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After helping lead her Fever squad to the franchise's first-ever WNBA Playoffs, superrookie Tamika Catchings will now bring her talents to the world's stage in the 2002 USA Basketball Women's World Championship, to be held September 14-25 in China.
"I'm really excited to have this opportunity to be able to play with such great players," Catchings said after she was named to the team in June. "To be on the USA World Championship Team, especially after 9/11, and to be able to represent the USA is an honor."
Catchings has been nothing short of sensational all year, leading her team in points, rebounds and assists, claiming the WNBA record for most consecutive three-pointers (6) and tying a WNBA record for steals in a game (9) as she ran away with the Rookie of the Year voting; she claimed 48 of 60 votes.
As part of WNBA.com's lunchtime weekday chat series, Tamika Catchings chatted online on Wednesday, August 28. See what she had to say about her rookie season, her first posteason experience, the upcoming USA Basketball Women's World Championship and more.
Jazzy: Hey Tamika! You're the best! Imean it! I was wondering, who are you rooming with on the USA team? Are you nervous playing with such great players? Even though you're great too. Who do you hang out with mostly? Bring home the gold and don't forget to have some fun!
Tamika Catchings: I'm not nervous. Just having fun right now. We're on our own now, but when we get to Australia, we'll hang out. My boyfriend's up here with me now.
Trae(VA): Hi Tamika, How do you feel about helping 2002 USA Basketball Women's World Championship to another gold? Instead of playing against the players in the WNBA you're playing with them in the USA to win another championship.
Tamika Catchings: I love it. Obviously, to be classified with the best players in the world is an honor itself. I've already learned a lot. I can't imagine what I'll learn after a month of practice.
Indianapolis: When do you leave to go to China? Will you be visiting any of the High Schools Girls Basketball Teams this year? sincerely, no 1 can hold me (NCHS)
Tamika Catchings: I plan to when I get back to Indianapolis. Actually we have Australia first. Then we go to China from Australia.
tasha, vabeach: Great rookie season and what a great accomplishment being hearing impaired; I love you. How does it feel to be picked to play for the USA in the World Championship. You did great in the playoffs. Good luck.
Tamika Catchings: Thank you. It feels good to be here. It's an honor to be classified as one of the best in the world and to play against some of the best players in the world.
Lil Snow (KnoxVegas, TN): Hey T-Catch it's Lil' Snow! First I would like to say congratulations on a great season; we waited for you and you gave us a special season. Thanks. My question is how do you plan to escalate your game (if that is possible) in the offseason?
Tamika Catchings: I need to pick it up in every area of the game. I'm going to be moving more to the perimeter next year. I'll have to work on my footwork and perimeter defense. There's plenty of areas I need to work on.
William (Stockbridge): Hey, Tamika I believe you should have won MVP. During the broadcast of Game 2 Ann Meyers mentioned Tauja possibly playing with the Fever. I want to know about your sister, Tauja, and if there is a possibility she'll play for the Fever next year.
Tamika Catchings: You never know. Of course I'm going to talk to my coaches about it. If she gets a tryout, I guarantee she'll be on the team.
Bum : Tamika-You have to be the most amazing player I have ever seen. If you could take ANYONE one-on-one, who would it be? Best of luck!
Tamika Catchings: Alonzo Mourning.
Shaun Indy: If you could date any guy in the NBA who would it be? (Besides Alonzo)
Tamika Catchings: I have a boyfriend so I'm not looking for anybody else.
Amber- Indiana: Name an electronic device or gadget that you can't live without.
Tamika Catchings: My cellphone.
Brandon (NY): Is there a story behind No.24? (Like why you choose that Number)
Tamika Catchings: My dad used to wear 42 and the opposite is 24. My brother wore 21, which multiplied by two is 42. My sister wore 12. It's just like that.
Joe, Indianapolis: Tamika, Do you wear your hearing aid on court? If not, how do you communicate with your teammates and coaches?
Tamika Catchings: No I don't. I'm not totally deaf so I can still communicate on the court. I used to wear one at UT, but I sweat so much, it makes it difficult.
Canton, Ohio: Can you remember your first practice at Tennessee and Pat Summitt's first speech? What advice would you give a rookie at Tennessee? What advice would you give the next rookie class entering the WNBA?
Tamika Catchings: My advice would be take the message not the tone with Pat. She wants every player to be the best player they can be. She can sometimes communicate in a 'forceful' way. WNBA rookies should just come out and have fun and enjoy the ride.
Jana (New York): Girl, you got game Big Time! What was the worst punishment drill you got in practice from Pat Summitt?
Tamika Catchings: I don't know about punishment. We ran and that was probably our worst punishment. She just made us run.
Tracy, Indianapolis: Tamika, we've heard you write a little poetry, and I was wondering if any of us would get a chance to hear some of it? The Fab Five is proud of you!!
Tamika Catchings: Hopefully, I'm gonna publish a book before my playing days are over. Hopefully sooner than later. But you never know.
wnbafromhawaii: Hey Tamika, if you weren't a WNBA player, what other career would you be in?
Tamika Catchings: I love to read and write so I might be a writer. I'd like to be a GM for a basketball team. I'd like to stay around sports.
Kristen, New Jersey: Do you think New York has a chance to beat L.A. in the finals?
Tamika Catchings: I think anything's possible. L.A.'s the most experienced team. But New York is peaking at the right time. I'm not gonna say no. I'm not gonna say yes.
Ja'Nay(Depew.NY): What was the biggest highlight of your rookie year? How is your back from the collision with Crystal Robinson? Good Luck in China, your biggest fan!!
Tamika Catchings: My back is fine. The best part of my rookie season was making it to the playoffs. My expectations for next year are a lot higher.
Alyssa Burger (Tampa): Hi Tamika, great season. I heard your dad say he has a great shot but was never able to show it off in the pros. Honestly, who wins the shooting contests in your house?
Tamika Catchings: Definitely me. (Laughs.) He had his shot back in the day. He's still got a good little shot, but I've been practicing more than he has.
HawaiiGirl21: Hey Tamika, What are you looking most forward to the World Championships?
Tamika Catchings: Going over there and playing with the players I'm with. Just having fun and winning. I love just playing, but I love winning too.
Tamika Catchings: Thanks to everyone that tuned in to WNBA.com. Make sure to watch us in China. We look forward to bringing the gold. Thanks again and I'll see you all next year!
