The head coach of the WNBA’s worst team called his shot: “We’re going to win the championship next season.”
The offseason following the 2002 season, Detroit Shock head coach Bill Laimbeer went to the office of Tom Wilson, a longtime chief executive and officer of Palace Sports and Entertainment, and confidently declared that the team fresh off a nine-win season was going to be hosting a parade the following year. The additions the Shock made that offseason, coupled with the development of the young players in house, were enough for the former Detroit “Bad Boy” turned coach to plant his flag on the highest of hills.
“I saw something in Swin Cash as a leader, and (Deanna) Nolan was coming into her own,” said Laimbeer, who took over head coaching duties for former lead man Greg Williams after an 0-10 start in 2002. “We got Cheryl Ford in the (WNBA) Draft and Ruth Riley in the expansion draft.
“It was clear early in the season that we were going to be something special. Now, whether we won or not, that was up to the players. We changed the way basketball was played, a more physical style and fast-paced, up and down the floor.”
The 2003 Detroit Shock are in the building!
Welcome back to the 313💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/0unLAK8FMj
— Detroit Pistons…
