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CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

The Mercury announced today that Carrie Graf will return to Australia to coach in the WNBL (Canberra). Her Mercury coaching contract expired at the end of the season. The two sides met and decided not to enter into a new coaching contract. Phoenix will immediately begin the process of searching for a new head coach.

We all love Carrie, but certain things needed to get done this year...that didn't get done. This team was good enough to make the playoffs...if it were not, I would be calling for Seth's head. Just about every preseason prediction had the Mercury in the playoffs. Seth's signing of Kamila turned out to be great. Sandora Irvin and Angelina Williams were great draft picks who weren't given minutes until late in the season to show what they could do.

Phoenix is not in disarray (from a player personnel standpoint), as Charlotte and SASS appear to be. In fact, Phoenix has had the same record as Detroit the past two years.

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1559 Location: Phoenix

I'm sorry to see her go. She was a classy coach and classy person.
I didn't agree with alot of her moves, but there isn't a coach out there who I agree with on a reguklar basisso....
I really cannot think of any decent (and available) replacements out there.
Michael Cooper signed with the baby NBA, can we pay him more?

rebolpuppy · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 12:52 pm Post subject: Adieu, Carrie!

I've kind of mixed feelings on this.

There are two ways of looking at it at the end of a difficult season. I think Carrie Graf deserves for us to focus on the positives, and wish her good luck in the future.

On balance, compared to where the Merc were under John Shumate, Carrie deserves the coaching credit for getting the team out of that seemingly hopeless quagmire. That takes a *lot* of energy, skill and effort, so Coach Graf, thank you for that. :)

I wish her well. :)

As for her replacement, am I missing something, or isn't Michelle Timms a possibility? Feisty's good.

Mercurymaniac · Joined: 04 Aug 2002 Posts: 1197 Location: Scottsdale

I was a little surprised, but then there were so many times this year I felt she was out-coached. She did a lot to turn the Mercury around in two years, but it seemed we had plateaued.

I hope we get a good head coach who has experience coaching women and is not looking to use the Mercury as a stepping stone to all things NBA and is not just a "name" with not experience.

It's going to make for an interesting off season and I wonder how this will impact the Maria "situation".

Best wishes to Carrie, you gave us some fun times and hopefully you'll get the Austrailian National Team job.

carolina_gamecock · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 49 Location: Phoenix, AZ

I wonder if the decision for Graf to leave was mutual as everything seemed to point to her getting at least one more year. Perhaps she thought she deserved a long-term contract?

IMHO, Graf was consistently outcoached all season. It was only the arrival of Stepanova that rescued a season headed for disaster. She got two quality young players in the draft she failed to utilize. Her substitution schemes were ridiculous. Her offense was a poor match for her players.
Regardless of Carrie's personal qualities, it was obvious she was out of her league.

Thanks to Seth, The Merc have a situation that most coaches would be very happy with. Let's hope they pick a real coach and not another John Shumate or Cynthia Cooper.

Mercurymaniac · Joined: 04 Aug 2002 Posts: 1197 Location: Scottsdale

Wow, they sure got Graffy's face off the webpage pretty quick. :shock:

MercuryBoFan · Joined: 29 Aug 2004 Posts: 241 Location: Glendale

All I Can Say Is ... Hallelujah !!!!

I never liked the way Coach Graf coached this team. I don't care what anyone says, I am as loyal to the Mercury as the next person, but this team choked this year !!!!

Coach Graf did an excellent job last season guiding the Mercury to 17 wins this season the Mercury should have made the playoffs. They had the same team basically with the exception of Stepanova and Kamila.

No Excuses ... This Was A Wasted Season !!!!

Hell didn't we have the third pick last year ???

You could have fooled me because I hardly ever heard of Sandora playing !!!!

Go Mercury And Lets Get A Real Coach !!!!

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1559 Location: Phoenix

Quote: Go Mercury And Lets Get A Real Coach !!!!

Hmm, real coach?
Can you define that?

Like a coach who's served as an assistant for years and knows the league? ie Julie Plank or Jenny Boucek or Kevin Cook

Or maybe a coach who's head coached in the league and been fired? ie Brian Agler, Linda Darsh, Maura McHugh or Marianne Stanley (If they hire one of these I'm so out of here :roll: )

Or maybe an ex NBA coach? ie Paul Westphal or hmm too many to list

Or maybe an ex NBA player? ie Majerle, Outlaw, Kerr

What do you think Bo fan, what is a "real" coach in your mind?

oddball8450 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 101

I wish Coach Graf the best. She's been very successful with Canberra in the past and I wish her continued success in the future.

Hopefully the next coach will coach in a manner that allows the team to play more aggressively, less hesitant and conservative.

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

carolina_gamecock wrote: I wonder if the decision for Graf to leave was mutual as everything seemed to point to her getting at least one more year. Perhaps she thought she deserved a long-term contract?

"Everything seemed to point" - can you elaborate?

One thing nobody's mentioned - the holy grail for Aussie coaches: the Opals head coach position. The only reason why she didn't get it last time is because she couldn't commit full time to the program due to Mercury obligations. Giving up this position in the WNBA would certainly make BA view her much more favourably.

My wish is for the new coach not to be some ex-MNBA player with little to no coaching experience. I'd like somebody with decent experience who has also had good exposure to women's basketball.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1035 Location: Phoenix AZ

Quote: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0903merc0903.html
Excerpt from:
Mercury, Graf part ways after 2 years

Norm Frauenheim
The Arizona Republic
Sept. 3, 2005 12:00 AM

The Mercury are searching for their fifth coach in six years after the team and Carrie Graf were unable to agree on a new contract.

The Mercury and Graf decided to go separate ways Thursday night, said General Manager Seth Sulka, who just six days ago had said he expected her back.

"It's a little surprising, but at the end of the day, it was pretty much her decision," Sulka said Friday.

Graf, whose two-year contract expired with a season-ending loss last Saturday at Seattle, was not available for comment.

Sulka said Graf, whose Mercury record was 33-35, left early Friday for her home in Australia. She has taken a job as coach of Canberra in the Women's National Basketball League.

In a prepared news release, Graf said: "I'm proud of what I accomplished with the last two seasons and I'm leaving the team in a strong position for the future, but we didn't achieve our goal of getting this team into the playoffs. "Although we had many unfortunate events this year, such as late player arrivals and injuries to our key players, we couldn't get it done down the stretch."

IMO this article is probably closer to the truth than many printed out there. I'm surprised but shouldn't be, at some of the creative ways news & sport writers can get a multitude of stories out of one press release. I guess it’s boring to state that 2 parties couldn't come to an agreement on something; whether it's coaching methods, terms of a contract, money or whatever.

People seem to forget what Coach Graf started with. She took the bits & pieces of a talented but shattered team + a rookie star and made major advancements. She gave up a chance to coach in the Olympics for us.
I hope she gets another chance and want the best of everything for her future.

Carrie wasn’t perfect, but who is? She was a vast improvement over the prior 2 coaches. A new coach with a new plan will cause a lot of turmoil before it gets better & things run smooth. A new coach will want to choose his/her own assistants. I wonder about the chances of Timmsy coming back next season. I hope we get someone that makes everyone happy with his/her skills and temperament. But somehow I think there will always be someone complaining about something, no matter who we get. :roll:

librarygeek · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 176 Location: Central Phx

Quote: One thing nobody's mentioned - the holy grail for Aussie coaches: the Opals head coach position. The only reason why she didn't get it last time is because she couldn't commit full time to the program due to Mercury obligations. Giving up this position in the WNBA would certainly make BA view her much more favourably.

You know, Keegan, when I read that she missed out on the Opals job and then took the Capitals position, I was thinking the same thing you just mentioned. I was curious about how she was going to pull off working both the WNBA and WNBL jobs but now that I know her Mercury contract was up everything makes a bit more sense. With the Opals position back in play for her, this all looks like part of a very shrewd masterplan for Carrie and not necessarily a personal tragedy. There's no way to know for sure, short of actually asking her, Seth, and Sarver. But the Mercury will be fine and Carrie's future is looking bright so it's all good.

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

Geno Auriemma offered the job. He's "intrigued"

http://www.connpost.com/sports/ci_3002447

Not that it would actually happen.

(thanks to Women's Hoops blog for the link)

RAZGIRL33 · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 39

Wow, That is very interesting..........

Keegan · Joined: 13 Jun 2002 Posts: 977

... or maybe not

http://www.insaneplatypus.com/archives/2005/09/06/more_reporters_/index.html

potd41 · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 11:38 am Post subject:

That would be just what the doctor ordered IMO!!!

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Geno was NOT offered the job.

Hoopslady · Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 127 Location: Illinois

I think it is time for the GM to also become the head coach. It seems to work for other teams.

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1559 Location: Phoenix

hmm, which teams are successful with Coaches as GM's?

New York? No
Houston? No
Sacramento? No
LA? No
Connecticut? NO
Indiana? No

kitkat310 · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 303

I consider Connecticut pretty successful...

Short BBallFan512583 · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 43 Location: East Coast

And Sacramento has been relatively successful.

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Hoopslady wrote: I think it is time for the GM to also become the head coach. It seems to work for other teams.

It worked for Anne Donovan in Seattle and for Wiz in Sacramento. It did not work for Trudi Lacey, Brian Agler, Dee Brown, and numerous others.

Of the four teams remaining the playoffs (Conn, Indiana, Sacramento, and Houston), two have GMs that are also coaches, while two do not.

cbibat · Joined: 14 Jun 2002 Posts: 232

We need a coach that can concentrate on coaching and not worry about the GM responsiblities.

So....when is someone going to start a new thread on coaching candidates. We've burned through the old favorites, who's on the list now?

Any idea what the time frame is? When is the 'drop dead date' for having a coach on board?

SuziQ · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 288 Location: Phoenix

I have to admit, having Geno would be quite nice, and would make sense for him (although not financially!). What's the next step up for someone on his career path? Seems like they mostly pick W coaches for the Olympic team coach now. And how many more national championships can you win in college and still feel you're taking it to the next level? From a "next-thing-to-cross-off-my-list-of-domination" view, I think's it's a logical progression.

But it won't happen, hasn't even really happened. Just another fantasy.

No one's commented on Cedric Ceballos' name being mentioned (guess 'cause he's not hot?). Seems he's done lots of things with the Mercury in the past, including helping train players? Any comment from the better-educated in the crowd?

SportsFan48 · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1124

I had a lot of respect for Graf and am sorry to see her go. I hope that this move can translate into successes in Australia for her.

As for the time line on getting a new coach...who knows. Seth needs to explore all his options and not rush into a decision. However, it took the entire off season to hire Carrie and I think it would be to our advantage to have someone on board sooner.

Whoever we get needs to be someone with a proven track record. I really hate the idea of being in a revolving coach situation. We need to limit our changes as much as possible, IMO, and having a revolving door at the head coach position is NOT the way to do it.

Carrie may have taken this team as far as she could and it may have been time for her to go. But whoever comes in as her replacement needs to be successful FAST. I think the fact that we have had 6 coaches in 8 years is one reason why we can not get a winning season.

I would prefer a coach from the WNBA ranks, possibly someone in the assistant ranks. If Seth looks at ex Suns players, I hope he considers Mark West in the mix.

What ever happens, we need to have our players here in camp at the start. They will be starting all over from scratch with a whole new system and I, for one, don't want to wait until the middle of the season for them to get on the same page.

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Quote: If Seth looks at ex Suns players, I hope he considers Mark West in the mix.

While I think this would be an excellent choice (West has worked with the post players, in an unofficial capacity), my understanding is Mark West does not want a coaching position (head or assistant)...at least that was the case the past few years.

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1559 Location: Phoenix

Quote: I consider Connecticut pretty successful...
My point exactly, their Coach is not their GM.
And I though Sacramento had someone, maybe not the GM title, who ran basketball operations, but if Cam says Wiz is GM I'll go with that.

and as far as Cedric Ceballos for head coach?
I hope he's not being mentioned 'cause they are looking at serious candidates, not Disc Jokeys who help out around the organization :roll:

cbibat · Joined: 14 Jun 2002 Posts: 232

I still can't see what lure coaching in the WNBA would have for top notch college coaches like Geno, Pat, Vivian or Charlie - they get their team for 2-4 years, generally the same core, everyone shows up on time, its a year round commitment, not a part time 4 month summer job. I think that moving to the W from college would require a major coaching philosophy change. And, probably for less money.

Why would they want to do that?

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Cbibat, IMHO, the college coaches who would come to the WNBA are those who: 1) are near the end of their careers and who don't want the grind of recruiting; 2) from big conferences but are not national powers; or 3) retired college coaches (e.g., Joe Ciampi). Other than that, you are right...the money and job security just aren't there.

SuziQ · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Posts: 288 Location: Phoenix

CBI, my friend, they'd do it because that's where the best basketball in the world is being played. But they definately wouldn't do it for the money!

I'm sorry to see Carrie go, too, as I thought she did a pretty good job all things considered. I hope she becomes the Aussie's Olympic coach, where she and her mates give the USA a hella run for the gold.

The Cedric comment was just a thought, was wondering if there was more to him than bad vocals on the PA at AWA. Now, I know.

I just know what I DON'T want - another Shumate, another Cooper, another coach who's an afterthought. I want a dedicated professional with experience (like Carrie) who can fill in the gaps we have, and win us a championship. That and world peace.

kitkat310 · Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 303

Really? I thought Thibalt was the GM too..hmmm, I guess not..

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

kitkat310 wrote: Really? I thought Thibalt was the GM too..hmmm, I guess not..

Nope. Chris Siemnko (sp?) is the GM.

cbibat · Joined: 14 Jun 2002 Posts: 232

Cam, your points are well made - isn't there a retired coach - Andy somethng - out there that people thought would be a good W coach?

Hoopslady · Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 127 Location: Illinois

Quote: It worked for Anne Donovan in Seattle and for Wiz in Sacramento

Of the four teams remaining the playoffs (Conn, Indiana, Sacramento, and Houston), two have GMs that are also coaches, while two do not.

I just think that after 5 seasons, 3 different coaches and the fact of why Carrie is gone, according to one insider who posts on this board rather often, it just makes sense to go in a new direction, that has worked in Sac & Seattle, and make our GM also the head coach. It also gives him alot more time to plan for next season and not waste time looking for a new coach.

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Hoopslady wrote: Quote: It worked for Anne Donovan in Seattle and for Wiz in Sacramento

Of the four teams remaining the playoffs (Conn, Indiana, Sacramento, and Houston), two have GMs that are also coaches, while two do not.

I just think that after 5 seasons, 3 different coaches and the fact of why Carrie is gone, according to one insider who posts on this board rather often, it just makes sense to go in a new direction, that has worked in Sac & Seattle, and make our GM also the head coach. It also gives him alot more time to plan for next season and not waste time looking for a new coach.

Hoops, I see your arguments, and I have mixed feelings about it. The problem is when it does not work out on the player personnel side, it can manifest itself in terms of what happens on the court (see Trudi Lacey). Personally, I think the roles should be separate.

You don't see a lot of overlap between basketball Xs and Os and collective bargaining/labor & employment law knowledge.

Carrie's other problem was she was too laid back...not enough practice time.

1carol · Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 1035 Location: Phoenix AZ

I completely agree with cam. The 2 positions should be separate to give the full attention needed to each position.

GM is a lot more involved, complicated, detailed and time consuming position than most people could even guess at. I don't know about all team's GM & Coach Positions. I do know that in the past the title GM added to Coach was just that; a title with the GM work part being done by someone else. I don't know if it meant more $$ for the coach or just prestige.

Dunkin' Dan · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 5:41 am Post subject:

cbibat wrote: isn't there a retired coach - Andy somethng - out there that people thought would be a good W coach?

You must be thinking of Andy Panda. Excellent choice. The relocation to Phoenix could be the stumbling block there, unfortunately.

caune · Joined: 12 Jun 2002 Posts: 1559 Location: Phoenix

Andy Panda, if you're out there, please come and be our Coach!
Cause I'd hate for them to hire Andy Launders of Georgia, who isn't retired but should be :roll:

I think CI you might be thinking of retired coach Leon Barmore of LA Tech..but he has a fear of flying so I don't expect him to take a WNBA job anytime soon :wink:

Mercurymaniac · Joined: 04 Aug 2002 Posts: 1197 Location: Scottsdale

Well Geno's officially out of the mix according to the Republic today. What's scary is they always drag out the old chestnuts when talking about the Merc coach.

Quote: At least three names have been mentioned, including Nancy Lieberman, a former Mercury guard; and two former Suns players - guard Dan Majerle and forward Cedric Ceballos.

Okay Thunder Dan is a new one, but lets try to get a coach with experience and not just a name. We get a good coach with experience, the team starts winning, butts fill up the seats and stay because the product is good not because of a name brand.

CamrnCrz1974 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 1689 Location: Central Phoenix

Nancy Lieberman will not be the new head coach of the Mercury. Case closed. Take it to the bank. And if I am wrong, I will ask for my season ticket deposit back...and send it to another franchise.