Dishin & Swishin Podcast: Nicki Collen is Living the Dream

Nicki Collen is living the Dream; the Atlanta Dream that is. The former Connecticut Sun assistant coach is the new head coach of the Atlanta Dream, becoming the second assistant coach to be elevated to a head coaching job in the WNBA this offseason (Katie Smith in New York is the other). She takes over a team that is an enigma, to say the least. Their best player sat out last season. They still had three all-stars, and a very strong candidate for Rookie of the Year. Yet they finished the season 10th in a twelve team league, closing the year with a 2-8 record in their last ten games. It will be Collen's job, her first head coaching job at the pro or college level, to stabilize the franchise, bring Angel McCoughtry back to the team, and get the returning players to buy into the spacing, fast paced and three-point shooting offense that she wants to run. Not having a first round draft choice will hurt that progression, but without question Atlanta will pursue free agents and trades to improve their chances. It is a pleasure to welcome coach Collen to Dishin & Swishin for the first time! We wish her well as she builds her staff and sets up her support system and team. Enjoy the podcast!