On this week’s edition of ‘Luxury Tax’, Minnesota Lynx rookie Alissa Pili stops by to talk all things WNBA with
, and . From her new mentors in Minneapolis to her partnership with Nike as one of the faces of Indigenous athletes in North America, Pili talks with No Cap Space about a variety of experiences she’s had in the world of professional women’s basketball.You can listen to the podcast here or read the full transcript below.
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Tyler DeLuca, No Cap Space WBB: Alissa, thank you so much for joining us today. Let's start off with the Commissioner's Cup. First off, ‘Champagne, Cheryl’. Some of those pictures we were getting of Champagne Cheryl were kind of crazy. Can you take us into what the celebrations were like after the Commissioner’s Cup game? Because every picture I saw, it looked lit. It looked like a good time.
Alissa Pili, Minnesota Lynx: No, it was for sure. That whole game, it was a battle. So I think that just made it that much more rewarding. I mean, the locker room after it was pretty crazy. They put plastic bags over the room because they already knew it was about so it was cool. My first year, and it's the Minnesota Lynx first time winning the Commissioner’s Cup, so it was a big deal. And everybody was just going crazy. They brought the champagne they had…I don't know how many bottles there was a lot. They were just it was fun. It was really fun. I think we were probably there at the arena for like a cool hour 30, almost two hours after the game, just celebrated. And even on the bus, like on the way back to the hotel, everybody was still turned up. So it was a good time. It was really fun.
Tyler: From a player perspective, with an in season tournament like this, can you tell the difference? The championship game, it's probably gonna have that feel but like in the build up to that? Because I think sometimes when we talk about in season tournaments from the outside looking in, we might not get the the feel. That ‘this one matters more’. From the player perspective, what is that feeling like with the in season tournament?
Alissa: It was really cool for us to just establish our spot. Winning that tournament in the middle of the season, I think our team was so new. We have a lot of new faces and the way we were clicking from the beginning up to the Commissioner’s Cup tournament. And also, a big motivator was definitely the money. So that was a nice little reward to get that. But I think overall, the biggest thing for us was just to kind of prove and establish ourselves at that point of the season.
Greer Engonga, No Cap Space WBB: So you bought up the money. You're a rookie. We know what rookie salaries are like in the W so to get a lump sum like that, I want to know, how did you treat yourself after winning the Commissioner's Cup?
Alissa Pili, Minnesota Lynx: It’s funny that you asked that because I didn't really do nothing with the money yet. I've been, you know, I got my rookie salary, like you said, so I've been trying to be an adult.
Chauny Powell, No Cap Space WBB: You didn’t least roll around in it? Make some snow angels??
Alissa Pili, Minnesota Lynx: I was spraying it for sure. I was turnt, I’m not even gonna lie. But no I just been trying to help budget my stuff better. And with that amount of money, it was just good to kind of just see where I'm at financially and get myself started since this is my first year with a real job. I'll be helping my family out too. So I know they were probably happy.
Chauny: That first time out when you got to learn the budget and, you know, go get groceries and the light bill…it gets real in the field. So having won the Commissioner's Cup, what's the attitude like amongst the team? Because I know Cheryl was talking heavy afterwards ‘Y'all gotta talk about us. Now, y'all got to.’ And I was like, ‘hey, respect. We do. We do have to talk about y'all now.’ And then I saw you at All Star flexing with the Commissioner’s Cup. I love that. So how's the team mentality heading into the second half of this season?
Alissa: I think we're all just excited to see where our trajectory goes. And we've had a great start so far. But like I said, it's harder. My experience from being in college, that home stretch is so hard because as the games go on and everybody gets tired. And then you've played everybody so many times so everybody's kind of just adjusting and finding new ways to to do that against the same team. So I feel like this home stretch was really important for us to do well and just to find different ways where we can still be us and have our identity but also just keep winning and be successful in that aspect.
Greer: I want to talk about the people who were left behind — not left behind — but were in Minnesota over the break, right? Like Rebekah Brunson, Katie Smith, these are two of your assistant coaches with the staff who've been pros. You just talked about the the grind of being a pro, right? So while Cheryl was handling business overseas, what were they in your ear about over the break?
Alissa: So three of our starters weren't there so it was more reps for me and people on the bench too. Defense was huge. I think it was something we worked on. Just being aggressive and knowing our help, show and all that. I mean, Cheryl is all about defense and that's something that you know you have to make sure you're on point to be to be able to play for her. So I think that was a big thing because it was something that our second group kind of struggled with sometimes. After being on break for a couple weeks, the plays kind of went out the window. So just getting the rust off and getting back to that. Just learning how to continue to be aggressive and and find ways to just score, move the ball, because our offense is really fluid when we move the ball and and are aggressive. And so those are main things like that we focus on coming out of the break.
Chauny: I feel that though because a long holiday break and you go back to work, and it’s like, what do I even do? I forget my job description. Why am I here? But what's it been like so far playing for Cheryl Reeve because she's one of the legends in the game, coaching wise, and has a very strong personality. We've seen it throughout but she still seems like she's 10 toes down about y'all. What has that been like?
Alissa: It's been really fun. I think, playing for a coach like that who has been there and done that, won championships and I feel like coming in, I already had the utmost respect for her. Just being on the inside and seeing how she coaches and how she is with the team and the players, it definitely just made me trust her and made me have comfort in knowing I'm in good hands. And so rookie season, it's tough but I think when you have a good coach and a good supporting staff like that, like I do, it just kind of takes some stress off my shoulders for what's in store. And so even though it may be tough right now, I know that they have a plan. And I mean, Cheryl, like you said, she's…she could be…she's brutally honest. And that's something I love in a coach. Because, growing up, my dad was my main critic and he would never sugarcoat nothing and that's how I respond well to things. And so having a coach like that's straight to the point and doesn't BS or nothing like that it it helps me to to elevate and get straight to the point of things I need to improve on and things she needs from me. And then also the respect thing too comes from, like, she doesn't just do that with her rookie. She does that with her stars, everybody on the team. She doesn't care who it is.
Chauny: There's smoke for everyone!
Alissa: But at the same time she rides for us hard. She makes that known and like she's very supportive and she's just overall a great person. I love talking to her and I've had conversations with her and I feel like going into them, I'll be kind of nervous but once you talk to her, she makes it really easy and she just wants what's best for all of her players. So knowing that it just it helps me kind of be more open to talking and kind of wanting to just be the best player I could be and make those improvements and things like that.
Tyler: I'm interested in that because you mentioned that the staff having a plan. I think, just generally over the years, Minnesota has been a franchise where it feels like development has been something that is allowed, And sometimes in the W especially with the roster crunch, that's just not something that you see from every organization. So I'm curious on the inside, what has been the conversations? Like ‘what is that plan?’ When it comes to ‘this is the track we want you on.' This is where we want you developing.’ From the outside looking in, I was so excited to see you going to Minnesota because I knew of the track record when it comes to giving young players time to find their space in the W so what kind of is that plan that you guys have discussed?
Alissa: First and foremost, I think she just wants to bring out the competitor side of me and even though I'm a rookie, I feel like she just wants me to be more aggressive and just be more like, not outspoken, but step into this leadership role even though it may not be comfortable for me. Especially because, coming in here, I'm a rookie, I don't have no place. So with a team full of a lot of players who are vets and it's kind of hard to do that sometimes. So I feel like her asking me of that is just speaks volume of what she she wants me to be and what her plan is for me. And it's the same story in college. I came in as a freshman and quiet, timid, all that. And by my senior year I stepped into this leadership role where I was being more vocal. And I did a good job of stepping into that leadership role. So I think it's kind of a reset for me where I have to find my voice again and find the ways that I could step into that role. And honestly, most of the time it comes from what I do on the court and so when I'm in a position where I can't do that as much, I gotta find different ways to contribute that to the team.
Greer: I think the kind of like personality shift that you're talking about also happened for a different player on your team, in Napheesa Collier, right? Like, she wasn't a very demonstrative player. Like, this year, we've seen her answer with other teams…
Chauny: Hold on! She was turned up last year too! This is a progressive I've we've watched the Phee smoke tour!
Greer: It took five years, you know what I mean? Or four years of her being in the W to kind of unleash that side of her. I'm curious to know, because then you got somebody on the opposite like Courtney Williams, right? Who loves that, right? So who do you look to in the Lynx locker room? They they drafted you seven. So they have plans for you, like you said. But which vet are you really connecting with right now?
Alissa: I think they're all great and, like I said, I've been shy, I've been timid a lot of the time and I'm starting to kind of break out of that now, at this point of the season. I would definitely say Phee has been a big part of that. In practices, and just like in general, like me and her we'll have personal conversations about not even basketball sometimes. And then Courtney, obviously, she's just a very outspoken person so every time, especially in practice, she'll let me know something I'm doing that she needs me to do better. And so I feel like, as a collective — all of our all of our vets — they've done their best to kind of help me and put me in better positions to succeed. To answer your question. I would say Phee because she's my position and I could relate to her more. And, like you said, me and her kind of had the same personality. Coming in, I feel like she's somebody who could really, and has really, helped me with just being in the W, being a rookie and all that.
Chauny: And in that same vein, what's it been like watching her this season? She's an MVP candidate. She's on everybody's radar and having a season that will honestly, in a franchise that has a lot of Legends, could stamp her name. What's it been like watching what she's doing this season?
Alissa: It's been amazing. Like, I'll be on the bench, I'll be hyped. She be doing some crazy things. And the way she carries herself, the way she plays, it's just so respectable. She's an amazing athlete and she does so much for this team. I feel like her child on the bench, just watching her, being inspired. And so I feel like when you have a player like that who's having a season like she is, it’s super inspiring. I think it just gives me motivation and hope to know that I have somebody like that on my team who really has my back and will hopefully help me get to be in that role.
Chauny: You see the vision in the future. So Sylvia found Sylvia Fowles been around? You got to meet her?
Alissa: She's been to a bunch of our home games. So I've gotten to meet her and talk to her a little bit. She's super cool. I like her.
Chauny: You got Sylvia Fowles, Rebekah Brunson, Katie Smith, Napheesa Collier. Like, you are vetted out. Has that sunk in? Just how many legends you have around you?
Alissa: Not really. It hasn't sunk in the way it should. Because now that I hear you name all those names it’s a lot. They're all such great people. They're all insanely like humble too. So you don't realize how many of these superstars you have around you when they're all just genuine people. When I first got here, not even middle of the season, I was over here Googling all their highlights and stuff!
Chauny: Look, don't be caught lacking. I get it. I respect it. And just to let you know there might be a chance you see Maya Moore so just brace yourself. So, just be ready for that.
Alissa: Man, it's crazy. The legacy here and the people around here, it's all greatness. So I feel like it's super motivating to want to get that.
Tyler: Well, you got the perfect support system to do. You got a Mount Rushmore of vets. I did want to ask off the court as well. You've had some stuff going on this Nike N7. I think this is super cool. Take me through the process of these conversations. How this started and what are you hoping to accomplish as a Nike N7 athlete?
Alissa: So the first time I had heard about it was towards the end of my season at Utah and then, once my season ended and the draft and all that was over and things kind of settled down, I talked with the Nike reps and they had told me that they wanted me to represent the Native American side of Nike. Before they reached out to me, I didn't know that that existed. And so to be able to represent that and kind of build that brand up and make it more known, I feel like that's a huge like this opportunity. The support I've gotten from my community and my cultures, it's been amazing. It's something I wear on my sleeve and I feel like everybody knows that by now. So to be able to do that for a brand as amazing as Nike — it's a worldwide brand — I feel like it's super special. And just tapping more into my indigenous roots and my Polynesian roots, it's been super special for me to stay grounded through it all. It's amazing opportunity. I'm super excited to continue to represent them and build that brand.
Tyler: It feels like at like all 12 locations in the W, like home and away, there's been different groups and they're there to see you. What has that meant to you? Because I guess it really has felt like at like every stop there’s a post on social media about you meeting different people. What has that aspect meant to you, being able to do that in person and have those connections?
Alissa: Yeah, I mean, that's what it's all about. I feel like bringing the fans out and just the support that I've seen. Everywhere I go it doesn't matter, home or away. I think what's so special about it is, it's my rookie season and obviously people know that I'm still finding my way. I'm still trying to find my way in the W and I may not get to the chance to play that game but they're still going to come out and support. So I mean that alone, I feel like speaks volumes to just the support and the unconditional support. They're not always supporting me when I'm out here scoring 20. They're supporting me when I'm on the bench cheering my teammates on. So I feel like that has meant the most to me this season just how big the support system has gotten and how it didn't just stop in college. It’s continuing in the WNBA. I've seen crazy things, people telling me they travel from so far and that just blows my mind. I feel like that kind of just opened my eyes to the impact that I've had and the amount of love that people be showing me. And so I'm super grateful for that and it's something I don't take lightly. So that's the part of the reason I'm so motivated, I'm so grateful and just happy to represent my people because they've always shown up for me.
Chauny: So what was your welcome to the W moment? Did somebody cook you at practice? Was it in a game? Did you miss the bus?
Alissa: Oh, yeah, I haven't been late I don't think to anything. I've been too scared to do that! I would say, I think we're playing Phoenix at Phoenix…it was that game where Copper hit that three to win it too. I was out there and I think we're in a zone or something. I was supposed to drop back and Diana Taurasi is sitting in the corner and I know in my head, ‘she's behind me, they're about to pass her.’ I don't know why I stepped up. I don't know why I did that. But once they pass it to the corner, I'm trying to bust my butt back there. That's a shot. And then I just hit her hand. She shoots three and makes it and a four point play out like, ‘damn.’
Chauny: What'd she say after? Because I know she said something.
Alissa: No, she didn't say nothing to me.
Tyler: That might hurt me worse honestly!
Alissa: Once that happened, Coach Cheryl, put me back on the bench and she said ‘Welcome to the League.’
Chauny: ‘It happens, but have a seat next to me.’ I had another one because you had this viral clip earlier in the season. Y'all are at practice. You're ending practice with the half court. How the freak cid you hit a half court shot palming the ball like water polo.
Alissa: I did shot put in high school. And I've done that. I feel like I've done that before just messing around. I don't know. I feel like if y'all try to it wouldn't be that hard.
Tyler: The wins keep piling up for y'all, and we were very excited to see what goes down the rest of this way for y'all this season. Y'all look legit. We're tapped in. Thank you so much, Alyssa for joining us here in no cap space,
Alissa: Of course. Thank you all for having me.
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