Growing the Game: Interviews with Noelle Quinn and Monica Rogers from Senegal

Storm Coach Noelle Quinn traveled to Africa to take part in an NBA Academy Women's Basketball camp.

I had the opportunity to speak with Seattle Storm Coach Noelle Quinn and former WNBA player Monica Wright (now Rogers) as they worked with the NBA Women’s Basketball Academy in Senegal, Africa. Rogers leads this International Women’s Basketball program and invited Coach Quinn to join her while working with these young players from 11 different countries in Africa. They were joined by Arike Ogunbowale and Jasmine Thomas among others as they put these young players through basketball drills, scrimmages, and evaluations over the course of this past week.

The WNBA set me up to conduct the interviews and I was able to get some great information from both Monica Rogers and Noelle Quinn. While most of the questions involve the camp and the experience, I did get to ask a few fun questions including an excellent response from Coach Quinn discussing the challenges of coaches that are often the target of fan bases when things aren’t going well.

To my paid subscribers, thank you so much for your continued support! The off-season has been slow but things are really going to pick up soon as Free Agency talks begin next month.

Monica Rogers Interview:

Jeff Brown: After retiring from the WNBA, did you always know you wanted to continue working in basketball? And how did this opportunity come about?

Monica Rogers: Upon retiring, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I did try out a couple of different things. I coached for a few seasons. And I did get this opportunity kind of randomly. As soon as I heard about it, I thought I was a perfect mix of what they were looking for as someone who is a former player, who wants to grow the game and drive the basketball operations side. After being here a year and a half, I’m able to really use my connections in the WNBA and use those for the different regions.

JB: Can you go into detail with how these camps work and what you’re looking for?

Rogers: Absolutely! Officially, I run four International camps a year. We’re at the bottom of the pyramid and we cast a wide net to develop young talent and help them get exposed to NCAA and WNBA recruiting. We get a lot of scouts and we put them through a round-robin tournament.

JB: I read you not only focus on basketball skills but also life skills.

Rogers: We work on lifestyle and development. It makes sense to create a camp that not only focuses on basketball but life outside of basketball. We bring in our resources, bring their expertise to give these girls life lessons.

JB: How important for the NBA and especially the WNBA to continue to expand and grow the game in other countries outside of the United States?

Rogers: I think it’s imperative! It’s really a part of the NBA/WNBA brand to be global. The game of basketball is global when you think about it. To be able to reach out to all levels and give experience to young people - with the WNBA and NBA brands on it. It really creates a great thing for the players overall.

JB: From a scouting perspective, how would these camps compare to the Olympics and the FIBA games?

Rogers: These are immature (players) not professional vets. The campers here are from 14-18 years old. From a scouting perspective, sometimes you get young ladies that have a talent level to be professional whether that’s Euroleague, WNBA, or the Olympics.

JB: Talk to me about how you got Noelle Quinn to help out with the program this year.

Rogers: Actually, once some of the players and coaches found out I was part of this program, they probably found out from me sharing all over social media. When I share my photos of Africa, everyone then comes to me and says, ‘I want to go to Africa! I want to go to Africa!’ I have a long list of people I have to get through; (Noelle) just happened to be first.

JB: You played the one season in Seattle which happened to be Breanna Stewart’s rookie season. Talk to me about your experience, what you noticed, and what stood out for her and Jewell Loyd, who was just in her 2nd season that year.

Rogers: I mean what didn’t stand out from those two perfect rookies? They were literally the best. I’m happy to be a part of their careers. Just how they carried themselves as athletes in the WNBA. When they first came into the league ready, they were pros already - they really had no learning curve. That says a lot.

JB: Is there any final message you want to get out about these camps for people to know about?

Rogers: I think it speaks for itself. It’s great to get the W coverage and interest in the W talent, that has decided to come here to give their time to these young ladies.

Noelle Quinn Interview:

Jeff Brown: When did you find out about this opportunity? And how did it come about?

Noelle Quinn: Yeah, about a month and a half ago. I played with Monica overseas in Turkey. We became really good friends. She thought it wouldn’t be a stretch for me to come. I was with Canada basketball in September and October. I reached out to other people who have come and asked Monica questions about it. I always wanted to come to Africa. What better way than supporting the youth? But really it was through Monica.

JB: Talk to me about your roles and responsibilities at the camp here.

Quinn: Every day we go through drills with the girls. We’re evaluating the talent every single day. Observing the talent - we have an amazing set of coaches (lists a few WNBA players) - we break down drills, and they’re learning from the best to be the best.

JB: Does the camp include scrimmages along with the set drills?

Quinn: Yes. We break down drills, offensive and defensive drills. They scrimmage one another at the end of the day. From what I’ve seen the past few days, they’re doing a good job of breaking down the drills and things have been really competitive.

JB: You’ve talked in the past about always wanting to learn more and pick up more information. What really stands out for you from this experience?

Quinn: First and foremost, basketball is a universal language. It’s amazing to be on a different continent and see the passion these young ladies have. The people that are supporting them. Not only about basketball but learning life skills and leadership skills. They’re so passionate. Being on African soil is a surreal moment. The teaching point for me is that basketball transcends life. It’s a connector, a communicator, and a love language that brings us all together. Sometimes it’s not all about learning the X’s and O’s but also understanding the impact in life. It’s not just wins and losses or winning championships. It’s our responsibility to give back and continue to grow the game.

JB: That leads to my next question, how important is it for the WNBA to continue to expand and grow the game outside of the United States?

Quinn: It’s very important because when you talk to these young athletes about their goals and their aspirations - a lot of them talk about wanting to play in the WNBA. It’s something to have coaches and players that are in the WNBA that they can get information and knowledge from. As the game continues to grow, hopefully, we can get more players and coaches here on this continent. So they can have the opportunity to play at varsities, prep schools, high schools, and colleges, and eventually, obtain their goals because they are capable They are more than capable. They are very talented athletes. I think seeing it’s possible because we’re here in front of them they can dream bigger. It’s within sight for them.

JB: Has there been a favorite part of this experience? Maybe beyond just the coaching that’s really stood out.

Quinn: A lot of things honestly. It’s so cool just being here, being amongst some amazing individuals. We have a chance to go to Goree Island tomorrow so this answer might change after that. Everyone has been so amazing. It’s so fulfilling from Day 1 until now. The instructions are solely about basketball. Growing and complimenting one another. In turn, the basketball has been better because of those attributes that they’re learning. My experiences have been fulfilling, and how much they’ve touched me and how I’m trying to help them.

JB: Separate from the camp and the experience, but something I really want to get your take on. When looking at being a professional coach - looking even outside of the WNBA, you can look at the Seahawks’ situation. Where they had to make a decision of whether to trade Russell Wilson or fire Pete Carroll. Most fans shouted - “Fire the old coach! Fire the coach!” But it turned out they made the right choice in choosing the coach. Another example is the Kraken expansion hockey team - they didn’t play very well as an expansion team. They didn’t have a lot of success last year and all the fans are shouting “Fire the coach! Fire the coach!” But this year they are playing really well. Right now they are in a playoff spot. Talk about the challenges as a professional coach, everyone is so quick to shout “Fire the coach” but you have to have time to implement your systems. You have to have time to work everything out. Talk about the challenges of that and dealing with unrealistic or difficult expectations!

Quinn: It’s tough because all teams, organizations, and franchises want to win. And they want to win now. For me, understanding that (pressure) comes with the territory. Just be confident in the system that you create as a coach. The trust that what you’re doing is for the betterment of the team all the time. Fans aren’t going to always see it. But the people that are locked in - the team, the organization, the ownership group, the general manager - I guarantee there is a trust and a faith, a knowledge, and understanding that it might not always go right but the direction is always for the betterment of the team. Some experiences say hindsight is 20-20. We see that with the Seahawks’ situation working out. You need to know the coaches are doing the best they can. Nobody wants to lose. Understanding, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose with the coach, it’s everything that comes with it. For me, it’s being the best version of yourself, continuing to learn, grow and get better. Hope you avoid injuries. You just have to deal with it.

JB: Last one from me, I’m not expecting you to name any names but Free Agency in the WNBA is coming around the corner in a month or two. Talk to me about how excited you are about that.

Quinn: Yeah, super excited. Getting this opportunity in Africa is great and then when I get back as the head coach of the Storm. Free Agency is going to be an exciting time obviously. We know there will be some big free-agent names. To build our roster, free agency comes before the draft. We’re going to have a lot of meetings to discuss our plan. I’m excited for all the things that come with Free Agency. The good, bad, and indifferent. We’re competing for a championship every year. We’re looking to build around our center blocks. Hopefully, we’ll be competing for another championship!

Notes: I hope you enjoyed the interviews! Thanks for your support! Have a safe and happy holiday season with your families and loved ones.