CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky spent the entire week preparing for their matchup against the reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces. The head coaches of both teams share a special history. Teresa Weatherspoon and Becky Hammon played together on the New York Liberty from 1999 to 2003. The former teammates-turned-coaches had a special reunion before the Sky-Aces game when Weatherspoon received major respect from Hammon.
Legendary teammates-turned-coaches share respect before Sky-Aces matchup
Hammon fondly reflected on her time with Weatherspoon, giving reporters the notion that their relationship is as strong as it was when they were teammates. Furthermore, Hammon praised Weatherspoon's ability to connect with those around her.
“She has always been someone who is a players coach, whether it's men or women,” Hammon said during Thursday's pregame press conference. “It didn't really matter. She's the ultimate teammate. When she came back to [the WNBA from the NBA}… I was really excited for her and her players.”
Both Becky Hammon and Teresa Weatherspoon served as NBA assistant coaches before their 2024 WNBA head coaching positions. Hammon spent eight seasons on the San Antonio Spurs staff, helping the team to one championship and several winning records. Afterward, Hammon returned to the WNBA as head coach of the Aces in December of 2021.
Meanwhile, Teresa Weatherspoon served as an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans from 2019 to 2023, playing a big role in the team's player development. Hammon claimed Weatherspoon's energy has allowed her to make a profound impact on the programs she has been a part of.
“She's a contagious person. Her energy, resist, life is contagious and so to have that kind of energy [is good]. Both of us spent a significant amount of time learning [the NBA side] of the game, and to bring what we learned back to the W is [great]. Because neither of us are sitting here without this league.”
Weatherspoon was grateful for Hammon's praise and said she was incredibly proud of her journey. The friends share a sisterly bond, although things used to get heated when they played on the Liberty.
Weatherspoon said the Liberty tested Hammon to make sure she was tough when she first arrived on the team. Moreover, one of the nicknames the team had for Hammon was “ham hock.” Hammon also said the team sometimes referred to her as “white chocolate.”
Weatherspoon and Hammon may be on opposite sides as coaches now, but their goal remains the same. They want to help their players be successful on and off the court.
Weatherspoon's squad will tested by elite company
The Aces won the WNBA Finals for two years in a row (2022 and 2023). They have not had the start they hoped for in 2024 but remain a contender. Las Vegas held an 8-6 record before facing the Sky on Thursday night. Chicago will have their hands four with perennial WNBA MVP candidate A'ja Wilson and the rest of the Aces' stout contributors.
Angel Reese and company will gain valuable experience from the matchup and look to hold their hold to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
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