What was the toughest part of the 2003 season?

Sheryl Swoopes
I think the toughest part was having to deal with all of our injuries and never really being able to get our chemistry going this season.


Who was the hardest team or player you had to face and why?

Sheryl Swoopes
I think the hardest team for us this season was probably San Antonio. We always had a hard time matching up with them. Their record didn't show it, but they always play us tough and we have a hard time matching up with them.


Were there specific goals you'd set for yourself as a player this season? Did you reach them?

Sheryl Swoopes
I always set goals for myself every season, otherwise you won't have anything to work for. Obviously I didn't reach them, since my main goal was to get back to the championship and we didn't. So that's a goal I'll be setting for us again next year.


What are your plans for the offseason?

Sheryl Swoopes
First of all, I'll spend a lot of time with my son, taking some time off from basketball, pursuing other things I want to do outside of basketball, possibly modeling, acting, getting my foundation going, basketball camps, and then getting ready for next season.


What are some of the things you want to work on basketball-wise during the offseason?

Sheryl Swoopes
There are lots of things I need to work on. I didn't really feel like I had a Sheryl Swoopes type of season, so I want to work on my whole overall game, ball handling, shooting, and just getting stronger overall.


What do you think your team needs to do to improve for next year?

Sheryl Swoopes
I thought we had a very good team with some great athletes. I just felt like we were pretty inexperienced in some areas, and I think once we get our confidence and chemistry going, I think we'll be fine.


Anything you don't have time to do in the season that you're looking forward to doing this offseason?

Sheryl Swoopes
I just plan on taking some time off, spending time with my son, just relaxing, since I don't really get to relax during the season.


Who is your favorite NBA team and why?

Sheryl Swoopes
The Houston Rockets. I think the Rockets have a lot of potential to become a very good team, and I'm excited about their chances this season.


Who is your favorite NBA player and why?

Sheryl Swoopes
There are a lot of guys in the NBA that I like. I try to take different parts of different players' games and put them in my game, so I don't have just one particular favorite. When Michael Jordan was playing he was definitely my favorite.


Who is your pick to win the 2003-04 NBA title?

Sheryl Swoopes
I think the Rockets will be very good this season, but with the addition of Gary Payton and Karl Malone to the Lakers, and if everything works out with Kobe, the Lakers will be very tough to beat.