December 19, 2024
Locked On Women’s Basketball: Eric Thibault on WNBA offseason
By The Next
Thibault: 'The best teams are going to be player-led'
The WNBA is in the offseason, but this is when great teams get even better. New Minnesota Lynx associate head coach Eric Thibault won a championship as the associate head coach with the Washington Mystics back in 2019 and will be coaching alongside Cheryl Reeve and former Lynx great Lindsay Whalen for the 2025 season. On Thursday’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, host Gigi Speer asks Thibault about his offseason conversations with Lynx guard Kayla McBride, his plans for watching Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled, and what aspects of his coaching philosophy he looks to expand with the team that was inches away from winning a championship this past season.
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Thibault expresses his excitement about working with the Lynx’s talented roster, noting the importance of adaptation and growth in a new coaching role. He emphasizes that his approach to coaching is rooted in fostering player development and creating a culture of accountability and unselfishness. As he reflects on his past experiences, he shares how he’s seen players like Elena Delle Donne make significant sacrifices for the team, which has profoundly impacted his coaching philosophy. He remarks, “The best teams are going to be player-led,” highlighting the importance of strong leadership both from the coaching staff and the players themselves.
As a new member of the Lynx’s coaching staff, Thibault aims to contribute to this foundation by helping players grow, both mentally and physically, as they prepare for a championship run. His ultimate goal is to ensure that, as a team, everyone continues to get “1% better” in each area, ensuring they are prepared to compete for a title in the upcoming season.
Related content: Locked On Women’s Basketball: For Lindsay Whalen and Minnesota Lynx, a WNBA reunion worth waiting for
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