Even though top WNBA prospects are nearly through with college, their educations will continue well into the WNBA. From veterans to recent grads, some of the WNBA's current players already making names for themselves in the league don their professor caps and shed some light on what the incoming rookies can expect.
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| The education and
the schooling continues for Lindsay Whalen. Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images |
"The biggest thing I learned is just how physical the play is. It's rough in college, but it's VERY rough in the WNBA. I play in the post, so it can be tough. One night it's Lisa Leslie, the next night it's Yolanda Griffith, then it's Natalie Williams. It's not easy and I don't think people realize how physical it is."
Ruth
Riley, Detroit Shock
"I think one thing you don't realize coming out
of college is that your new team is full of such diversity. There are people from
different areas of the country and the world, and from all different age groups.
In college, there is a close knit group of girls that you go to school with and
are roughly the same age. But as a rookie, there are veteran players who have
been playing for a long time and have so much more experience."
Lindsay
Whalen, Connecticut Sun
"I that learned everyone is tall, long and
fast. Everyone is a great player and you have to come ready and bring it every
night."
Swin Cash, Detroit
Shock
"This is the best women's basketball league, or professional women's
sports league, in the world. We have some extraordinary women who represent all
that young women aspire to be. There are mothers, daughters, sisters and wives,
all of whom are role models. This league is the total package."
"At first I was a little nervous about going out to the west coast. I didn't realize how much fun adapting to a new city would be. Not only off the court, but on it as well. The fans are so passionate in this league, its great to play in front of them every night."