Dishin & Swishin 5/28/15 Podcast: Brian Agler looks to create a new system in Los Angeles

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Last night the Los Angeles Sparks opened their 2015 WNBA schedule with a preseason victory over the Chicago Sky at Mohegan Sun Arena, 76-67. The game marked the Brian Agler’s debut as the Sparks’ head coach. He spent the past several seasons at the helm of Western conference rival Seattle Storm.

Loaded with talent the past few years, the Sparks could be considered underachievers. They have not made it to the WNBA finals since 2003 despite a roster with players like Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike, and Kristi Toliver. Something always seemed to be missing.

Perhaps that something is an organized “system” based on defense, execution and ball movement. It was interesting that after their victory last night, system was the word used by multiple players (with smiles on their faces) to describe the reason the Sparks performed well in their debut, despite the new coach, two new starters to the roster, and the absence of Parker and Toliver.

It is a pleasure to welcome Agler back to Dishin & Swishin, recorded right after Wednesday night’s game. Topics include the decision to leave Seattle for Los Angeles, the opportunities for Ogwumike, Jantel Lavender, and new Sparks guard Erin Phillips to become the leaders of this team in his system, handling the absence of Parker and Toliver, the performance of the rookies to date in camp, and thoughts on the Liberty’s hiring of Isiah Thomas.

We are just about a week from the start of the WNBA season! Enjoy the podcast!

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