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Lisa Willis Breaks Glass Ceiling Within NY Knicks Organization

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER — Willis, a former New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks guard in the WNBA, joins a growing number of retired WNBA stars now holding important positions for basketball teams including Becky Hammon and Kristi Toliver, assistant coaches for the San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards, respectively. Still, she contends it’s foolish to waste time debating whether men or women come better equipped to coach a men’s team.

Published

7 years ago

November 12, 2019

Oakland Post

Lisa Willis, a former UCLA women’s basketball team standout and WNBA veteran, recently made history becoming the first female coach in New York Knicks history. Her duties will include serving as an assistant coach for the Knicks’ G League team – the Westchester Knicks. (Courtesy of Warren Doles)

By D. Kevin McNeir, Senior Editor, Washington Informer

If you’ve ever doubted the validity of the adage, “what a difference a day makes,” consider the changes that have occurred in one short year for California native Lisa Willis, recently making NBA history with her segue into a position almost exclusively reserved for men.

Just a season ago, Willis, 35, a former UCLA women’s basketball team standout and record-shattering sharpshooter in the WNBA, focused her attention on improving the level of performance and knowledge of the game as head coach for the girls b-ball program at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA.

However, with the announcement by one of the NBA’s most-celebrated organizations, the New York Knickerbockers, Willis secures a page in the franchise’s archives as the first female assistant coach for their G League team – the Westchester Knicks (the official minor league team).

Who Says Women Can’t Coach Men?

Willis, a former New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks guard in the WNBA, joins a growing number of retired WNBA stars now holding important positions for basketball teams including Becky Hammon and Kristi Toliver, assistant coaches for the San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards, respectively. Still, she contends it’s foolish to waste time debating whether men or women come better equipped to coach a men’s team.

“Men and women are different, absolutely,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t do the same things they do. It’s not an issue of better but different – different methods and different outlooks. As a woman, I didn’t want to be brought in so the Knicks could check off a box. What matters is whether I’m qualified.”

“There are some men who fit the traditional image of an NBA coach but they’re aren’t very good at their job even though, or even because, they’re men.”

“I’ve always been a coach I suppose. I realized that while working with the girls at T.C. Williams. That’s when I first acknowledged how much I love to mentor athletes – both on and off the court. If you’re not helping your players develop, then you’re not coaching. Management picks the players – coaches have the responsibility to coach those players. And it’s an all-encompassing job, for both the head coach and their staff.”

“I know wins and losses matter but you can’t measure success on a team’s record alone. Players have a variety of needs – needs that must be addressed and met if a coach wants them to perform at their highest possible level.”

“Men coaching women? Women coaching men? Truth be told, neither the efficiency or effectiveness of a coach can be determined by or limited to gender.”

Family Matters and a Dream Deferred

While the recent season opener scheduled for Nov. 9 had to be delayed due to problems with court conditions, Willis says the celebration continues both for her and the “team” which she credits as being integral to her success – her family.

“There were so many times along the way, even in this recent process which led me to the NBA, that I wanted to quit but my family wouldn’t let me,” she said. “They let me know that I could do whatever I wanted. They helped me see myself the way God created me, and they’ve cheered for me every step of the way.”
Willis admits having once considered abandoning basketball for a more traditional nine-to-five job, denying the passion she says she so deeply simply by being around and involved in the discipline-building sport. But her father’s love, ardent support and the relationship forged between the two served as the impetus for the strength she needed to never give up.

“I was my father’s little hooper,” she said. “He made sure I had everything I needed to pursue my dreams and we had a strong basketball relationship. Whenever people have shared their congratulations, I’ve had to deal with mixed emotions because my dad, who died in 2017, was my guy. It’s been a bittersweet experience. More than anything, I wish he was still here sitting on the sidelines and rooting me on.”

More Mountains to Climb

“The journey I’ve taken has often been trying so to get to this point really feels amazing and awesome,” she said. “Less than 10 other women are currently coaching in the NBA and naturally I feel the pressure. But I decided a long time ago to remain faithful, trust in God and allow Him to take the wheel.”

“Sometimes I became angry or sad when doors through which I wanted to enter were closed. But my faith told me that there were other doors that I’d find open. The Knicks have opened a door for me. Now, it’s my responsibility to do a phenomenal job and make sure that door stays open for others – other women – to enter.”

The regular season for the Westchester Knicks continues through March with the playoffs culminating in April.

For inquiries about Lisa Willis, contact Warren Doles, 202-553-3404 or www.thenexxtone.com.

Willis, who also owns and manages a basketball training company, can be reached at either www.lisacwillis.live or www.hoopsmd.com.

This post originally appeared in The Washington Informer.

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NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts found Darius Cooper with nine seconds left for the game winning touchdown as his team beat the Tennessee Titans 24-20 in Nashville. Hurts finished the day 26/37 for 264 yards. He threw for two touchdowns and two interceptions. Prior to the final drive, the Eagles ran 25 plays for 45 […]
The post NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Prior to the final drive, the Eagles ran 25 plays for 45 yards. During the final drive Hurts went 6-8 with 61 passing yards and the touchdown. Titans defensive tackle — and team captain — Jeffery Simmons said this week that the way to defend Jalen Hurts is to make him “play quarterback.”

Hurts said to Simmons after today’s game: “You started that sh**. I had to finish it.”

Running back Saquon Barkley suffered a stinger in the first half but he ultimately finished the game. He had four carries and nine yards and one catch for eleven yards. He will get an MRI for his injury, but admitted to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network he was fine.

Caleb Williams leaves game against Vikings with apparent lower-body injury

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was helped off the field with a right leg injury with 7:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams was down, writhing in pain after scrambling to his left. After departing the injury tent, Williams raised his right fist, acknowledging the crowd while expressing his frustration. Testing will commence on Monday to find out more details about his injury.

“We’ll know tomorrow,” Johnson admitted regarding Williams’ injury. “He’s in good spirits. He’s a team player.”

Williams finished the day with 138 passing yards and one interception.

“I’m actually happy it’s nothing with the knee — that was my first inclination,” Johnson said. “But, a hamstring could be pretty damaging as well. So, we’ll see. We’ll see how bad it is tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”

Bryce Young once again dominated the Falcons

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is 5-1 against the Atlanta Falcons and is undefeated at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Today, Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns as he led the Panthers to a 34-3 dismembering of the Atlanta Falcons. Georgia Tech alumnus Darren Waller caught two touchdowns and linebacker Devin Lloyd returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown.

Cooper Rush started his second straight game for the Falcons and it did not go well. The partisan crowd voiced their displeasure after Rush completed 10/17 passes for 86 yards and two interceptions. Jack Strand entered the game for Rush prompting cheers from the Falcons fans. The rookie threw a pick-six on his first career pass attempt. Strand was the first QB to accomplish that feat since Sam Darnold in 2018 and is the first Falcons player to do that since Brett Favre in 1991. Strand finished the day with 59 passing yards and 16 rushing yards.

According to reports, quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. is expected to make his season debut this Thursday at the Green Bay Packers. His return should help the Falcons. They are the first team since the 2008 Rams to not run any plays in the red zone after the first two games to open a season.

The bright spots for the Falcons today were the Spelman College Jaguarettes performing with the Falcons cheerleaders and Florida A&M’s marching band, The Marching 100, also performed during halftime!

Jayden Daniels gets carted off after apparent arm injury

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels appeared to injure his left elbow on the final play of the first half in his game against the Dallas Cowboys. During the play, Daniels got stepped on, braced himself for the fall, and his elbow bent the wrong way. Daniels draped a towel over his head as he exited the field on the cart.

He was later ruled out.

Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow to the same arm during week nine of last season against the Washington Commanders, which led to him being shut down for the remainder of the season.

The post NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win

Master the complete vehicle-purchase negotiation framework with Roosevelt Gist and Roosevelt. Learn every stage, tactic, and win!
The post The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Negotiation framework stages, tactics, and winning strategies from AutoNetwork

Roosevelt Gist and Roosevelt deliver the complete vehicle-purchase negotiation framework in Episode 8 of The Color of Our Money Is Green. This episode covers the three foundations of every effective negotiation, the full seven-stage negotiation sequence with exact language for every stage, and five of the most common dealership tactics with the specific response each one requires.
What You Learn in This Episode:
The three foundations that make every negotiation tactic work
The complete seven-stage car-buying negotiation sequence
Exact language for every stage of the dealership conversation
Five common dealership tactics — the turnover, the four-square, the packed payment, spot delivery, and forced add-ons — and how to counter each one
Why signing preliminary paperwork isn’t the same as signing the final contract
___________________________________________________________________
“The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost” — stan.store/RGist
____________________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.

How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost

AutoNetwork.com
CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.

The post The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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Mazda CX-90 Luxury: Heated Seats & Premium Comfort! #shorts

Stay toasty in the CX-90! Plush Nappa leather, heated/ventilated seats, and a memory-equipped heated steering wheel deliver ultimate luxury.
The post Mazda CX-90 Luxury: Heated Seats & Premium Comfort! #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Mazda CX-90 interior with heated seats offering premium comfort.

Experience ultimate comfort in the CX-90. Nappa leather, heated/ventilated seats, 8-way power adjustments, and memory settings for both front passengers. The heated steering wheel with memory tilt/telescope adds premium convenience.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/EH5A4eQ4ipY