Despite visa issues, flight delays and a year delay to play with the Australian National Team, Erin Phillips has finally joined the Sun. Learn more about the Australian point guard here.

Where are you from?

“I was originally born in Melbourne, but I was pretty much raised in Adelaide. It’s a little country town. It’s got a population of about a million people. It’s just a nice size and it’s easy to get around.”

Is it anything like Connecticut?

“Yeah. Driving from the airport to Mohegan Sun, the trees and everything, it kind of reminds me a bit of the drive up into the Adelaide hills. So there’s actually quite a few similarities between the two places.”

Understanding that you’ve barely seen the state, what’s your initial impression of Connecticut?

“From what I was expecting of the states, Connecticut seems a bit more laid back. I was in the LA Airport for like an hour, and people were just so fast, and so hurried. And in Chicago, people were just full on. So I got the impression that people here are a bit more relaxed.”

Were you ever a Girl Guide?

No, I wasn’t (smile). We didn’t really have that where I’m from. But I can tell you that I have had a few door knocks recently, and I have bought a few packs of cookies, so I think it just might be taking off.”

What Intrigues You About Playing In the WNBA?

“It’s the best league in the world. I’ve been watching it on ESPN for a while now, and I’ve always wanted to play. I love the style that Mike has introduced to the team. The fired up tempo, the good defense, and all that. It’s something that I really like. Now, getting here, the girls seem fantastic. It’s a very family-like group. It’s really good.”

Does it help the transition to have another Australian (Laura Summerton) and a New Zealander (Donna Loffhagen) here?

“It’s good to have them here. But even if they weren’t here, it’s good to make some new friends and meet some new people.”

Did You Feel Like It Was Time To Take That Next Step?

“Yeah, definitely. I’m always up for different challenges and bigger challenges. I’ve put pretty big expectations on myself, and I wanted to give it a go. Even if I succeed or fail, since I’ve been here, I’ve learned so much.

Has it been somewhat overwhelming?

“A little bit. You kind of sit back and have a break, and go all right what just happened today?”

Was there one player you were looking forward to playing with?

“I’d have to say, I look up to Lindsay Whalen’s game. Playing the same position, and watching her play, she’s a very tough player, and I have so much admiration for her. ....And you’ve got all the other players around you, it’s really hard to just to name one player you want to play with.”

Is there any player you look forward to playing against?

“Sue Bird. She’s on the U.S. team, she’s an all-decade team (nominee). I’d like to play against her. She’s got a WNBA championship ring. It would be fun.”

What was your impression of your first WNBA game (May 7th against Detroit)?

“Besides the fatigue factor (laughs)? It was quite amazing. I know it was just a preseason game, but seeing the preparation before the game, it was like it was going to be a normal game. And the amount of people that were at a preseason game was just amazing. I was a little bit nervous, but I was just running on adrenaline. No sleep. Just get out there.”

Do you have any pregame superstitions?

“I always like to speak to my mom and dad and my family back home, and my boyfriend. They wish me good luck and then I get to go out and play. That’s the only real superstition I have.”

Favorite basketball moment?

“Uhm, God. Australia beating the U.S. a few weeks ago (laughs). I’d have to say winning a Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games (over New Zealand in March).”

Have you reminded Donna (Loffhagen) about that?

“(Laughs), I haven’t actually. She might turn around and belt me one.”