Diana
Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury, No. 1 pick
Advice: "My advice to the incoming rookies would be to just listen to everything
people say. That is probably the one thing I tried to do the most in order to
get the most out of the experience. When you come in as a rookie, you are really
shy and don't want to step on people's feet. But ask questions, get a lot of information
from the veterans, the coaches, the people who work for the league."
Memories: "It was nerveracking and a real whirlwind. The minute they call
your name, you start posing for pictures, you do an interview for television and
then go through a whole whole gauntlet of interviews. But it was fun, though."
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Lindsay Whalen was picked fourth by Connecticut, not Minnesota. Jeff Reinking NBAE/Getty Images |
Lindsay
Whalen, Connecticut Sun, No. 4 pick
Advice: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime day. You don't get drafted
all the time. You have to enjoy it, embrace it and get excited. For the kids coming
out next year, my advice is to just have fun. Obviously you'll be nervous because
you're on national television and everyone is talking about you and you don't
know what is going to happen, but then it all unfolds so quickly. You have a new
city, you're in training camp and the season is underway again. It's nerve-wracking,
but try and get beyond that and have fun."
Memories: "There was a lot of build-up on Draft Day as to what was
going to happen with me and Minnesota, but once I knew where I was going, that
became my mindset and I was excited about the opportunity to play in Connecticut.
Things worked out for the best. I remember the first question they asked me as
soon as I was picked was whether or not I was upset about it right on national
television. I was very excited and wanted to show that I was being positive."
Nicole Ohlde, Minnesota
Lynx, No. 6 pick
Advice:
"Don't be nervous because there is nothing to be nervous about. Except when
you have to go answer questions from all the NBA and the WNBA.com interviews.
No, I'm just joking. It's a great time."
Memories: "I really remember being nervous beforehand because I didn't
know exactly where I was going. After I was picked, I was so excited and grateful
for the opportunity that I was about to get. It seems like it was forever ago,
but at the same time, it feels like it was just yesterday."










