Sept. 23, 1999

The following is not a typical athlete's journal entry. You will not read about how many points were scored, who won, or who was difficult to guard. Mostly because of what you'll read about below. Instead, you will experience The World According To Me. Each week, I'll be posting another entry, so stay tuned ...

Wow. I had been doing so well getting my journal entries in once a week. Then I go and kill my track record the last few weeks of the season. Sorry about that. A lot has happened. I'll try to give you the quick update.

We made the playoffs. We made it to the finals. We lost on our home court. Spoon's shot ('nuff said). We will win the whole thing next year.

Ok, I promised not to write about the on-court happenings so I apologize for the previous paragraph. Life off the court was about as eventful as life on the court in Game 2 of the finals. My teammates made sure that the last month of the season was fun, and reminded me once again how much I love being a part of this team in New York City.

Since the season is over, it is only fitting that I give a little tribute to some of the key players - people who made this whole operation tick.

Coach Richie

First of all, you gotta commend Coach Richie for taking us to the finals this year. I don't think there is a team in the league who is better prepared than Richie makes us. He lives and breathes basketball. Of course, he is not a one-dimensional man. Actually, he is well-versed in the finer things in life, especially in the area of fine arts. The team became aware of this one day in the lockerroom after Richie commented on the rap music that was being played on the stereo. As Richie put it, "I know about this rap stuff. I've spent time around Shaq." (Richie coached Shaquille O'Neal in Orlando.)

Also, at the postseason party, Richie showed that he can really move to the groove. The man got out on the dance floor and cut the rug with his wife. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in a Gap commercial soon (the one for khakis, not the one for vests.)

Kym

I can't believe Kym Hampton is still claiming that she is going to retire. It is my offseason mission to change her mind. Kym finally had surgery on her knee and hopefully it will respond (It better respond. At one point it was so swollen, it was the size of her thigh). We will both remain in the city and rehab together. We'll see how impressive my powers of persuasion can be.

Speaking of Kym, Coquese (mini-me) told me a nice little anecdote about Kym. Apparently, after the Orlando game, coach Richie got buckets of KFC for the team. (We only eat those things the team nutritionist recommends. Wait, we don't have a team nutritionist.) Anyway, Kym was daintily eating her poultry and making sure to leave the skin and bones on her plate. After she was done eating, she looked down and told Co, "I've got enough skin and bones here to build me a man." By the way, Kym is the same person who sometimes wears magnets on her knees to ease the pain ... underneath her skirts. She will be all dressed up and lift her skirt to show magnets and spandex underneath. Only Kym!

Sue

Can we please take a moment and reflect on the FANTABULOUS season Sue Wicks gave the Liberty!?! (Fantabulous is Susan's word.) OK, moment of reflection is over. Sue had a great game when the team visited Detroit and played on Lifetime Television. She was even named Buick Regal Player of the Game. While she was being interviewed on television, she innocently looked around and asked the interviewer, "Where's my car?" (It was probably resting in Cynthia Cooper's garage.)

Spoon

Spoon gave us all the shot to remember this year. It is probably the only thing that can rival my one rebound for importance and excitement given to the 1999 Liberty season. It was nice that it happened in Houston because Spoon had a horde of family and friends at the game. Her relatives, including her 93-year old grandmother, boogied at the postgame party. What a wonderful group of people!

VJ

I'm going to miss my teammates this offseason. Vickie Johnson is back in Israel showing everyone how talented she is. (By the way, she is a fan of Queen Latifah's new TV show.)

VanGorp

Michele VanGorp is over in Greece dunking and eating gyros in the hope of bulking up for next season. (Actually, I haven't heard from Michele so I don't know exactly what she is eating over there. I admit this only because I want this to be a fact-driven column on WNBA.com.)

Tamika

Tamika Whitmore is back at Memphis explaining to her former teammates the art of hailing a cab. She is also looking into the unbelieving Lady Tigers' eyes and giving a sermon about the rarity of livestock and grits in the city.

Hammon

Becky Hammon is finishing up her degree out in Colorado. Right now she is probably studying for some test while listening to her favorite CD and reflecting on finer times riding on the Liberty bus with her awestruck teammates as they listen to tales from her past.

Crystal

Crystal Robinson is in Denver trying to learn how to shoot the three, or any other shot under pressure for that matter. Actually , knowing her, she is saying something unexpected to make everyone around her laugh. (By the way, she is one of the best passers into the post I have seen.)

Venus

Venus Lacy is raising money for her foundation and wondering when she'll get to see our trainer - Lisa White - again.

Coquese

Coquese Washington is assisting the Notre Dame women's basketball program in her first year as a coach. No doubt she will use her legal skills on the sideline as she tries to sway officials with her persuasive arguments. I don't think she's lost one yet.

Sophia

Sophia Witherspoon is looking for that last Tweetie doll to add to her collection.

Me, I'm just rehabbing and trying to decide whether or not to buy the "Nolan Ryan Tribute Rifle." It is a limited edition and only costs $1850. I wonder if bullets are included. (Seriously, WHO WOULD BUY THAT?!?) Actually, I know who would buy that. Probably the same people who frequent Slick Willy's Family Pool Hall in Houston and get excited when Continental Airlines serves hot pork barbecue sandwiches on the flight to Newark.

Jen

OK, I had to get some digs in to the folks in Houston. They can just say the word "three-peat" and I'll shut up. Speaking of Houston, we need to congratulate the Comets point guard and more importantly, my friend, Jen Rizzotti for being named the head coach at the University of Hartford. Good luck, sister!

This week's "I'M DUMB AWARD" goes to: Lucas Winters. He locked himself in his car's trunk and had to cry out for help. He did this after allegedly robbing a US Bank in Hermiston, Ore. He was in the trunk changing into a disguise when he realized he was locked inside. An officer walking by heard Winters' pleading and arrested him.

Say It Ain't So: Monica Lewinsky spent three days interning at Marie Claire magazine. She tested the STAYING POWER OF LIPSTICK and revealed her secrets for keeping it on after a meal. I'm not gonna even touch that one.

Yo, it's time to give a SHOUT OUT to:
 My favorite assistant PR person who is no longer with the NY Liberty - Brad Topper. I'm gonna miss you, you little stack of pancakes!!!
 Anyone who has ever been late to work because of me.
 All the folks who do the government's good work for the FBI. If you can take time out to relax a few days in Phoenix, you're OK with me.
 The fans in section U16 at Game 3 between the Yankees and the Red Sox. I owe you my life since you didn't throw me onto the field even though I was wearing a Mets Jersey. (It was the only New York baseball jersey I had. I didn't realize it was a no-no to wear it to a Yankee game. I'm scouring the city for a shirt with pinstripes right now.)
 Chris Leible. What can I say? You are the man.
 All the bomb-droppers over in the Netherlands. Keep racking up the points and representing U.S. hoopsters!
 Julie Campagna - you did the right thing. No girl should be excluded from playing hoops just because she is a girl!
 The adult woman who cursed me out at the wheelchair game at the Garden ... I'm sorry I didn't turn around immediately and look at you - the person who was rudely screaming my name from three sections over. I merely wanted to wait until the gentleman behind me finished his story. He was a nice fan and deserved my attention. You, on the other hand, need to stop cursing at me and check out the context of the situation. Next time, wait until I'm done talking. Then, come a little closer. I'll definitely look at the fan screaming my name like a lunatic from two sections away. (I feel better now that I've vented.)
 The New Yorkers who have enjoyed the succulant taste of a warm, fresh pizza-bagel
 My therapists at Beth Israel -Yvonne and Jamie. My knee is healing and I am thankful that I decided to stay in the city for rehab each time I work out with them! I am convinced that there is none better at doing what they do!
 All the Liberty fans. Once again, you guys were fantastic. I can't wait to play in front of you again next year. 2000 is gonna be the year.