Tuesday, October 2, 2007

After taking over as interim head coach four games into the season and guiding the Washington Mystics to within one victory of making the playoffs despite the worst start in franchise history, Tree Rollins told The Post yesterday that he has agreed to return as head coach next season. An official announcement is expected tomorrow.

Rollins agreed over the weekend to a one-year contract with a one-year team option. He declined to disclose the financial terms of the deal.

"I just want an opportunity to grow with the WNBA," Rollins said. "This is more or less my next career as a coach. I'm happy and I'm just excited to get started."

The move to bring back Rollins came as no surprise. Shortly after the season, Mystics president and managing partner Sheila Johnson joined several players by making public their interest in retaining Rollins.

"She has shown a commitment to me," Rollins said of Johnson. "She has given me a shot to go ahead and see what we can do. I'm very happy that I have the chance to pick up where we left off."

Rollins, 52, arrived in Washington in 2006 when he was recruited to become an assistant under former Mystics coach and longtime friend Richie Adubato.

After 18 seasons as a player -- mostly with the Atlanta Hawks -- Rollins had done stints as an assistant coach with the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic and the Washington Wizards. He also coached in the National Basketball Development League and in the American Basketball Association.

After he dropped his first four games as head coach and the Mystics lost eight straight to start the year -- the second-worst start in WNBA history -- Rollins helped the Mystics recover to finish 16-18 and one win short of a playoff berth. With Rollins as coach, the Mystics were 16-14.

Rollins said turning the team into more than just a playoff contender ranks among his highest priorities. In 10 seasons, the Mystics have never won more than 18 games in a season.

He also said he might shake up the team's coaching staff. Marynell Meadors and Crystal Robinson are both candidates to remain on the staff, though Rollins said he is searching for candidates who can bring veteran experience within the women's game.

-- Marc Carig