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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Having an evidence-based approach was a phrase uttered countless times Tuesday during Portland Fire head coach Alex Sarama’s introductory press conference.
“My vision is to create one of the leading analytics programs in the WNBA,” said Sarama. “I truly believe we are creating something unique.”
That does not mean Sarama won’t be accounting for the humans behind those numbers as well. Player autonomy is a must for the Fire’s first head coach.
“For me, it starts with complete transparency with the players and having frequent and very regular conversations. I’m a huge believer that the best environments are player-led,” said Sarama.
Sarama has been leading with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the last year as the organization’s head of player development. He held the same role with the Rip City Remix the year prior.
Sarama will stay on with the Cavs and also continue his role in Portland until the new WNBA CBA is announced.
Sometimes, player development coaches can get overlooked for bigger jobs. That is obviously not the case here.
“I’ve never seen myself as a player development coach,” said Sarama. “Every coach does player development, and if you want to do player development well, you have to know the X’s and O’s side of basketball. You have to know principles of play (and) analytics. I think the days of player development just being an on-court thing, it’s past that.”
As mentioned before, Sarama has a past in Portland. He’s excited to get back.
“What I remember here is that the fans are so passionate about basketball, and I really think that will make the difference,” said Sarama. “To be able to play in that type of atmosphere is amazing.”
It’s not just this city’s love of basketball that excites him.
“I think there’s no better city in the US which epitomizes values we believe in at the Fire, like social equality and racial justice. I really think at the Fire it’s perfect because it aligns with us completely,” said Sarama.
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Brenna Greene
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