May 1, 2003

What are your thoughts on getting the season started?
"I was excited before about getting ready for training camp and really looking forward to that aspect of my job. But to finally see the players here, you just feel the energy in the room and it's really getting me motivated for training camp even more."

What type of practices or regimen can be expected of you?
"I think early on there will be a lot of teaching. We'll start out with our transition game, with going into our motion offense and then going into some defensive concepts — and knowing that where we need to be very successful and create out of is our defense. Getting them to shoot the basketball and keeping them sharp. Getting to know each other on the floor and developing some team chemistry."

Do you see this as a running team?
"I do. I think in this game you can't play one-dimensional. I think you have to be able to play both — and that is being up-tempo, and that's our first option, is to push the ball in transition, and if that's not there, to get into our halfcourt set. Hopefully, we'll be able to be successful at both."

Will there be enough rebounding on this team?
"You look around at the players we brought in for training camp and I think we have some additions to help in that area. We drafted two post players and we have added some players through free agency that have come in and will vie for spots."

There are only about three weeks before the first regular season game. Is that enough time to get ready?
"In three weeks, we should be able to prepare ourselves. I'm used to coming from the high school level and only having two weeks before the first game. I would really like to be somewhat ready going into our first exhibition game on the 6th, so I have five days to prepare for our first exhibition game."


What was your initial reaction when the Lynx drafted Teresa Edwards?
"Excited. (Lynx trainer) Alisha Deneen called me and I was — first of all, I didn't even know Teresa was even thinking of playing. Second of all, I just knew what a key she would be for this team, because we are a young team. To bring that type of veteran leadership, competitiveness, and mentality to the team, I just knew that it would be a great mix. I was really fired up after that. That helped me get going for the season, and I'm just really excited to have her here."

What do you think Suzie McConnell Serio can bring to the team?
"I think her mentality that she had as a player. She's been competitive and successful in every level. But I think that mentality of competing and the mental toughness of knowing what needs to be done, the tempo of games... I'm just excited because I think she's hungry to get out here and do this. I'm looking forward to seeing the Xs and Os, structures, and all that she has planned for us. I think overall she's ready to go and she's a competitor and knows how to get the job done. Just with her draft selections and the people she's brought in speaks well that she knows what needs to be addressed and has brought in some good people."

You played under Lynx assistant coach Nancy Darsch at Ohio State. What's it going to be like being with her again?
"It's going to be fun. Nancy and I had a really good relationship, and I think she's going to be great as an assistant coach. She's been through all the ranks and will be a great sounding board for Suzie. She's great with Xs and Os and good with post players. I think she'll add a lot. I'm glad she's here. I think we have a great mix of coaches and players, and hopefully we're going to do some good things."


Have you talked to Suzie about your role?
"Suzie knows me. We played on two Olympic teams together. We didn't really get into (specifics). Suzie has been encouraging me through my experience to be a part of the team and bring something to the table that the team really doesn't have. For her, that's really big. Hopefully, I'll represent here quite well with that."

You're familiar with Suzie. Do you know your new teammates?
"I'm not familiar with any of them, except for Katie (Smith). I know Katie very well. Katie's an awesome player and I can understand her frustrations playing with younger players because Katie's a pup to me, but she's matured and she's a very good professional player now."

What made Minnesota more attractive than another team?
"I don't think anything made Minnesota more attractive. It just felt right... why not? I think I liked the persistence in which Suzie came at me with. I have a respect for her as well, even though I'm older than the kid. But I respect the fact that she knows the game. She's played the game at all the levels I've played it at and that's exciting.

Any problem playing for someone younger than you?
"Not at all. She's a great person. When you play at that level together, you just learn to have a mutual respect for talent and people that are in the same position you are. When I think of Suzie, that's how I think. We played at a time when we both were on even ground and have mutual respect."


What are your expectations for this season?
"A playoff berth. Everybody lives for a championship, but you have to crawl before you walk. We need to be a good away team. We need to win every game at home. I think these are very reachable goals now that we have veterans and some young players that have some experience. I think we are getting up there with the rest of the Western Conference where they have great veteran players and young players. We have some new bigger players and hopefully a few of them make the team. We have a nice balance now."

What did you know about Suzie McConnell Serio before the Lynx hired here?
"I was a big Cleveland Rockers fan back in my day and I used to go watch her play in the summertime when I was home from Connecticut. She was a great point guard. She was older, but she still did everything that she was supposed to do and definitely was 'coach on the floor.' Swin Cash, who played with me (at UConn), played against Suzie's high school team and said that her (Suzie's) teams always beat them and how they were really good. I know about her being an Olympian. I know a lot about her playing under (Penn State women's basketball coach) Rene Portland. Of course, I did my history. Just as well as we're challenged, she's going to be challenged at this next level and I think she's going to do a good job at it."

So you were excited by the hiring?
"Yes, I'm very excited. I think it's really nice and the fact that she's such a strong women. She juggles so much — kids, a husband, moving, coming from high school. It's like, why not do this. This is the last last thing on her resume."

What are you looking to add to your game this season?
"Definitely move it outside. Be a better defensive player. I think I should be one of the best defensive players on this team. Increasing my rebounding average and finding my role. I think last year I found my role and that helped me out, especially being a rookie. On this team, with veteran players and a lot of scorers, I need to quickly define my role as a rebounder and defender."