You can ask for much better coaching than that.

That is exactly why Marynell Meadors received the 2009 WNBA Coach of the Year Award. She already had a wealth of coaching experience under her belt (35 years worth) when she was named head coach of the Atlanta Dream for their inaugural season. One year (and a complete roster overhaul) later, it’s clear that the Dream have a bright future in Atlanta.

2009 WNBA Rookie of the Year, Angel McCoughtry was influtential in the Atlanta Dream's amazing turnaround this season.

“This season was just awesome. I loved coaching this team,” Meadors said, according to ESPN.com. “They came in from day one and played as hard as they could play, and I thought `Wow, this is going to be something special,’ and it certainly was.”

Dream starter and standout, Angel McCoughtry was also named 2009 WNBA Rookie of the Year.

The 14-win turnaround is the second-best in WNBA history.

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WNBA Coach Of The Year Is Not A Surprise

Most expansion teams take a few years to get themselves together. After last season’s laughable performance,  the Dream looked as though they were going to follow the expansion blueprint. Then something shifted.  Veteran players were traded and talented rookies joined the team. Now, the Dream is a team of believers on the cusp of basketball redemption. They have gone from the WNBA’s worst team to playoff contenders in a single season thanks to players like Angel McCoughtry, Chamique Holdsclaw, Michelle Snow, Ivory Latta, and Armintie Price.   

Head coach Marynell Meadors deserves some serious Coach of the Year consideration. If the Dream can stay focused and capitalize on their momentum for the duration of the season, their “dream” season might carry them all the way to a WNBA Championship.

Atlanta Dream 2009 highlights:

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The Atlanta Dream’s “Dream” Season

But after obtaining a dismal 4-30 record (the worst in the WNBA’s 2008 season) the Dream made some impressive off-season moves and  have positioned themselves to have a successful season.

Angel McCoughtry could have an immediate impact with the Atlanta Dream this season.

With the number one pick in the draft, the Dream drafted Angel McCoughtry, the former Louisville star who proved to be both an offensive and defensive force throughout the NCAA tournament. In addition, the Dream also signed free agent center Michelle Snow and former Tennessee standout Chamique Holdsclaw.

Add Nikki Teasley and Sancho Lyttle to the mix and the Dream have the foundation for a force to be reckoned with. And I can guarantee that they win more than four games this season.

Image: Zuma

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Atlanta Dream Could Be A Force In The WNBA

Though Courtney Paris shed tears only a couple days earlier after failing to make it to the championship game, on Wednesday she was all smiles when she was drafted 7th by the Sacramento Monarchs.

The number one overall pick went to Angel McCoughtry, the former Louisville All-American who will now be part of the Atlanta Dream.

Here’s a recap of the Top 10 2009 WNBA Draft picks in full:

1. Atlanta Dream — Angel McCoughtry
2. Washington Mystics — Marissa Coleman
3. Chicago Sky — Kristi Toliver
4. Minnesota Lynx — Renee Montgomery
5. Phoenix Mercury — DeWanna Bonner
6. Indiana Fever — Briann January
7. Sacramento Monarchs — Courtney Paris
8. New York Liberty — Kia Vaughn
9. Minnesota Lynx — Quanitra Hollingsworth
10. Connecticut Sun — Chante Black

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Top Ten Of 2009 WNBA Draft

Up by 12 points at the half, Oklahoma was cruising to the championship game. But Louisville had other ideas. Angel McCoughtry came to life in the second half, scoring 14 of her 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds to lead her team its first-ever national championship game.

Louisville's Angel McCoughtry got the upperhand against Oklahoma's Courtney Paris during the Women's Final Four semi-final match-up.

Meanwhile, Paris wiped away the tears as ESPN pulled her aside for a post-game interview. Everyone knew the question was coming.

Would Paris make good on her promise to pay back the cost of her four-year scholarship if the Sooners failed to win the title?

“I do make good on the guarantee,” she answered firmly. “Not today, though. Obviously, I don’t have $64,000 waiting, but I do make good on it.”

Paris may leave her college career without a championship title, but she certainly has plenty to be proud of. She’s the NCAA’s best rebounder of all time and the first player to block at least 100 shots in each of her four years in college.

The only unfortunate think is that she’s now out $64,000.

Photo provided by Newscom

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Courtney Pairs Vows To Repay Her Tuition