The 2005 WNBA Rookie of the Year was announced during Game One of the 2005 WNBA Finals this Wednesday. After receiving her trophy, she chatted with fans online live during the second half of the game from courtside.
Find out
how this recent college graduate found her first year in the WNBA, what she is
planning on doing in the offseason and who she thinks will win the Monarchs-Sun
series.
Moderator:
(9:10 PM ET ) And here she is, the 2005 WNBA Rookie of the Year...
Jackie ( Laurel, MD): Temeka, it was pure joy watching you run the Mystics point this past season. How does it feel to have silenced all the doubters? I look forward to seeing your play and leadership continue to develop into one of the best WNBA point guards in the league for years to come.
Temeka
Johnson: (9:11 PM ET ) It feels great, but I have to realize that
I will always come across people that will doubt me, and I just have to continue
to play the way I am capable of playing. Xavier (Dallas,Texas): Hi tameka johnson , my question for you is what did you learn from this season in the WNBA and what should some College Seniors Coming in the draft next year should expect?
Temeka
Johnson: (9:12 PM ET ) To come in and humble themselves. It's
basically like being a freshman in college all over again. They have to remember
that it is still the game of basketball and just play the way they are capable
of playing. Jacky Bethesda MD: Congrats on the rookie of the year--we Mystic fans believe in you! What are your plans for off season?
Temeka
Johnson: (9:12 PM ET ) I plan to go and play overseas in Israel.
Washington DC: First I'd like to say I hope you & your family faired well through Katrina. Secondly, Now that you've taken RTY honors. What are your plans, for taking the team further next year?
Temeka
Johnson: (9:13 PM ET ) Thank you very much. Yes, my family is
fine. Plans for the future is to continue to get better in every aspect possible.
Margaret(albuquerque): How was your first year in the WNBA different from your college years? And what are your goals for next year? Thanks!!! i'm such i'm big fan!!!
Temeka
Johnson: (9:15 PM ET ) First off, it's a job. Second, you get
paid for it. College years will always be the best years of your life. Jessica Wichita<,Ks: How did the veterns treat you like the first couple weeks or so? Did they have like a rookie hell week or whatever?
Temeka
Johnson: (9:16 PM ET ) I think I was lucky. I didn't really have
many problems with veterans. They actually embraced me. AAA: First of all congradulations on winning Rookie of the Year!! I also won rookie of the year this past year at my high school! I was wondering who you thought was going to win the finals this year and why? I personally hope that Connecticut will win. Congrats again on a great year!
Temeka
Johnson: (9:17 PM ET ) It is very hard to say because of the talent
in this league, especially the two teams in the Finals. It will come down to the
wire. Brittany (Greensboro, NC): As a rookie, everyone needs a mentor. Who has been yours and how helpful has he/she been in your adjustment to the WNBA?
Temeka
Johnson: (9:18 PM ET ) On the team, it would be DeLisha Milton-Jones.
She took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. It really helped. Dray: Congratulations Meek!!! I'm proud of you. I'm glad that you have showed the people who doubted you. When will you be back in Baton Rouge?
Temeka
Johnson: (9:19 PM ET ) Thank you very much. I will be back next
week. Alessa from Trumbull, CT: To the WNBA Rookie of the Year, congratulations. My question is this: After being a player do you think you will ever coach and possibly at what level?
Temeka
Johnson: (9:20 PM ET ) I would love to coach. That's what I want
to do when I'm finished playing basketball. Preferrably Division I... T(middletown,ct): Congrats. Beacause you won the award do you feel pressure to peform to another level next year,and if so how would you condition to do that?
Temeka
Johnson: (9:22 PM ET ) I am thankful for this accolade. There
is no pressure in performing better next year because that's what great players
do anyway. They want to improve every year. That's what I plan on doing. Temeka
Johnson: (9:23 PM ET ) I want to thank the fans for all their
support. Everyone who voted for me to be Rookie of the Year and to every person,
our organization and everyone that contributed to helping the city of New Orleans.
Moderator:
(9:23 PM ET ) No, thank you Temeka, and congratulations.