Cavalaris: Even the biggest of stars look up to Summitt

Stacey Dales-Schuman was playing for Oklahoma in the 2002 NCAA women's tournament when she first crossed paths with Summitt.

It was an unforgettable moment, either way you look at it.

"Pat is just a great coach," said Leslie, an outstanding 6-foot-4 center and three-time Olympian. "Obviously, she knows her X's and O's, but she's also very personable.

"Sometimes it is very hard for a coach to be enthusiastic about the game and also get to know you as an individual," Leslie said. "Overall, just meeting Pat will always be a high point of my life."

One of Leslie's few regrets is not getting to play for Summitt. She had the chance during the recruiting process, but opted to stay close to home and signed with Southern California. Her all-star career has blossomed for nine seasons in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks.

Dales-Schuman also is a fierce competitor and would have fit in nicely with the Lady Vols, too. She played with intensity and intelligence and still cherishes a chance encounter with UT's coach.

"I met Pat when I competed for Oklahoma at the Final Four in '02," Dales-Schuman said. "She was walking down a hallway and I was walking down a hallway. She kind of stopped and introduced herself, and I thought that was the neatest thing. It was perhaps the best thing that could have happened - besides getting to the Final Four."

Summitt also is a consultant for the Washington Mystics and advised the WNBA team to draft the 6-foot point guard.

"We've had a good relationship ever since we met," Dales-Schuman said. "I have tremendous respect for her."

Summitt, of course, needs just two wins to pass North Carolina's Dean Smith as the winningest coach in college basketball history.

Should No. 1 seed Tennessee avoid the unthinkable in a first-round match-up with Western Carolina on Sunday, the chance to make history will occur Tuesday night against the New Mexico-Purdue winner.

Dales-Schuman and Leslie are college basketball analysts and will be watching alongside studio host Rece Davis.

Will they also be watching the greatest women's coach of all time?

"Pat has always been a great coach," said Leslie, who displayed the type of quick thinking that helped her become the 2004 WNBA defensive player of the year.

Dales-Schuman responded in typical fashion. She said exactly what was on her mind.

"To answer your question," she said, "I honestly have to say yes."

She pointed to Tennessee's demanding schedule of top-25 opponents and how other schools are trying to duplicate this approach.

Yet again, imitation could be the greatest form of flattery for Summitt.

"She has influenced other people to step out on a limb and get better," Dales-Schuman said.

A lot of coaches probably think Summitt knows how to hold a saw, too.

Send questions or comments to AskChuck@knews.com. Chuck Cavalaris also will host The Ticket Sports Page Live today from 3-4 p.m. on WQBB-AM 1040.