Milton-Jones Still Contributing, Even from Sidelines

WNBA Champion? Check. WNBA All-Star? Check. Olympic gold medalist? Check. All-around women�s basketball legend? Check!

Delisha Milton-Jones is a 16-year WNBA veteran with a wealth of passion and knowledge for the game of basketball. After a midseason trade to the Atlanta Dream from the New York Liberty, she felt a sense of relief and renewed peace.

�Being able to come home, be reunited with Coach Michael Cooper, Coach Karleen Thompson, and Teresa Edwards � who I played with on the 2000 Olympic Team � it was the icing on the cake,� Milton-Jones said. �I was familiar with everyone, and they were familiar with me. It was a natural fit.�

Indeed she was welcomed with open arms by the Dream community. However, a right Achilles tendon injury during her second game with the team caused her to miss the remainder of the regular season.

�It�s disappointing every day that I am not out there on the court,� Milton-Jones said. �But, I feel in my heart and soul that your presence can be felt far beyond what you do when you�re on the court getting minutes.�

Milton-Jones has made it a priority to give energy and motivation to her teammates despite being unable to play alongside them. Her veteran leadership on the sidelines at practice and in the games is remarkable.

�There are moments where a voice is needed,� Milton-Jones said. �And if it can�t come from any of them, and there is a look of confusion, then who is going to be the leader to step up and say the tough things? I feel like that is where I come into play.�

She has also embraced the unofficial position of a player-coach.

�I think it�s one that wasn�t necessarily given to me, but it�s one that comes with my experience,� she said. �And Coop wants me to just be me. With being me, he knows that I am vocal, and he knows that I am not afraid to say the tough things. If it�s for me to get on my teammate, and demand more out of them, he knows that I will do it.�

The connection between Coach Cooper and Milton-Jones dates back to 1999, when he was one of her coaches and she was a rookie in the league. His mentorship has impacted her in numerous ways.

�He�s shown me how to be statuesque, classy, and professional,� she said. �And he�s shown me how to be tenacious, nasty, energized, and a motivator. You don�t get that from a coach.�

All of these fundamentals contribute to Milton-Jones� success over the years. While she has an extensive player r�sum�, there is another position that would suit her very well, too: coaching. Even though it is currently not on her radar, she stated, �I do have a very high interest in coaching.�

Regardless of what the future may hold for Milton-Jones, her talent, demeanor and years of experience continue to influence masses. She is undoubtedly recognized as a legend in women�s basketball.