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With her 5th WNBA season quickly approaching, Liberty forward Tamika Whitmore has emerged as one of the most versatile post players in the league. At age 25, the Mississippi native has earned respect among her league counterparts as well as her own “Miko” followers supporting her every move on the court.
In 2002, Whitmore had a breakout season as she finished first in total blocks (43) and second on the team in scoring (12.7 ppg) and field-goal percentage (.477). The 6-2 forward posted a career-high 28 points versus Phoenix on July 8, 2002 and blocked a career-high five shots against Washington on August 8, 2002. Whitmore was also named WNBA Player of the Week (week of July 22) along with a WNBA Most Improved Player Candidate.
During the 2003 preseason, Whitmore averaged 10.1 ppg and 3.7 rpg for the Liberty. Against the Comets on May 18, she scored a team-high 12 points.
Tamika talked about playing ball at the Garden, being a WNBA veteran and what she does to relax when she chatted live on wnba.com on Thursday, May 29.
Lady Liberty: Who is your favorite NBA player and why?
Tamika Whitmore: Chris Webber. To me , he has the total package. Handle, lead the break, dunk in your face. Hit the three. He can do it all.
Sarah Marie, Indiana: What does it feel like to play at MSG?
Tamika Whitmore: It's awesome. Once you walk in and look at all the stuff in the hall and the people that have come through. It's different than any arena I've played in.
orlando, ny: hey tamika i wanted to know who gave you the nickname miko?
Tamika Whitmore: My high school coach gave me that. He started calling me that in practice one day and it just stuck.
Jackson: What player on the team has shown a great deal of improvement from last season?
Tamika Whitmore: I think all of us have as individuals. We knew what we needed to work on and we've accomplished that as a whole. We just have to see how the pieces hold together.
Shari (Cleveland): What sort of exercise routine do you follow to stay in playing shape?
Tamika Whitmore: Nothing specific. I just play ball all the time. Regardless if it's overseas or pick-up ball or one-on-one. Or I lift weights.
goliberty2421: hey Miko! your awsome! my question is who would u want on your basketball team? Janet Jackson or J lo?
Tamika Whitmore: I probably have to say J-Lo cause she has that New York attitude and probably wouldn't settle for anything less than winning.
A.J NY: which ball player did you admire while growing up?
Tamika Whitmore: Actually I didn't watch basketball growing up. My mom played and people just asked me if I was going to play. I didn't really start playing until I was in 10th grade.
Miko Fan NYC: What part of your game on the offensive end have you most improved on?
Can we expect you to be knocking down some 3's this season?
Tamika Whitmore: Without a doubt. When I was a senior in college, I was ranked in three point shooting. I've strayed away from it a bit but I intend to jack it up this year.
hey lady: What are your plans after the WNBA?
Tamika Whitmore: I want to coach at the college level. I thought about high shcool, but I don't want to deal with parents and pros, but I don't want to deal with pros, so I think college is a nice in-between.
sean, ny: just wanna say you looked great at the preseason game. also what is your favorite thing you do to relax?
Tamika Whitmore: Thank you. My favorite thing to do is to get in a room, close the door, put on some Brian McKnight and write poetry.
Jessika(NJ): hey. How is it your relationship with T-Spoon?
Tamika Whitmore: I think Teresa and I are the closest players on the team. Always doing something; either working out or hooping or hitting the city just to see what we can see.
Larry, New York: hey tamika, just wanted to know what is your biggest motivation?
Tamika Whitmore: My biggest motivation is when somebody tells me I can't do something.
Lafayette North Hollywood: If you could play any male NBA player one on one who would it be, and would you give hime a run for his money?
Tamika Whitmore: I played Jermaine O'Neal last year and beat him up to five. But I'd really like to play Karl Malone, and I DO think I'd give him a run for his money.
T.T. : What is it like not having Sue Wicks on the roster?
Tamika Whitmore: It's different. You come in and expect to see her. I think we miss her leadership the most. She set the tone for us. It'll fall on someone else's shoulders. And it'll be interesting to see who picks it up.
Jose (Jersey City): Hi Tamika. Which WNBA player always brings out the best in you when you play against them?
Tamika Whitmore: I'd probably say anyone that I play against because I hate to lose. Winning is the only goal I have when I step on the court.
Lisa New York: Hey Tamika first of all lots of luck this year. Let's bring that ring home. Tamika what has been your most memorable game here at the Garden ?
Tamika Whitmore: Thank you. I think the most memorable game is when we played L.A. and the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Clara (NYC): Who are your favorite actor and actress? And by the way, Go Liberty!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tamika Whitmore: My favorite actor is probably Denzel Washington. And my favorite actress, hands down, is Julia Roberts.
Ryan (GA): Hey Tamika! I just wanted to tell you your my favorite player on the Liberty. Do you think the acquisition of Elena Baranova will move you to small forward? If so, will you be shooting more three's?
Tamika Whitmore: Thanks. It'll be interesting to see which position I'll be playing. Four's my natural position. I like to get banged around a little bit in the paint.
New York: Before a game , what do you do to prepare for a game?
Tamika Whitmore: I meditate for 90 minutes. And some people might think that's a little crazy, but I just relax and go through the whole game in my head, from opening buzzer through the second half. Hopefully things go as planned.
michelle : Hey,How do you feel the chances for New York to Win this year are?
Tamika Whitmore: I think the thing about us is everyone counts us out, but we stick together and we'll come out on top. Anyone who doubts us can just look at the past five years.
Sarah Marie, Indiana: Who do you think will win the NBA Championship this season? GO SPURS!!!
Tamika Whitmore: I'm going for the Nets. I go with East Coast.
Aarti (north bergen): Hey Tamika! During the off season, what is your favorite part of the world to travel to and why?
Tamika Whitmore: I think I've fallen in love with Spain. But I haven't been to Italy yet. The people in Spain are very hospitable and I like the competition in the league.
omare, ny: what are you better in defense or offense and which is most important to a teams success?
Tamika Whitmore: I think I've always been a natural scorer, but as I've matured in this sport, I"ve really improved my defense. I think defense is the key to winning ballgames.
Vee: What do you do on your off days in NYC?
Tamika Whitmore: Believe it or not, I'm a movie fanatic. I think I go to every new movie that comes out. So I just go to movies, chill out and even rent some from Blockbuster.
VanRoc: How do you like the new jerseys?
Tamika Whitmore: I wish they were longer so you can tuck them in. I'm a southern girl and I was raised that you tuck your shirt in to look neat. But it's something I'll get used to.
Owens--Queens, NY: What do you love most about being a NY Liberty player?
Tamika Whitmore: I think the best part is my teammates. I don't know if people realize this, but we stiick together on the court and off. We have each others' backs no matter what.
Vanessa: Aside from the Garden, what WNBA arena and city do you enjoy playing in the most?
Tamika Whitmore: Probably Sacramento. I love their rims, their gym and they always have a good crowd. It's an intimate setting and I always seem to have a good game there.
Alvie NJ: Hey Miko! What would be the ultimate WNBA finals match-up for you: Sparks or Comets?
Tamika Whitmore: Either one, cause we owe them both.
YoungFan: What do you think about the rookies?
Tamika Whitmore: I think they're going to be a good addition. We have a wonderful point guard in KB Sharp. I thought I was bad as a rookie. It's interesting to see the new level of talent come into the league each year.
SouthernBelle: Do you like soul food? If so, where in the city do you like to eat?
Tamika Whitmore: I love soul food. I eat at Slyvia's a lot and this place called the Tea Cup in Greenwich Village.
Thanks for all the questions. It was fun getting to know some of the people out there. And everyone needs to cheer for the Liberty this year. We're gonna get it done.
