All season long, Tuesdays mean WNBA action on ESPN2. May 29 features what promises to be an entertaining doubleheader, with the Minnesota Lynx hosting the Indiana Fever at 7 p.m. ET before the San Antonio Silver Stars square off with the Comets in Houston at 9 p.m. ET.
Lynx star center Nicole Ohlde stopped by to chat on Tuesday afternoon, answering your questions and talking about the season. Ohlde has started off strong in 2007 despite Minnesota's rocky start, finding herself among the team leaders in scoring and rebounding.
The Lynx are young but talented, featuring the league's last two No. 1 overall draft picks in Seimone Augustus and Lindsey Harding. So can Minnesota make noise and shake up the balance of power out West?
Ed: The team's gotten off to a rocky start, most recently with a bad loss to the Sky at home. What do you attribute to the rocky start and what can the team do to get better?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:00 PM ET ) We're a very young team. We're all learning the new coaching system, learning to play with each other . We just need to continute playing hard, working together, and stay positive in the fact that we're moving in the right direction.
Karen, Saint Paul, MN: Hi Nicole. Even though thre Lynx are losing games, it seems to me the team is getting much better each game. Also the early schedule has been a killer. Do you still feel optimistic about this team? Is it hard for the Lynx to stay positive after losing four?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:01 PM ET ) We are definitely still positive and moving in the right direction. Like you said we've had a tough schedule. We're just continuing to work hard in practice and moving in the right direction.
Mike (Washington, DC): With Indiana coming to town, what has been your focus in practice?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:02 PM ET ) Our main focus is staying together and doing what we have to do to get our first win. Our focus has been working on defense since we're giving up 80 points per game. Also just working to learn the system and each other.
Sarah (Cottage Grove, MN): First off, good luck in your game today. I'm really excited, I'm going to the Target Center to see you guys beat Indiana. Anyway, my question to you is how do you think the whole team chemistry is this year with all the new players? Does everyone get along?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:04 PM ET ) Thanks for coming to the game and supporting us. So far the chemistry has been great. We have a lot of new players, but everyone has come togther well and meshed well.
MacKenzie from Phoenix, Arizona: How much do you think the new draft choices are going to make an impact on the team? How far are the Lynx aspiring to go this year? Good luck this year!
Nicole Ohlde: (2:05 PM ET ) Thank you. Our draft picks are great, we got quality players that can step in right away. They have made their prescence known and they will be great players now and in the futue. As far as expectations, we're a building team, but I think we will be comptetitive this year and hopefully make the playoffs.
Jessica (St. Paul): Nicole, now that you are a veteran player, what kinds of things do you do differently in terms of being a leader and what things do you say to the younger players and rookies?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:07 PM ET ) I just let them know I'm there for them if they have any questions or concerns. As far as being a leader, I just try to speak up more if I see something happening. Most of all, just letting them know I'm there if they need anything.
Chakeira; Copperas Cove, Tx: What do you think Minnesota needs to do to get back on track to make the playoffs? And what is the team's mindset after the losses going into practices?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:09 PM ET ) As far as getting on the right track, we just need to work hard in practice and learn from our mistakes. As far as our attitude after losses, you're down and upset that you lost, but you have the night to deal with it and the next day we just come into practice ready to work and ready to get better.
Bonita, California: Hi Nicole. Who do you think is the most underrated player in the WNBA?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:10 PM ET ) Deanna Nolan has been underrated. I think she got more recognition last year with them winning the championship. In the past she's been under the radar, but she's a huge part of that team and a great player.
Manhattan, KS: So, what's been your biggest adjustment to the WNBA? What have you learned in the pros that you didn't learn in college?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:12 PM ET ) The biggest adjustment would be the physicalness and speed of the game. It's a whole other level. What i've learned is that everyday you have to bring it against anyone you compete against, on any night, against any team. It's just more competitive in the pros than in college.
dillon, california: You probably have the best footwork and post moves among the centers and forwards in the league. Aside from yourself, who do you think has the best post moves and footwork?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:14 PM ET ) You have to look at Lauren Jackson, she can get her shot off against anyone and you have to have good footwork for that. There are other good post players like Lisa Leslie and Michelle Snow. To be good you have to have good footwork and a lot of players in this league do.
ricky: I live in Salamanca (Spain). I'm your number one fan. Did you enjoy it here? Will you come back?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:15 PM ET ) I absolutely loved Salamanca. It's a great city, great fans, a wonderful place to play. I don't know if I'll have the opportunitiy to come back but I would love to play there again some time.
Kasey Z nyc : Which city do you like to go to during the WNBA season?
Thanks for answering my question.
Nicole Ohlde: (2:17 PM ET ) My personal favorite is Houston. We stay right across from the Galleria, which i love. It can cause me some problems though. I also like any city that I have friends that play on the other team, so I can see them and hang out with them.
Ryan F. (Tiburon, Ca): Hey Nicole! I think you're a great player and I've always enjoyed watching you play. What are some of the coaching differences you've experienced while between playing for Suzie McConnell Serio and for Don Zierden?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:18 PM ET ) They are both great coaches with different styles. Suzie was a great point guard and played in this league and coach Zierden is from the NBA. There are some similarities and differences in their styles.
Katie: Do you have favorite things to do or see in the Twin Cities in your off-time?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:19 PM ET ) I love to actually go to movies. I like to hang out at the lakes and relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. On most of my off days I'm pretty low key.
holly ames,iowa: Hi Nicole
You're my No.1 favorite and role model! What's it really like being on a WNBA team and what are the bus trips like?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:21 PM ET ) It's great to be on a WNBA team. It's something I wanted to do and achieve, it's a great honor. The bus trips, they can be kind of crazy sometimes with everyone joking and having a good time. But other times, like when we're going to a game, it can be serious, with people listening to music and getting ready for the game.
Lynx Fan: How is it playing with two excellent rookie guards: Noelle Quinn and Lindsey Harding?
Nicole Ohlde: (2:23 PM ET ) It's been great. I love playing with them. I've learned to keep my hands up at all times because you never know when a pass is coming. They are going to be great players in this league and I'm happy to have them on my team.
Nicole Ohlde: (2:23 PM ET ) I just want to say thanks to all the fans that have written in. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the games.
