What a difference a year makes. At this time in 2006, the Silver Stars were in the early stages of 13-21 campaign, on their way to missing out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Sophia Young, drafted No. 4 overall out of Baylor just prior to the season, found herself thrown into the starting lineup and asked to do a lot more than most rookies can anticipate. She responded by leading the team in scoring (12.0 ppg) and rebounding (7.6 rpg), and despite the team's sub-par record, even earned an All-Star selection.

Sophia Young has started every game she has played for the Silver Stars since joining the team in 2006. Alissa Hollimon/NBAE/Getty Images

But the team headed into 2007 with an overhauled roster, highlighted by the acquisitions of Becky Hammon, Ruth Riley and Erin Buescher. With San Antonio now armed with a mix of up-and-coming talents and veteran players who have experienced success in the WNBA, the pressure on Young to produce night in and night out has lessened. But that hasn't stopped her from raising her game in '07, especially on offense. Her scoring average (14.2 ppg) and field goal percentage (.500) are both up significantly from last year. More important, the Silver Stars are rolling, holding the second-place spot in the West and eyeing their first playoff berth since the team moved to the Alamo City.

WNBA.com's Mark Bodenrader chatted with Young about the team's reversal of fortune and her sophomore upgrade.

Q: Can you compare this season with your rookie season? How have you adjusted?
YOUNG: “I think I have adjusted because I’ve gotten used to this system now. Last year coming in it was just really new and you didn’t know what to expect. So having one year under my belt makes me more confident and allows me to know what exactly to expect in the game.”

Q: Did you work on anything specifically to improve your game during the offseason?
YOUNG: “Oh, yeah. I worked on my shooting because I know last season I was driving a lot to the basket and a lot of people were playing me for that. So I definitely tried to improve my outside shot. That’s my biggest improvement I think.”

Q: With all the roster changes the Silver Stars made during the offseason, what’s the dynamic of this team compared to last year’s? Is it different?
YOUNG: “Yeah, it’s totally different. We are a different team and we have a different feeling in the locker room. I’m very glad to have Becky (Hammon) and Ruth (Riley) and Erin (Buescher) on our team because they bring so much aggression to the team and that’s good for us.”

Q: How have you all been able to play so well together this early in the season?
YOUNG: “I think the biggest thing is we have good chemistry on the court. And if something’s not clicking, then someone else is able to pick us up. That’s really what matters the most, because if someone isn’t hitting, there’s other people that can pick us up on this team.”

Q: How about Becky specifically? What’s it like to play with her?
YOUNG: “Oh Becky’s a tremendous player. She’s a great point guard and a great shooter. She can drive the ball. She’s a good all-around player. She’s really hard to guard and that makes it easier for us. I mean, I’m glad she’s on my team. She opens up a lot of things for us.”

Q: With all the additions this year, has your role changed? Have you tried to approach things differently this season or has Coach Dan Hughes given you a new role?
YOUNG: “Well, it’s pretty much the same, but obviously our expectations are higher because we’re trying to make the playoffs. So everybody’s role has gotten greater just because we have a mission and we’re on a mission to accomplish something.”

Q: I noticed your Points Per Game up a lot this year. Are you looking to score more?
YOUNG: “I think I’ve just gotten a little more aggressive because everybody knew I was a good rebounder and people are trying to take that away from me, boxing me out more. That’s totally a part of my game that I need to improve – my rebounding. I guess I’ve tried to get more aggressive on offense and hopefully defense and rebounding and everything will come.”

Q: So how realistic is making the playoffs for this team this year?
YOUNG: “I think it’s very realistic. Absolutely. I think if we just play the way we’ve been playing, and we just keep having the chemistry that we have, then I think we can go far.”