the players we have assembled.
Dawn Staley
