Trisha (Raleigh): Congrats on going number 3 in the 2005 WNBA draft! Did you have any idea what number you would go?

Sandora Irvin: No, I didn't know, there were rumors that I could go anywhere from 1-3, but I did keep hearing rumors about my going to Phoenix.

Lauren (Phx): How did it feel when they called your name on Saturday?

Sandora Irvin: Oh, first of all I was very nervous. I was very excited, I just wanted to give my coach a big hug, he was as nervous as me. It's so exciting to be going to such a great team like Phoenix and to be picked so high, was a great experience for me.

Carlene (Tuscon): Congrats on being drafted so high... What basketball players did you look up to when you were growing up?

Sandora Irvin: Hmmm. OK, growing up, as far as WNBA goes, it was Sheryl Swoopes. In the NBA it was Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson. Currently in the WNBA, another player I really like is Swin Cash. Her versatility and style of play are very impressive.

Franco ( Whiteriver, AZ): How do you feel about playing with Diana in Phx?

Sandora Irvin: Ha-ha (Laughing) She's all I've been talking about so far. I've never been to Phoenix and it's exciting to go to new town. It's a beautiful place, so I look forward to it. I had to play against Diana alot of times, and I'll be real happy to be playing WITH HER, instead of AGAINST HER. Any player would love to play with her. I have to take her out to dinner, my treat, so we can get close and so I can get on the same page with her and get some passes from her. Ha-ha (Laughing).

Tim (Dallas): How was it growing up with an Uncle as a proffesonal athlete? Did it inspire you?

Sandora Irvin: Everybody in my family looks up to Michael, he's been our role model. No matter what the sport, football, baseball, basketball, we wanted to be like Uncle Mike. He is a real inspiration in my life, he attended lots of may games. He advises me on everything. He even tried to tell me how to post up. I don't listen to him, because how can a football player tell you how to post up? But really, he is a great inspiration to me and most recently he has told me that no matter what, to remember to come out and enjoy the game all the time. Also, he is now Sandora Irvin's Uncle, instead of my being Michael Irvin's niece! Ha-ha (Laughing).

Remy (New YorK): How do you think your skill set will fit with this team?

Sandora Irvin: We have a young team, and we are very versatile and I think that's a strength of mine. I think I can fit in this team in many ways. It depends where the coach plays me, and I will do whatever the coach says. No matter where I am on the court, I will rebound and block shots. I like playing in the post and I think I can hit the outside shot if it's there. I look forward to filling whatever role they want me to fill in Phoenix.

Sunny (Dallas): Michael might be able to catch a pass better than you, but can you dominate him in the low post?

Sandora Irvin: Ha-ha (Laughing) Um...hmmm...I better watch this. He's pretty strong, I try and take him more outside. But down low, he needs to go with a lot of up and unders, because I will block his shot. Either up and unders or fades. But, I'll take him outside and beat him there.

Zara (Columbia, MD): I totally envy you, playing next to Diana Taurasi and the whole entire Mercury team. Phoenix has the best fans around. I bet you're excited, so what are your expectations for the upcoming season?

Sandora Irvin: One, to get through training camp. (Laughing). I hope to make an impact right away, to help the team win. I have always wanted to block more shots than anyone, from high school to college and now that I'm in the WNBA, with God's Will, I will try and do that here too. I hope I can apply all of my skills to help us win games.

Jaime: With your defensive tenacity now here, how far do you think the Mercury can go this year?

Sandora Irvin: Of course, I always want to compete for a championship. That is every athlete's goal. We have the players, and defense wins games, and I think we just need to do everything we can to try and reach the championship game.

Sandora Irvin: I'd like to thank everybody, for supporting me. I'm looking forward to coming to Phoenix, the players, the fans the coaches, I can't wait to get there. I'm gonna finish up school and head on out there to play ball and win a championship.