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As part of WNBA.com's Lunch Break weekday chat series, Penicheiro stopped by on Monday, August 19. See what she had to say about what it will take to beat the Sparks, the Monarchs' chances next season and more.
Angela (NY): Hey Ticha, Who do you think will make it to the Finals and what do you think the Monarchs need to get to the Finals and win it all?
Ticha Penicheiro: I think in the East, I'd say Washington, and in the West, I'd say Utah. I'll go with the underdogs. As for the Monarchs, we just need to stay healthy. We were missing three big pieces this year. If we're healthy, we can contend.
Bridget (Columbia, SC): Throughout your basketball career what motivated you the most and made you want to become a better player?
Ticha Penicheiro: Just the competition. You have to work on your game. My competetive spirit and watching great players grow around you. You always want to be the best.
Shae Sorrells, Walker: Your number one in my heart, Ticha!!! The biggest question in the WNBA ... How do you stop Lisa "Diva" Leslie??? !gO MoNaRcHs!
Ticha Penicheiro: I think it's important that it's a team effort to stop Lisa. When we played the Sparks she scored four points, but the rest of the team hurt us. But she has a great game, inside and outside.
David (Washington DC): How do you think any team will stop the Sparks from winning this year, and who will stop them?
Ticha Penicheiro: Actually I don't think they're as dominant as they were last year. It's playoff time, and they might turn it up a little bit. But along the line a team can stop them; they just need to bring their "A" game.
Daiva, Lithuania: Hey Ticha, Will you come back to play in Europe, and what team will you play on? We are waiting for you:) All the best to you.
Ticha Penicheiro: I think I'm gonna take a break. I feel like my body needs to rest. I will take a break until December, and if I feel good in January, I'll go back. Right now, it's between Spain, Italy or Poland.
Yonkers, NY: Hey Ticha! You and your team had a tough time this season because you weren't at full strength. My question is, do you guys have any surprises up your sleeves for the fans next season? Will Yolanda dunk?? Good luck with the up and coming season!!! -erin
Ticha Penicheiro: You gotta ask that to Yolanda. Since we didn't make the playoffs, we should get a good draft pick. With the players we get back and draft -- and staying healthy -- I think we'll be fine next year.
Mary, Los Alamos: Do your future plans include becoming an announcer?
Ticha Penicheiro: I think so. I studied communications in college and being a broadcaster will keep me close to basketball, the game I love. I'll get a feel for it and see if that's what I want to do after basketball.
Nadine(ND): Hey Ticha! I love to watch you play! How did you become such a great passer?
Ticha Penicheiro: I think it has to do with the fact that I started playing basketball at such a young age. I've been blessed with great court vision. It's something I can't explain. I think it's just a lot of practice and getting familiar with the game. (And of course, having great teammates.)
Brit (Chicago): What were your expectations of the WNBA when you first began to play?
Ticha Penicheiro: In 97 I didn't play when the league first came out. But I'm excited to play a sport we all love. All the expectations have been exceeded. It's a great league with great fans.
Becky- NJ: Hey I was just wondering who YOU think is the best defender in the WNBA? Thanks!
Ticha Penicheiro: I'd have to go with Debbie Black, Sheryl Swoopes. Margo Dydek just because her height just makes you change your shot. I'd say Debbie Black because she guards me. She's all over the place like a little waterbug.
Shae, Walker: Hey Ticha, You're the best. What do you think Sue Bird, Swin Cash and the gang have contributed to the WNBA?
Ticha Penicheiro: It's definitely a huge contribution to their teams as well as the league. They've brought a lot of experience and excitement. Their teams made the playoffs. It's important that new talent keeps coming in to the league. It makes the veterans work on our game even more.
Wesley Craft - Bay St. Louis, MS: Early in your career, you were branded as the "Jason Williams of the WNBA" because of your "flashy" passes. I would disagree with that comparison, because you have much better shot selection than Jason, are more defensively sound than him and seem to work better under pressure. Who do you like to compare yourself to in the NBA and why? Thanks, Ticha, and good luck next season!
Ticha Penicheiro: I look up to Jason Kidd a lot. He's an all-around player who can score, pass, defend, rebound. If I had to model myself after one player it'd be him. He's a double, triple threat who does everything for his team.
Angela (sacramento): Loved your outfit yesterday! Have you been attending the "Tina Thompson School of Fashion?"
Ticha Penicheiro: No, but Tina is a fashion diva off the court. We compliment each other. A lot of people don't know what we're like off the court. I'm a shopaholic off the court. As soon as I hang up the phone I'll be out on Fifth Avenue.
Amy ( Cali ): Hey Ticha! what has been the biggest challenge for you throughout your WNBA career? Thanks!
Ticha Penicheiro: I think injuries because it's something you can't control. Losing, travelling, the schedule. These are things you know are coming. But injuries can come any time, and you can't control it.
Jen, MN: Hey Ticha! I love watching you play. What is your favorite move to do in a game? Thanks for your time.
Ticha Penicheiro: I think it's the no-look pass. Just getting my teammates involved in the game. I love any flashy move. That's what gets me going.
Tiffany, PA: I know you bought a house in Sacramento ... any plans on becoming a US citizen and playing for team USA and getting that gold medal?
Ticha Penicheiro: That would be a dream come true. But I don't think I'm allowed to play for the US, since I've played for Portugal since I was 14 years old. I might become a US citizen, but I don't think they'll allow me to represent them in the Olympics.
Aleesia (Canada): Hey Ticha! At what age did you start playing basketball, and when did you realize you really had the talent to make it far? Also, what advice do you give to young teenagers aspiring to play WNBA ball?
Ticha Penicheiro: I started playing at the age of six. I followed my brother and father everywhere. I fell in love with the game, and I knew I wanted to play any time I could. The advice I would give is to believe in your dreams. Play hard, work hard and believe in your dreams.
Clarence J. Powers: : Ticha do you plan on doing any coaching on the college level and continue your play in the WNBA.
Ticha Penicheiro: It's a possiblity. I 'd love to coach at Old Dominion. Definitely on the college level. But at this age I want to perfect my game as a player, and I think there's a time for everything. Right now I want to be the best player I can be.
Kathy (Manning): First of all I would like to say I'm a huge fan of yours. I think that you are an extraodinary athlete. Well my question for you is with all the new and great talent that came into the WNBA this season, which rookie do you think has been the overall best and unexpected great athlete? Have great day! Kat
Ticha Penicheiro: I would have to go with Tamika Catchings. She's impressive in every category. Her stats are impressive, but when you play against her, you really find out how tough she is. I have to mention Sue Bird, because we play the same position and it's the most difficult position. But as an athlete, Catchings, hands down.
Ashley(Dayton,Oh): Ticha, you and your teamates had a wonderful year, regardless of if you didn't make it to the playoffs. We are all so proud of you guys. If you could choose one player in the WNBA to come to the Monarchs, and help them get to the next level next year, who would that be?
Ticha Penicheiro: I think we could use a big three player. I'd go with Tamika Catchings. She can do everything. I think we can win it without her, but if she came, they might as well cancel the schedule, because we'd win it all.
Ticha Penicheiro: I just want to thank all the WNBA fans for supporting this league. We appreciate the support and the love. Keep it up. Thank you and I'll see everyone next year.
