The Monarchs in last place. Doesn't seem possible. It's been what, seven years since they failed to make the WNBA playoffs? Four years since the championship parade down J Street? Four years since their last conference title?

John Whisenant is not a patient man. Since he's also the coach again – there's the added incentive, if needed – expect major changes.

Though it took a while to overcome his infatuation with his former players, the Monarchs coach/general manager is finally acknowledging that veterans grow old, injuries become chronic, team dynamics become stale and even the best defense needs a little boost from the offense once in a while.

"We need scorers," Whisenant said bluntly after Saturday's final practice, "and we need a point guard."

Whiz talking about offense? Not a misprint. He's stubborn, not stupid. When he replaced Jenny Boucek near midseason, waltzing back to the sidelines with his defensive theories and his considerable charm, the one-time Monarchs coach predicted a return to normalcy.

The defense would stiffen. The offense would more easily generate points. The core players remaining from his championship team would contribute consistently. The postseason streak would stretch to seven.

Instead, the Monarchs, who end the season tonight against the visiting Minnesota Lynx, limp toward the finish with their poorest showing in the Whisenant era, leaving the team's longtime boss confronting a very challenging offseason.

The first issue to be resolved, of course, concerns his own status as head coach. Once before, it should be noted, his contract demands strained his relationship with the Maloofs and cost him his job (2006).

That won't happen again. Whisenant wants to return, and the owners want him back. Besides, his wife is threatening divorce if he doesn't maintain full-time employment. (Only half-kidding about that last part.)

"Joyce says she likes me better when I'm coaching," he said, with a grin, "and I guess I like myself better when I'm coaching, too."

Since the Monarchs are an appreciably superior club when he's the one pushing, cajoling, scolding, teaching, his decision to again assume both tasks (personnel and coaching) is encouraging for the franchise.

But even coaches with healthy egos – Red Auerbach, John Wooden, Whiz – need healthy players, and in any future maneuver, durability must be a major consideration. These Monarchs spend more time in the training room than on the court.

Of the established players, Nicole Powell is the only veteran whose nightly presence is virtually guaranteed, which should preclude her inclusion in any potential deal. The former Stanford star also happens to be the best player. At age 27, she led the team in scoring, was second in rebounding, expanded her offensive repertoire and contributed adequate defense.

No, the major concerns pertain to her longtime teammates; specifically, the knee injuries that cause DeMya Walker, Rebekkah Brunson and Chelsea Newton to miss significant chunks of seasons, along with Kara Lawson's suddenly problematic knees.

"We missed Kara," said Whisenant. "Her perimeter shooting opens things up for our posts. Teams were able to crowd (the lane), and it was hard for us to score inside."

What Whiz understands is that he needs a talent upgrade, a point guard for Ticha Penicheiro to mentor, and good health. He stares at the standings and can't believe it, either.

The Monarchs in last place.

Doesn't seem possible.

Call The Bee's Ailene Voisin, (916) 321-1208.