WNBA Draft 2008: Live Chat
Posted Apr 9 2008 5:35PM
The WNBA Draft and the top college seniors are coming to Tampa. And this year, Sidney Spencer of the Los Angeles Sparks (right) and the 2007 Rookie of the Year runner-up will join us to co-host our live WNBA Draft chat on April 9 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Spencer was selected herself in the second round of last year's draft out of Tennessee and had a superb rookie campaign. And as a former Lady Vol, Spencer has a unique perspective on Candace Parker and the other Tennessee players likely to be chosen on draft day.
So scroll down and send in your questions now for the top Draft prospects and join us LIVE on April 9 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
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Potential Draftees
Scheduled to Attend
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| Matee Ajavon, Rutgers Nicky Anosike, Tennessee Morenike Atunrase, Texas A&M Essence Carson, Rutgers Quianna Chaney, LSU Sylvia Fowles, LSU Laura Harper, Maryland Amber Holt, Middle Tenn. St. Alexis Hornbuckle, Tennessee Charde Houston, Connecticut |
Tasha Humphrey, Georgia Crystal Kelly, W. Kentucky Crystal Langhorne, Maryland Erlana Larkins, North Carolina Candace Parker, Tennessee LaToya Pringle, North Carolina Khadijah Whittington, N.C. State Candice Wiggins, Stanford Tamera Young, James Madison Sharnee Zoll, Virginia |
Adam Hirshfield: We are ready to go with Ms. Sidney Spencer of the National Champion Tennessee Lady Vols. And she also plays for the Sparks... Send in your questions now!
And away we go!
Edward Leon Killian (Pasadena, Calif.): Hi Sidney! Will you be very happy if Sparks get Candace Parker? Are you going to be her friend again?
Sidney Spencer: I would love to be able to play with Candace again. I've already played with her for two years and I would love the opportunity to do it again!
Tony (Cleveland, OH): Hey Sid!! I know you were glued to the set last night like you were on the sidelines! Me and my daughter (9 yrs. old) were watching the game and she was excited to see the Lady Vol's win back 2 back titles even though she wanted to attend the 2007 campaign in Cleveland, but couldn't. During the game she says "Where's #1 with that orange mouthpiece? I like her!" I told her you play for the Sparks now, and she's tryin to get your jersey as we speak. She loves Candace, too. She plays b-ball and hopes to play for Tennessee someday. So my question would be, do you have a preference on who you would like to see on your team? It would be nice to see a Lady Vol's reunion in L.A.(if L.A. drafts Parker) (...but my daughter wants her in Chicago so she can actually attend more than 1 game!) What do you think about Sylvia and Niki (Fowles & Anosike)? Who would you think be the better fit cause Lisa (Leslie) only appears to have 2 years left in her tank. Either way, I wish you the best and I know you'll represent this year like only Tenn. alumnist can do! In my opinion You and Cappie are the best that the West backcourt has to offer hands down! Much love and success in your future!
Sidney Spencer: First of all, I think all three of them are fantastic players and will have an immediate impact on their teams. If our team goes with Candace or Nikki, I would LOVE to have a Lady Vol reunion, especially because I already know how they play and their tendencies on the court.
Sylvia will be a dominant player wherever she goes, too, and I've played against her enough to know that I'd much rather have her wearing the same uniform as me. :)
Amalea (Los Angeles CA): As the steal of the second round of the draft last year, who do you think will be the steal of the second round this year?
Sidney Spencer: Depending on how things play out, this draft is so deep that there will be plenty of steals to be had in the second round. I really think people, even in the second round, are going to come in and contribute.
Sidney Spencer: I keep looking for my Tennessee girls... and I'm sure they'll be here soon... but I'm more worried about them getting here because one of them has my contact lens... Yes, I'm chatting with one eye. Sorry for any typos! ;) Haha, get it?
Adam Hirshfield: Sidney's contact has arrived! We are good to go!
Leon (Grasonville, MD): Do you still keep in touch with your former teammates and how do you feel about the repeat last night?
Sidney Spencer: I sure do! And I almost felt like I was repeating myself last night! If I could have been on the court with them, I sure would have been. But I was in the stands screaming my head off. That's why my voice is so hoarse today.
Veronica Palmer (Pittsburgh, PA.): Hi Sidney, I'm a huge fan of yours and the Lady Vols! How would you describe the draft experience and the rookie season you had last year?
Sidney Spencer: I wasn't actually at the Draft last year. The night before, we won our National Championship and I was at home celebrating with the rest of the town in Knoxville.
As for the rookie season, it was amazing. It was hard because we had a rebuilding year, Lisa was out and Chamique retired. But the good part was that I got a lot of needed experience and I think it will help my career in the long run.
Scott from Hoover, AL: What was your most embarrassing moment as a rookie in the WNBA?
Sidney Spencer: I need to think about that one for a second... Hmmm....
OK, during one of our exhibition games, I was really hot. Physically warm, I mean. So when I went out for shootaround, I only had my shooting shirt on. So right before the game, I was getting ready to take my shirt off to play... and well, you can figure out what I almost did. Thankfully, my equipment manager caught me just in time with my real jersey. Phew. :)
Kyle - Hoover, AL: For Sidney Spencer...Do you feel the WNBA fan base is growing and why? Do you have any rememerable fans that have followed you from college to the WNBA?
Sidney Spencer: My most remarkable fans, my brother and his best friend... they'd wear these orange, fire-camo outfits to the games, wide collars with the collars popped, aviator sunglasses and huge signs for me. They'd heckle the other team with personal information. Talk about superfans!
Greg Garrison Riverside, CA.: Sidney could you compare your former coach Pat Summit and your current coach Michael Cooper?
Sidney Spencer: They're both very big believers in the idea that defense and rebounding win championships... That held true for the Lady Vols last night and I hope it holds true for the Sparks in 2008. Pat is more intense and Coop's a little more laid back and relaxed. But they're both amazing coaches.
Kevin (Saginaw, Michigan): Hi Sidney. I personally am a Sparks fan (unless facing Detroit). I have attended Sparks games last season and the season before. My question is: Would you rather play in the starting lineup or play more of a 6th woman role?
Sidney Spencer: Whoa, a Sparks fan but a Detroit fan, too? I don't understand!
But onto your question, as long as we win games, I don't care whether I'm starting or coming off the bench. I'm here to help my team, however I can do it.
ChelseaTexarkana, Texas: hey syd have the lady vols got their yet
Sidney Spencer: YES! They have arrived fashionably late, but they're here. And they're looking fantastic!
Alan from TN: Hey Sidney. My daughters (13 & 10) were watching last night as the Lady Vols repeated. After a shot of Auguste (sp?) with her mouthpiece in, My oldest remarked, "Ya think Sidney still wears her orange mouthpiece?" I joking told her, "No, they pass those down and Auguste is wearing it now but someday if you make it to UT you'll have to wear it too. LOL" So... DO you still have the mouthpiece?
Sidney Spencer: Heck yeah! I still have the orange and white one! And I'm still trying to get a gold and purple one for the Sparks. It's a work in progress, but hopefully in time for the season!
Adam Hirshfield: OK, we're getting close to magic time!
I'm seeing tons of college coaches in attendance, including Tara VanDerveer from the runner-up Stanford Cardinal. She seems happy, if a little exhausted, after last night's setback.
Sevallis Jersey City NJ: Big fan! I predicted that you would play in the WNBA and some day play for the USA Senior National team. Why you have a great body for basketball and a great form. The only think I thought you was missing was confidencea and you are with the right coach! What type of advice would you give Nioky Anosike because she is so under rated like your self.
Sidney Spencer: I think whoever drafts Big Nik will be very lucky, because she puts her heart and soul into every minute on the court. And she does tons of things that don't show up on the stat sheet. And her coach will instill that confidence in her, because it's just waiting to come out and shine. She'll be a terrific player in this league.
Adam Hirshfield: We are live on TV! So check us out for the next hour on ESPN2!
Adam Hirshfield: The L.A. Sparks are officially on the clock!
Adam Hirshfield: Michael Cooper taking phone calls about that No. 1 pick? There's talk... But who knows? Just over a minute left before it's due.
Sidney Spencer: I know who they're picking...
Adam Hirshfield: And Donna is at the podium. With the first pick in the draft, the Sparks select... drum roll... Candace Parker, University of Tennessee.
Sidney Spencer: I just stood up and clapped. I'm soooooo excited.
Sidney Spencer: She's such a great all-around player and she'll help us out tremendously.
Adam Hirshfield: So Candace, how does it feel? National title one night... first pick in the draft the next day. How do you feel?
Candace Parker: Wow, a mix of emotions. It's been an amazing 15 hours. I can't even describe how I feel.
steve, colorado: This is for Candace. Do you feel you'll be able to help the Sparks right away in your rookie season?
Candace Parker: I've watched them a lot. And being teammates with Sidney, I've seen them play a lot and want to fill whatever voids I can.. and to play with a legend like Lisa is pretty amazing.
Sarah, LA: Hey Candace. Are you excited about the chance to play with Lisa Leslie?
Candace Parker: I'm trying to do whatever the team needs me to do. Playing with Lisa will be an honor and something that will help me out a ton. She'll be a great teacher and I'm going to soak up everything I can.
Adam Hirshfield: Chicago opts, shocker... for LSU post Sylvia Fowles at No. 2. We'll have Big Syl in just a minute.
Deon (Carbondale, IL): This question is for Ms. Fowles. I am a big Tennessee fan, but I give credit where credit is due, you are an amazing talent. Congrats on a great college career and good luck for a long and great pro career. Now, as a Chicago Sky fan (#2 in draft), what do you think that you would bring to the organiztion that will help them get closer to a spot in the WNBA playoffs?
Sylvia Fowles: Just my energy and work ethic. Just to have the ability to have Dupree and Armintie around me, they'll help me learn and I think we'll all take them far.
Sidney Spencer: I think you could be the Dwight Howard of the WNBA. What do you think about that?
Sylvia Fowles: It's a great honor to be compared to him. He's a beast! It's a blessing!
Tiffany(chicago,IL): Hi, Sylvia. First I would like to say that you an amazing player.Your career at LSU was excellent and I really enjoyed watching you play.My question is What are your some of your goals you want to acheive now that you're at the next level? What to do you think the fan atmosphere will be like? Keep up the great work! Much luv from your #1 fan
Sylvia Fowles: Just to accomplish whatever comes my way. I dont have specific things yet, but I'll handle whatever they throw at me and I'll do my best to get it done.
Adam Hirshfield: Candice Wiggins, No. 3 to Minnesota! And she's here already!
i <3 basketball: CandIce, you are my absolute favorite player and role model and I can say that even as a Husky fan. Good luck in the WNBA and the Olympics. My question is, how do you take losing? What do you do afterwards and how do you overcome it? THANKSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Candice Wiggins: You really just have to come back and try to take the positives from your performance. Last night was devastating, but we're proud of the way we played during the season and we have to look on the positive side of things. Don't let the negatives affect you.
Shaluan (Dallas, TX): Candice, my mother told me you remind her of me with your humble personality and that beautiful smile you always carry! What is it that keeps you smiling on the court and in life?
Candice Wiggins: Just the fact that I'm happy. I'm blessed to have a lot of great things in life and I look at the all of those things and smile. It's hard not to.
Adam Hirshfield: Alexis Hornbuckle, No. 4, to the Detroit Shock.
Felecia Johnson: Alexis Hornbuckle, most WNBA teams are looking for point guards and shooting guards that are a threat, that can score at any given moment. You are a great guard known for defense. What attributes do you bring to the game above and beyond those in the draft known for their scoring ability that makes you the second guard taken in this year's draft?
Alexis Hornbuckle: I'm the type who wants to get the small things done. The intangibles. I'll do whatever I have to do for my team and I think the Shock will recognize that. I'm hoping to be a great addition to the team.
brian, memphis: Alexis, what kind of emotions are you feeling aftre winning the title and being drafted?
Alexis Hornbuckle: I'm on an emotional high. It hasn't all hit yet. But I'm so looking forward to everything. And I have family in Michigan, too, so hopefully they'll come see me play.
Adam Hirshfield: And No. 5... we're waiting on the Comets... Donna says: Matee Ajavon from Rutgers.
Sidney Spencer: Oh, man... she's gonna do great there in Houston. Sidney Spencer: First question for Matee... Houston has the best mall in all of the WNBA. Are you ready to shop your behind off?
Matee Ajavon: I'm excited for the opportunity to go to Houston. And I know it's hot there, but at least I'll be able to shop for nice summer clothes there.
Shaluan (Dallas, TX): This question is for Matee.. What has Coach V taught you on and off the court and how will you transfer those things to the WNBA?
Matee Ajavon: She's taught us mental strength and how to get through adversity. Keep working hard and you can get through just about anything.
Adam Hirshfield: At No. 6, the Mystics select Crystal Langhorne from Maryland. They're loving it in College Park!
Sidney Spencer: Seriously, how do you average over 60% from the field? What's your secret to shooting so well, because I would kill to put up numbers like that?
Crystal Langhorne: I shoot a lot of layups, to be honest. Byt my teammates who are so good make things a lot easier for me. Even when I'm getting double teamed, my shooters hit their shots and make me look good out there. It's easier getting to the rim when they hit their shots.
Adrianne, D.C.: Crystal, what do you expect to be the biggest adjustment going from Maryland to thw WNBA?
Crystal Langhorne: The talent every night. Defensively, it'll be difficult to stick with people. And offensively, it'll be an adjustment as well, but I think I'll eventually get the hang of it...
Oh my gosh, I can't believe I'm going to Washington!
Adam Hirshfield: The Liberty take Essence Carson at No. 7... keeping the Rutgers grad close to home.
Bonnie, NJ: Essence, what strengths do you think you will bring to the next level? GOOD LUCK!!
Essence Carson: I bring versatility, my defense at any position and I htink my shot has gotten a lot better, too. And things will continue to get better the more that I work at it.
Sidney Spencer: You're staying right around NY! You're so lucky! How are you feeling?
Essence Carson: What are the chances of that?!?! How amazing. My family lives like 20 minutes from the city! I think they'll come watch me a lot and I think the Rutgers fans, too, will come and watch us a ton, which is fantastic. I can't wait!
Essence Carson: Atlanta goes for Tamera Young from James Madison at No. 8. The first ever player from JMU to be taken in the draft.
Sidney Spencer: How do you feel, girl? I'm so excited for you! You just made a ton of records... how does it feel?
Tamera Young: Wow, I don't even know what to say right now. I'm shaking. I'm excited to stay on the East Coast and it's not too far from home and my family. Going so high is just a total shock! What an honor. My mom is crying.
Boog (Maryland): Tamera, Will you finally dunk on them for me, when you get to the league? Proud of you.
Tamera Young: I can grab the rim, but not so much with the dunking. I'll try, though. Thanks a lot for the confidence in me.
Chip: For Tamera Young, James Madison. Do you feel comfortable playing the point?
Tamera Young: I played point before, but that's not my natural position. I'm more used to playing the wing, where I can grab a rebound and head out on the break. But I'll play wherever my new coach needs me to.
Tamera Young: With No. 9, the Sun go for Amber Holt. And she's here.
Brad S., Tennessee: Hey Amber, Congrats! I'm a fan, but what about the people that don't know much about you -- what do they need to know about your game?
Amber Holt: I'll go out there and play hard every play and every night. I'll leave it all out on the court. And I can't wait to get out there.
Sidney Spencer: Arent you excited? You deserve it, girl!
Amber Holt: I'm feeling good. Just nervous and I have to go to the bathroom. LOL.
Adam Hirshfield: Laura Harper, No. 10, to Sacramento. And she's here.
stephanie, arkansas : Laura Harper -- How's it feel to be top prospect with your teammate, Crystal Langhorne, in this draft?
Laura Harper: To go through the whole thing together is just an amazing feeling. I'm so blessed to be among these top players. The feeling is just indescribable.
Sidney Spencer: You are a well-spoken woman, girl. You're going to love it on the West Coast. It'll treat you right.
Laura Harper: Honestly, I'm just thrilled to be in the WNBA. I'm gonna have to get used to the west coast, but I really couldn't be happier. This is so exciting. And I'm delighted to be heading to Sacramento.
Adam Hirshfield: Detroit at No. 11 snags Tasha Humphrey. Super get at No. 11. And Sidney likes her suit.
Courtney (Auburn Hills, MI): Tasha, what do you think you'll bring to the Shock? And what do you think of Coach Lambieer's style?
Tasha Humphrey: There are a lot of Georgia girls playing in Detroit, so they've given me the inside scoop. He's hard on them, but he gets the best out of them. He and Rick Mahorn were bad boys in the NBA, and I can't wait to learn the tricks of the trade from them.
sally, atlanta: Tasha, you are the best! My question is what do you need to work on at the next level? Thanks!
Tasha Humphrey: Just improve my consistency. Playing with these great players, they'll keep pushing me. And playing with a team that's already won a title, I'm sure they'll get the best out of me. I can't wait to head to camp.
Tasha Humphrey: Ketia Swanier goes No. 12 to the Connecticut Sun. This Husky is staying very close to home.
Sidney Spencer: Yeah, she's the fastest player I ever played against with the ball in her hands. North to South that fast? It's absolutely amazing!
Adam Hirshfield: Ketia isn't here, unfortunately, but she's no doubt happy to be sticking in CT.
Adam Hirshfield: And with the 13th pick in the first round, the Mighty Mercury select LaToya Pringle from UNC. The defending champs are going with a big.
Sidney Spencer: Run and gun in Phoenix. Won't be too different from UNC, right? Playing with some amazing players... How do you feel about heading to Phoenix?
LaToya Pringle: I did say I wanted some warm weather and I'm gonna get that. There's a lot of pressure going to the defending champs, but I think it'll be a great experience. I can't wait.
Scott, NC: Hey LaToya. Do you feel like you can make an impact right away in the WNBA? Good luck!
LaToya Pringle: I don't know. I hope so. I have to get stronger and... gosh, I'm overwhelmed. It's gonna be a big transition, but I think I can provide the defense and rebounding that I'm used to doing, and hopefully that will be a big help with the defending champs.
Adam Hirshfield: Erlana Larkins finishes off the 1st round... headed to the Big Apple and the Liberty.
Sidney Spencer: How does it feel? the Big City?
Erlana Larkins: Wow, the big city is right. I don't even know what to feel... I'm excited and antsy... and i keep thinking when is this day gonna be over... But I've been waiting for this for a long time, so I'm so happy I finally know where I'm going.
Larkins fan!: Erlana, what's it feel like to be a first round pick? Go Heels!
Erlana Larkins: I don't know what to feel. It's such a rush! I have a headache! And I'm headed to New York! It's just crazy. I remember back when T-Spoon was tearing it up at MSG and I'm excited to get out there on the court.
Adam Hirshfield: With the 15th pick, says Renee Brown, the first pick in Round 2, the Sparks get Shannon Bobbitt from Tennessee. Sidney just jumped out of her chair. She is excited. Another Lady Vol. And now the Sparks have two of the most electric point guards in the league with Temeka Johnson and Bobbitt... and two of the shortest... Like I'm one to talk.
Quianna Chaney: With No. 16, says Renee Brown, the Lynx select Nicky Anosike from the national champion Tennessee Lady Vols. And if Sidney weren't already out of her chair, she would have jumped out again.
Adam Hirshfield: Wow, Nicky. Slick outfit! You look like you're going to the Academy Awards! Who are you wearing?
Nicky Anosike: My mom and sister bought it for me. It's made out of satin. I just got it last night after the game.
Sidney Spencer: It's a bucket dress! I love it!
Vol Fan in NC: Wow Nikki! 4 out of 5 so far of Lady Vols are drafted! How does that feel?
Nicky Anosike: We were impactful coming into TENN. We left our mark on Tennessee and hopefully we'll leave our mark on the WNBA too.
Chelsea (Kennesaw, GA): NICKY ANOSIKE! Your one of my favorite players. What do you think you'll bring to Minnesota's game?
Nicky Anosike: I'm not that familiar with the team, but i'm a team player and I'll do whatever I have to do to help the team win. I'm excited to go there.
Adam Hirshfield: With 17, the Comets get Erica White and with 18, the Shock select Olayinka Sanni from West Virginia... another big bruiser for Trader Bill.
Adam Hirshfield: With No. 19, the Sky select Quianna Chaney from LSU. Great pick this late. Terrific shooter, terrific girl. They'll love her in the Windy City.
Bobbie H.: Hey Quianna, how's it feel to be going to Chicago with your LSU teammate?
Quianna Chaney: I'm excited! I've been feeding her the ball for so many years and now I'll get to keep doing it. The weather isn't great, there, but I'll adapt pretty quickly... especially with Sylvia there to help out.
lsu rules!: Quianna, who are you looking forward to playing with in the WNBA? Thanks! Good luck!
Quianna Chaney: I can't wait to get on the court with Armintie and Sylvia. I don't even know what to say right now... I'm so happy just to be here and to be in the WNBA.
Adam Hirshfield: Lindsey Pluimer of UCLA going to Washington.
Sidney Spencer: She's a big girl and a touch matchup. She's a very solid guard who can post up and shoot the three-ball.
Adam Hirshfield: San Antonio opts for Georgia Tech shooter Chioma Nnamaka at No. 21. The Storm are on the clock right now for their first pick at No. 22. And with that pick, they take Allie Quigley from DePaul.
Sidney Spencer: Shooter! She can score and she's a smart, smart player. She'll be a terrific fit there. And she's always involved whether it's scoring or doing the little things.
Adam Hirshfield: She's not the best color person in the league for nothing, folks.
Adam Hirshfield: With No. 23, the Connecticut Sun select Jolene Anderson from Wisconsin. I saw her play at the pre-draft camp, and she's a very skilled ballplayer. Good shooter, good handle on the ball.
Adam Hirshfield: The Dream pick up Morenike Atunrase from Texas A&M with No. 24 overall. We'll have her here with us shortly.
Sidney Spencer: Yeah, the fashion major! She'll love it in Atlanta. And she is stylin today in a turquoise top and designer glasses.
brian, austin, tx: Congrats, Morenike. What's the strongest aspect of your game that WNBA players need to worry about?
Morenike Atunrase: Um, my offensive threat. I can shoot and get to the rim, whether for a layup or a pull-up jumper. And I can rebound.
Karman (Bryan, Texas): I just want to tell Morenike Atunrase that "We Love You, Mo!!!"
Morenike Atunrase: Thanks for all your support over the years at A&M. It means a lot to me that I'm not going too far and hopefully you guys will come see your Aggie in Atlanta.
Fabio, Milano, Italy: Hi Sidney! Since you're one of the best shooters in the league, I was wondering what nickname you got. =) By the way, great 07 season and, even if I am a Lynx fan, I'm looking forward to see you even better in 08. Cheers!
Sidney Spencer: Coop gave me a nickname on the second day of training camp. Maverick. Or Mav, for short. Like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, you know? I always have my guns loaded to shoot. :)
Adam Hirshfield: The Mercury go for point guard Leilani Mitchell from Utah with their second round pick.
She too was at the pre-draft camp, and impressed the heck out of everyone. She's just 5-5, but she's fearless, she has a terrific handle and she can take the ball to the hoop.
Adam Hirshfield: With No. 26 overall, the Fever get Khadijah Whittington from NC State. She gets a huge hug from Kay Yow before heading up on stage to meet Renee.
Sidney Spencer: She's another Tamika Catchings type of player. She's just 6-1, but she's an amazing athlete and has a ton of energy. She is a STEAL this low.
stacey h., raleigh: Hi Khadijah, what goals have you set for the next level? Good luck in the WNBA!
Khadijah Whittington: Just to make it on a team! I want to play to my potential and I'm gonna work hard to do it.
Sidney Spencer: And you're gonna play with Tamika. She's just an amazing person and she'll take you under her wing.
Khadijah Whittington: Tamika is my favorite player in the WNBA so this is gonna be an amazing exzperience for me. I can't wait to be on a team with her. She plays with heart and she has the all-around game. I can't wait!!!
Adam Hirshfield: OK, rounding out the second round, the Liberty pick up Wanisha Smith from Duke, another solid wing to back up Shameka Christon.
And with the final pick of the 2nd round, Bill gets another baller in Natasha Lacy from UTEP. I talked to her a couple of times during the pre-draft and was very impressed. She's a big body for a two and has a terrific handle. She'll fit in smashingly in the Motor City.
Adam Hirshfield: With the first pick in the third round, the Sparks get another super point guard in Virginia's Sharnee' Zoll. She'll be with us shortly.
Sam North Carolina: Sharnee' Zoll, entering UVA as a freshman you had a goal to meet, to bypass Dawn Staley's assist record. Have you set a new goal for the WNBA?
Sharnee' Zoll: Not yet. I'm just trying to enjoy being drafted. It's overwhelming right now, but I'll just focus on getting to LA and getting to training camp and making the team.
Sarah Wisconsin : Hi Sharnee- Who are you looking forward to playing with the most and against player wise?
Sharnee' Zoll: Playing with? I guess Candace Parker. I've played against her since I was nine. Playing against? Ill say Ticha Penicheiro. I love her game.
Sharnee' Zoll: Next, Minnesota gets Charde Houston from UConn.
UConn No. 1!!!: Hey Charde, what will you take from your experience at UConn to the WNBA?
Charde Houston: Just to be strong and do whatever's asked of me. I need to get my job accomplished. Right now, I'm at a point where I just want to make a team and work extremely hard. I need to show coach that I'm a talented player and that I can do whatever is asked of me.
Adam Hirshfield: And with No. 31 overall, the Comets are lucky to get Crystal Kelly from W. Kentucky.
Steven (Louisville, KY): Hi Crystal!! What did you learn from Nikki McCray at Western Kentucky? Kick butt in the WNBA!
Crystal Kelly: She taught me to have a different mindset and to be perfect in everything I do and to not settle for anything less than I should be able to do.
Sidney Spencer: And you're so lucky! You have the best mall in the WNBA! Are you excited? Are you into shopping?
Crystal Kelly: YES! I think I'm addicted! I need to make some money so that I can continue my habit. I can't wait to get to Houston!
Sidney Spencer: With No. 32, the Atlanta Dream pick up Danielle Hood from Hartford and the Sky go after Angela Tisdale from Baylor, a terrific point guard who will be a terrific addition to the squad in Chicago.
Adam Hirshfield: Thanks, Sid. And with No. 34 overall, the Mystics (and our host here, Dr. Sheila Johnson) go after Krystal Vaughn from VCU.
Adam Hirshfield: At No. 35, the Liberty make another Lady Vol happy, snagging Alberta Auguste in the third round. She's the fifth Lady Vol to go today. What a testament to Coach Summit. And something tells me Sidney will have a comment or two on this one.
Sidney Spencer: I'll tell you about Alberta. The way she played in the Final Four last year and this year really upped her stock. She's a former JuCo player who does all of the dirty work on the court. She'll go after loose balls, take charges, lock someone down on defense. She has a great attitude and wants her team to succeed. New York is going to love her game.
Kenny (Chattanooga, TN): Sidney. Got a boyfriend? Want one? I know it's a long way, but we can make it work.
Sidney Spencer: Whoa... I'm currently single... And if you're Conservative, over 6-3 and love Jesus, call me.
Adam Hirshfield: Wow... on that note...
Seattle snatches up Kimberly Beck from George Washington at No. 36 overall. Could there be a better point guard to learn from that Sue Bird? What a terrific situation for Beck to be heading into.
Adam Hirshfield: And Connecticut, with No. 37, select Lauren Ervin, a center, from Arkansas.
Sidney Spencer: Wow, that's a great pick for the Sun. I played against her in high school and was on the West Coast All-Stars AAU team... and she was a dominant post player. Great get for the Sun at this point of the draft.
LaShan (Kalamazoo, MI): Hey Sidney, how do you think your former teammate Alexis Hornbuckle will do in Detroit?
Sidney Spencer: Her and Tweety? Defense to offense, baby. That may be the quickest transition team in the league. And a couple of them can dunk!
Alan from TN: Sidney... I've notice you commenting quite a bit on the Ladies' clothes, and malls... and shopping, etc. LOL - Are the LA Sparks just sending your paycheck directly to a mall somewhere? J/K of course. Go Alberta!!!
Sidney Spencer: LOL. I love to shop, but to be honest, I look for the sales at the nice stores. I usually don't pay full price for things, but that doesn't mean I don't love to shop.
Cory, NM: Do you see Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie leading the Sparks in the same manner that Tim Duncan and David Robinson did in the late 90s and early 2000s?
Sidney Spencer: I think it's a great comparison! I hope so, because that would result in multiple titles. And we have Marta Fernandez, too, whose game a lot of people compare to Ginobili, so that's not the only Spurs similarity.
Adam Hirshfield: What is Sacramento going to do at No. 38? Renee? The Monarchs select A'Quonesia Franklin, a small point guard from A&M. She's a terrific scorer for her size and will be a nice complement to Penicheiro and Lawson in Sacto.
Adam Hirshfield: Alex Anderson goes to the Silver Stars from Tennessee-Chattanooga. She's a solid four who will only help things down low in San Antone.
Adam Hirshfield: At No. 40, the Monarchs go after a Polish big from UTEP, Izabela Piekarska. Nancy Lieberman is high on her. Next, the Mercury go after Marscilla Packer from Ohio State. Talk about more run and gun in the desert.
Sidney Spencer: How do you feel, Marscilla? You're going to the current champs! How exciting!
Marscilla Packer: Wow, a lot of pressure. But I'm so excited to be joining a team like this. I think I'll fit in really well and keep shooting. It's great to go to a team where you can focus on your specialty and hopefully learn a few new things, too.
Adam Hirshfield: Just two more picks to go... Detroit and Sacramento.
Adam Hirshfield: The Shock go after Ukrainian post Valeriya Berezhynska at No. 42. And the Monarchs snag Charel Allen from Notre Dame with the final pick of the draft. Congratulations to all of the players chosen!
Sidney Spencer: I think this draft was soooooooo deep that all of these players are going to contribute to the teams that selected them. And I can't wait for the season to start and to get back into camp with Candace, Bobbitt and the rest of the crew.
Adam Hirshfield: Sidney, thank you so much for being such a terrific co-host. Please come back next year in St. Louis and have a terrific season in L.A. We'll be watching!
Sidney Spencer: Thank you. :)
Adam Hirshfield: And with that, folks, we get to the end of the 2008 WNBA Draft. Huge stars at the top, a lot of talent in the middle and end of the draft. And you can't help but feel like the WNBA just got a lot more exciting! I can't wait for the season. Thanks again and we'll see you in a few weeks!
