Michael Cooper finds special meaning with ring as a coach.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

MIAMI _ When the WNBA champion Los Angeles Sparks received their title rings in the pregame ceremony before beating the New York Liberty on May 25, the players gawked and flaunted their platinum and diamond-encrusted jewelry.

All-star center Lisa Leslie likened it to an engagement ring and her smile beamed with the diamonds.

Sparks coach Michael Cooper knows how the players felt, having won five rings during his playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers (1978-90). But he said receiving the ring as a coach was more special.

``As a player, you can do something about it, physically getting down the court and stopping someone or make a big basket,'' Cooper said.

``Everything that you tried to think in your head and give them on the court, the players have to be receptive to it and have to be respectful about what you want to get done as a team.

``To have them believe and do it and win a championship by getting it done the way you said is actually almost better than winning one as a player.''

As the Sparks rejoiced in the memories of the 2001 season and watched the banner go up at the Staples Center, Cooper stood silently, absorbing his first coaching championship in his second season at the helm.