Westchester, NY.  The ABA Westchester Phantoms have named former WNBA New York Liberty legend Teresa Weatherspoon as head coach of the team that will be playing in Westchester this season after moving from Brooklyn at the completion of the 2006-2007 season.

"This is something I really wanted to do even before I was out of the WNBA," the four-time All Star said to reporters.  "Once I was asked, I immediately said yes.  Regardless of what I've done in the past, or how I've played the game, I have to earn respect in a different way.  I don't anticipate any problems at all."

The 41-year old Weatherspoon played in New York for seven seasons before joining the Los Angeles Sparks and has been retired for three years.  She also won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1988. Coach Weatherspoon will have to form a roster from a group of 25 players that will compete for a spot.  The team plans on carrying 10 active and 5 on a 'standby' taxi squad.  One of those players is Weatherspoon's brother, Tim Gittens, who is known by 'Headache' on the Harlem streetball scene.

"He's getting the same treat as everybody else," added Weatherspoon.  "He's got to bring it. He's got to fight for his life on the court like everybody else." 

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