Photographic Memory: Mercury guard Diana Taurasi

WNBA.com's "Photographic Memory" asks players to look at a photo of themselves and talk about what it captures -- what was going through their mind at that moment of the game and what the photo reveals about their style. Here, guard Diana Taurasi talks about her role on the floor as a primary decision-maker. Whether driving to the hoop, passing or scoring, Taurasi is the catalyst as a point guard.


Taurasi won an NCAA championship and an Olympic gold medal in 2004.
Bill Baptist/NBAE/Getty Images

Q. So this is what you look like in action, driving to the basket. Even though you are right-handed, are you as comfortable taking it with the left?
"Oh yeah, totally. I am equally comfortable going to my left or my right. I probably like going to my left a little bit more, actually."

Q. Can you tell what you are thinking in this picture?
"Since I am matched up against Tina Thompson here at the top of the key, she is probably coming off of a rotation. She probably closes out pretty well, so I put the ball on the floor either to make something happen for myself or a teammate."

Q. What happens when another defender comes over? Do you look to pass then?
"Most of the time when I drive, I try to create for other people. That's my job on the floor."

Q. So what happened on this particular play? Did you score or pass?
"I went strong and scored. I think I got an "And One" on her right there. No, I'm just kidding, Tina."

Q. What makes you decide whether to shoot, drive or pass?
"It depends on who is guarding me and where I am on the floor. When I catch the ball and a smaller player comes out to guard me, I can shoot over the top. If it is someone a little bit taller or longer, because at the end of the season, they started putting small forwards on me, then I'm going to try and take them to the lane more."

Q. Which do you prefer to do? Go strong or drain a jumper?
"Sometimes it depends on the situation. We might have just shot four three-pointers in a row, so we need to get to the basket. We are either getting fouled or getting a bucket."