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Let Hoops 101, and Lisa, provide you with some answers below!
What do your foresee your role being on this year's Mercury squad? Do you think it will change from past seasons?
Mercury3fan, Orlando, FL
Harrison: My role this year I believe will be very similar to last year's (defensive stopper), however I want to bring more offense and leadership to the team. With Timmsy retiring and losing Bridget, we definitely take a hit at the leadership position and vocal leaders at that. I feel it is important for me to help guide and set a good example for the younger talent on our team. I have always been a "leader by example" so I'll need to give a little more of myself to come out of that comfort zone. As for offense, I need to look to score more and not totally focus on defense. Besides, if I hear another person tell me I need to shoot more, I think I'll lose my mind.
What does Tennessee have to do to beat UConn?
Dale, Athena, OR
Harrison: Tennessee must have a great all-around game in order to beat UConn. UConn is playing with so much confidence and poise that Tennessee must come in early and disrupt UConn with their defense. Tennessee needs to contain and not allow UConn's leaders -- Sue Bird and Diane Taurasi -- to get going because their team feeds off them and gains confidence. Tennessee needs to execute their offense, take care of the ball and control the boards. That sounds like a lot, but this is a big game and like I said, Tennessee has to put it all together in order to win.
When your team is having a losing season, how do you keep your focus? What advice would you give to players who experience a losing season for the first time?
Kim, Sacramento, CA
Harrison: When you are dealing with a losing season it is tough in a lot of ways. You start to doubt your own abilities, your teammates' abilities, you question the coaching staff and why you even bother to show up for practice. But somehow, someway you have to stay positive and don't turn your back on each other. Keep trying to learn each day, continue to get better and work hard and good things will happen. Maybe not tomorrow, but eventually things will turn around. Just remember losing a game is never easy to handle and it never should become comfortable to you. Don't settle.
Who has impacted you the most in your life?
Nita, Newport News, VA
Harrison: My mother is my biggest inspiration in life. She is my role model. Now don't get me wrong ... she can't play a lick of basketball, but she is a beautiful, strong, courageous and intelligent woman. As far as basketball goes, I've been very lucky to have played for coaches who not only taught me the game of basketball and helped be improve as a player, but most importantly cared about me as a person. My high school coaches Bill Brown/Russ Thompson and college coaches Pat Summit, Mickie DeMoss and Holly Warlick have definitely influenced my life as well.
Lisa,
What do you see as your biggest challenge and the Merc's biggest challenge in the upcoming season? Looking forward to this year!
Nelle, Phoenix, AZ
Harrison: Unfortunately you can't really say there are any easy games in the WNBA. There is no question the Western Conference is very tough. L.A., Sacramento, Houston and Utah are difficult match-ups and these teams are getting more talented and confident every season.
Hey, Lisa! I hope your offseason is going great. My question is what are your feelings about Bridget Pettis being traded? Do you feel it was good or bad? Thanks. Good luck this coming season!
Amanda, Glendale, AZ
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From your travels in the pros and college, what city do you think deserves and would support a new WNBA franchise?
Thomas, Speer, IL
Harrison: I would consider a team in the New England area so I guess that would have to be Boston . The reason I say this is because of the success and support UConn has been gaining over the past several years. The fans in that area appear to be very supportive and passionate about women's basketball. Also while playing in the ABL for three seasons, the New England Blizzard team based in Hartford averaged the most attendance. Obviously you would need to place a few Huskies on the team and you will probably have a successful franchise. Well, I guess it's not that simple!
Hey! What would your best advice be for girls that are in high school and aspire to play in college or even the WNBA? Thanks! Good luck!
Danielle, Sedona, AZ
Harrison: First of all, I would tell you to follow your dreams ... whatever they may be. Unfortunately there is no clear cut formula in order to get a scholarship or to make it to the WNBA. That's probably what makes it so special -- everyone has a chance, but it comes down to who wants to work hard every day in order to make their dream a reality. Setting a goal for yourself to go to college is a great path to choose in life. Getting your education and bettering yourself will only benefit you in life. Anything extra you achieve while there (National Championship - Go Lady Vols) is only icing on the cake. I will tell you it is not easy so be ready to work hard, both in the classroom and on the court ... every day!
Who would your All-Time Lady Vols starting five be? Who would the sixth woman off the bench?
Kim, Sacramento, CA
Harrison: Dena Head, Bridgette Gordon, Chamique Holdsclaw, Daedra Charles and Tamika Catchings. Nikki McCray would be the reserve off the bench.
Hey Lisa! I am a huge Tennessee Lady Vols fan! What does it take to play for a team like Tennessee, and how was your experience playing for them? Good luck this season!
Kelly, Stone Mountain, GA
Harrison: Playing at Tennessee was the hardest thing I've experienced in life. It was very tough, both mentally and physically. I actually thought I was on the track team as much as we were on it. But I have to say that if I were to do it over again, I would go back to Tennessee. I was able to learn the game of basketball (which I thought I already knew it all) from who I believe is the greatest teacher of the game (Pat Summitt) as well as learn about life and myself, which has brought me to the place I am today. It takes a very tough individual to play at Tennessee. You have to be willing to give all of yourself every day. There are no exceptions, no excuses -- you must find a way to get it done with 110% effort. You have to be a fighter and competitor or you won't last and some people don't because UT is not for everyone.
