Branching out: Shock forward Nicole Powell received her first coaching assignment Friday when it was announced that she was joining the staff of Gonzaga University.
In her 10th WNBA season and first with the Shock, Powell said she's been considering the coaching field for a few years.
"I've been talking to people close to me about when's the right time and can I really see myself in that role, can I make a difference and can I put myself in a position where I have a chance to win," she said.
"That was really important to me and they've had so much success and it's a family atmosphere. It's a great fit for me," she added.
Coach Kelly Graves, heading into his 14th season at Gonzaga, has guided the Bulldogs into six of the past seven NCAA Tournaments.
Powell, traded in the offseason from the New York Liberty, was averaging 7.7 points and 4.2 rebounds for the Shock.
Back in action: Rookie point guard Skylar Diggins started in place of Angel Goodrich and scored 12 points and added seven assists but seven turnovers in her first start since spraining her ankle against Minnesota on July 13.
"I was just trying to do what I can. Angel's such an important part of our team - she's like my partner in crime - and everybody has to step up when somebody like that goes down," Diggins said.
The loss knocked the Shock out of playoff contention.
"It's unfortunate, but we still have games to play and we're playing for pride now," Diggins said. "Obviously, we all wanted to make the playoffs, but we're competitors, and you don't quit. You never quit."
Lift in the middle: Tulsa also played without 6-foot-8 Liz Cambage, but Courtney Paris gave the Shock seven points and 11 rebounds. The rebounds were her season high.
"You lose your center and your point guard, but I thought we fought hard. We just have to stay focused and come out and try to win some games," Paris said.
Pro W Basketball (WNBA)
9 p.m. Saturday
Basketball Australia manager Tamara Sheppard was in town to meet with Shock officials Thursday and discuss the responsibilities of Australian national players in international competition the next three years.
