We have all heard the news that WNBA San Antonio Stars player Becky Hammon has accepted an assistant coaching position with the San Antonio Spurs. Hammon is a WNBA All-Star and 16 year veteran; she’s currently in the final year of her WNBA career and now is the perfect time to prepare for the career transition. The official decision was made according to release form the Spurs.
“Hammon, who is currently in her 16th WNBA season, announced on July 23 that she would retire as a player at the conclusion of the 2014 season. Named one of the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All-Time in July of 2011, Hammon ranks seventh in WNBA history in points (with 5,809), fourth in assists (1,687) and sixth in games (445).
“I very much look forward to the addition of Becky Hammon to our staff,” said Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich. “Having observed her working with our team this past season, I’m confident her basketball IQ, work ethic and interpersonal skills will be a great benefit to the Spurs.” http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/08/05/spurs-name-becky-hammon-as-nbas-first-female-assistant-coach/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs
Clearly from the perspective of Coach Popovich and the Spurs organization the decision with regard to Becky Hammon was based on her previous work with the team and being basketball qualified for the assistant coach’s position. Hammon knows the game; she’s prepared and ready for the opportunity because she is knowledgeable and passionate about basketball, all of which will be a tremendous asset to her in her role as an assistant coach for the Spurs.
Decisions are made and based on one’s qualifications for the position and this is one where it was determine that the best candidate for the position was Becky Hammon.
Dr. Fred Cromartie is the Academy’s Director of Doctoral. He can be reached at cromarti@ussa.edu