Checking in with Becky

#25 taking it to the hoop.
Allen Einstein
WNBAE/Getty Images
A few weeks after Becky Hammon had surgery to repair her torn ACL, the All-Star sat down with nyliberty.com for some quick insight on the rehabilitation process, her All-Star experience and a few other things.

Nyliberty.com: It’s been just over three weeks since the surgery, how are you holding up?

BH: The surgery went very well. I was a little sore immediately after but the pain has begun to subside a bit. My stitches were taken out on July 30th so I’m on my way to getting better. The doctors are taking things slow to make sure that everything heals correctly.

Nyliberty.com: Was it difficult attending your first game after the injury knowing that you weren’t playing?

BH: It was very hard and frustrating at first, wanting to be on the court with my teammates. But with each passing game and practice, it gets a little easier for me. Now I have the opportunity to learn more about the game from the sidelines to improve for next year and I’m taking advantage of that.

Nyliberty.com: What was your first All-Star experience like? How did you feel receiving such a warm ovation from the fans during the team introductions?

Hammon at the WNBA All-Star Photo Shoot.
Jennifer Pottheiser
WNBAE/Getty Images
BH: Words really can’t express it, but it was awesome! I really had to contain myself because it was so incredible. The fans were great, as usual, and the All-Star game was planned so nicely. It was a really special day. The players looked like they were having a lot of fun, I just wish I could have been out there with them.

Nyliberty.com: Sue Wicks will be honored on Friday, August 1. What has she meant to you and to the New York Liberty?

BH: Sue is one of my favorite teammates. She is so special because she makes everyone around her better, on and off the court. Sue has done so much for the New York Liberty, not to mention women’s basketball in general. Anyone, who has ever played a team sport, would want her on their team. I miss her but its good to see her at the games rooting us on.

Nyliberty.com: The Eastern Conference has shaped up to be a very competitive and close conference this season. With a month left in the season, what does the team need to do to finish the year off strong?

BH: I think that the biggest thing for us is to stay together – to play as a team. We also need to get back to playing our game, which is hard-nosed, tough defense and then the offense will follow. We have the skill, talent and confidence for a thrilling comeback and I think we’ll do it.