In years past the coaches of the teams that played for the championship in year X got to coach the All-Star Game in year X+1. But John Whisenant, whose Monarchs lost in the 2006 finals ,isn't coaching the Monarchs anymore.

Rather than give his successor the gig, the league will take the coach whose team has the best record in the West as of July 1. Donna Orender, visiting Arco Arena last night, calls the new method "equitable." (Downside: effects on travel plans.)