MYSTICS: Alana Beard and Nakia Sanford Chat Wrap

Alana Beard and Nakia Sanford Chat Wrap

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Posted Feb 26 2008 4:54PM

Mitchell Layton/NBAE/Getty Images

Nakia Sanford and Alana Beard have both signed extensions to stay with the Mystics and sat down for an international chat on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The transcript of the chat is below.

Sanford, who signed a three-year extension on Thurdsay, Feb. 21, will call in from Italy, where she is playing for Umana Venezia and averaging 9.7 points and 7.9 rebounds.

Beard, who signed a four-year extension on Monday, Feb. 25, will join us from Washington, D.C., where she continues to rehab her surgically repaired left shoulder this offseason.

marsha, Wash. D.C.: Welcome back you two!! I'm a 12 year season ticket holder & will be for at least 12 more. In terms of the draft, what do you think we need to add to our already fantastic team that could propel us to an even higher level of play this year? I look forward to seeing you both in May!!

Alana Beard: (4:05 PM ET ) Thanks for being a season ticket holder. As far as the draft goes, we just want to get the best available. The top three are going to be post players it seems, so we'll have to see what's available. We'll just have to wait and see.

MoBeard: Great to see both of you being long time Mystic players! Last year the team began to gel. What do you guys think the Mystics need to do to carry the momentum forward? Do you expect to be starting the same five players this year? and what weakness do the Mystics need to overcome to take the next step forward! Go Mystics!

Nakia Sanford: (4:07 PM ET ) We have to just continue to build on the progress. We have a great coach returning that brought a lot to the team last year. The returning players have to chip in a bit more. We just have to have the same mindset as before, and have the same goal of winning a championship.

Candangerous: Hey ladies, First of all AB, How's the sholder and Kia, How's Italy treating ya? and for the both of you what would you say is the best part of playing in DC?

Alana Beard: (4:09 PM ET ) The shoulder is fine. Now in my 21st week of rehab, which means I have five more weeks left. I just started playing one-on-one just recently. I should be able to play full competitive ball soon.

The best thing about Washington is the fans. We still have loyal fans who continue to support us, every night. I really appreciate it. The city is amazing too.

Nakia Sanford: (4:10 PM ET ) Italy is treating me great. I love it.

The best part about playing is Washington -- I know Alana just said it -- is the fans. Fans have been sending us their encouragment through everything. They've been with us through the good, the bad and the ugly. DC is just one of the greatest cities in the States. I'm just glad I'll have a chance now to be there longer.

George, Atlanta: Hey ladies. I'm wondering how you guys feel about the new team here in Atlanta, b/c I think it's going to be big. What kind of success do you think they'll have this coming season and are you looking forward to coming down here to play? I can't wait for opening day!

Alana Beard: (4:11 PM ET ) Atlanta is a great city, first off. After the expansion draft I noticed from the roster that they had a pretty good team. I can't wait to play there. Atlanta is just a great city, just like DC, of course.

Nakia Sanford: (4:13 PM ET ) For me it will be an absolute joy to be able to play in front of my friends and family. It should be a great market for the league. Right now there's nothing there for women's pro basketball, so it should be great for the city.

TonyL (Reston, VA): Nakia, each year in the league you numbers have improved over the previous year. You were spectacular in 2007. What can we expect from you in 2008?

Nakia Sanford: (4:14 PM ET ) I hope that I continue the same trend, if not do more. I'm excited about coming back this year in a bigger role. I'm itching to get back this summer. This year I have extra motivation -- I don't want to let me team and my city down. I'm using my time overseas to improve my game so I can come back and help the team.

Mark (Washington, DC): Alana, I love your game and your intensity to play it. Does that motivation come from the love of the game or from your ability to compete with top level competition?

Alana Beard: (4:16 PM ET ) Thanks for the compliment. I think it's a combination of both. My love for the game goes through the roof. I'm very blessed to do something I love everyday. I love to compete. When we lose, it's a different Alana than when we win.

Jerry Jones, Dallas, Texas: Your team always talks about how full of "divas" it is. Who is the biggest diva of them all? And how does Tree Rollins -- who seems so down to earth -- deal with you all? :)

Nakia Sanford: (4:18 PM ET ) We know two that claim to be the divas. A real diva doesn't have to say she's a diva. I would just say we have two self-proclaimed divas, being Nikki Blue and Tamara James. And there's another I'm just gonna throw her number out there -- 43. And I would say Alana is a subtle diva.

lipstickbatty Newark Delaware: Nakia how did it feel when Washington matched the offer? Did you want to stay in washington?

Nakia Sanford: (4:19 PM ET ) I was estatic. Of course, I wanted to stay in Washington. I've been there for five years. Minnesota gave me a great opporunity. I didn't know what to expect. I went off the advice from my agent. I knew it would be a business decision. You have to take emotion out of it. Luckily that business decision was made by the Mystics. I'm glad to have another opportunity to play in DC. I look forward to another three years of being a Mystic.

Nat - Washington: Great to have you both back in DC for years to come! What do you think of the player movement so far this year, especially Swin Cash to Seattle and the Katie Douglas-Tamika Whitmore trade?

Nakia Sanford: (4:21 PM ET ) I haven't really thought about it. I raised my eyebrows when I saw it. But I'm just concerned with our team because that's all we have to be concerned about.

Ray, Falls Church, Va.: Hi Alana and Nakia! Big fan here! I'm wondering if there are players in the NBA (or even the WNBA) who you model your games after? Who are the players you look up to as idols? Thanks and have a great season!

Alana Beard: (4:23 PM ET ) That's a great question. I don't model my game after one player. I can sit down and watch any kind of basketball 24-7. As far as the men, the top guards in the league like Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant , Dwyane Wade, Caron Butler, Gilbert Arenas and LeBron James -- I watch them a lot.

As far as women, the first that comes to mind is Tamika Catchings. The way she works hard on the court and improves her game is great to watch. I'm always looking for ways to improve my game offensively and defensively.

Nakia Sanford: (4:25 PM ET ) For me, the first male player that I loved was Kevin Garnett. I love me some Kevin Garnett. I love the energy that he brings to the court. I would also have to say Gilbert because of his work ethic. I really like to watch the attitude he brings to the court.

Like AB, I would also have to say Tamika Catchings for women because of her work ethic and her joy on the court.

Then there's Lauren Jackson because of her range and her ability to go inside and outside.

Lisa Leslie is another one. I'm excited to see her return to the court this season.

Zadie, Bonita, California: Is there a player in the WNBA who you always wanted to play with? Either because of her personality or her skills or because she makes players around her better?

Alana Beard: (4:26 PM ET ) I would have to say that firirst time I laid eyes on Nakia Sanford, I knew she'd be great to play with. She was the most consistent player on the court last year. Her personality is there as well. You can't ask for anything more.

Nakia Sanford: (4:27 PM ET ) I have never even really thought about that because I've had the chance to play with some of the best players in Washington. I've been able to learn and grow with great players like AB, DeLisha and Mo. I'm excited to play with the players we have in DC.

Alana Beard: (4:28 PM ET ) Thank you to everyone who took time to chat. We appreciate the support. We look forward to seeing you in the arena in May.

Nakia Sanford: (4:29 PM ET ) Ditto that. Thank you to everyone from all the different areas. It's great to see questions from different places. We look forward to seeing you guys this summer!