Dishin & Swishin 10/09/14 Podcast: Tamika Catchings on the Fever, USA Basketball & retirement; Jenny Boucek learning from the Mavericks

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We have a podcast for you this week that we know you are going to enjoy! Two interviews with two people making headlines in the women’s basketball world. First, it is always a pleasure to welcome Indiana Fever star Tamika Catchings back to Dishin & Swishin.

“Jenny has developed many professional relationships with NBA coaches. She also is an accomplished coach and has a great mind for the game. Jenny has aspirations to coach in the NBA, and I think it is great when coaches get opportunities that match their goals. We, as an organization, always want to support our employees to aspire to be the best they can be and to strive for great opportunities. This is a great learning experience for Jenny.” Brian Agler, head coach of the Seattle Storm

Despite starting the WNBA season that began with injuries, Catchings returned and helped lead the Fever back to the Eastern Conference finals. Mentally, as well as physically, it was a tough season for Indiana with their desire to take retiring coach Lin Dunn back to the WNBA finals one last time, overcoming injuries and adversity and integrating new players all at the same time.

Faced with the prospect of the intense training and pressure that goes with representing USA Basketball in the world championships on the heels of that season, Catchings made one of the toughest basketball decisions she ever made, electing to give what would have been her spot on the national team to someone else, and allow her body and mind to recover for a while longer.

Feeling revived after a short break and vacation, Catchings began her usual offseason of philanthropic work, giving back to communities in many ways. Oh, and by the way, she announced she plans on playing in 2015 and 2016, then retiring after a final tour on the national team.

On the podcast this week Catchings discusses all of this and more. From the difference between new coach Stephanie White and Lin Dunn, to watching USA basketball play without her, to the new television contract signed with ESPN, and to the prospects for the 2014-15 Tennessee Lady Vols, Catching is as open and honest as ever.

Perhaps the best part, however, is when Catchings, who has clearly heard the comments about who should and should have made the USA Basketball squad and who should and should not have started, explains from the players’ perspective what it is all about, and what the players feel is important. Hopefully, this will put that debate to rest.

In the second part of the podcast, it is a pleasure to welcome Jenny Boucek, the associate head coach of the Seattle Storm.

While many in the women’s basketball world know Boucek from her tenure with the Storm, and also as former head coach of the Sacramento Monarchs, what they may not know is that Boucek began her coaching career under Ron Rothstein, longtime NBA coach and coach of the now-defunct WNBA Miami Sol. She has worked with the Seattle Sonics in scouting, and has long had an interest in learning and coaching with the NBA, not just the WNBA.

Boucek has been in training camp with the Dallas Mavericks this year. Rick Carlisle, Mavericks head coach and president of NBA coaches’ association, frequently has had coaches participate in his team’s training camps, sharing information, organizational structure, and coaches’ meetings. Boucek is the coach involved this year.

Beginning with the annual coaches meeting in Chicago, Boucek attends meetings and strategy sessions, and is observing and learning what it is like to coach in the NBA.

On the podcast Boucek discusses this opportunity, and talks about learning, and continuing to grow, as both a coach and an individual in all facets. Of course there is Seattle Storm and WNBA talk in there, too, but it is fascinating to talk to and listen to someone so excited about the opportunity presented to her.

There is no doubt Boucek and the Storm will be the beneficiary of this experience.

Enjoy the podcast!