Q: What excites you most about the move?
A: “Coming to Connecticut, the fan base is incredible. I’ve always hated playing there because you really can’t hear anything. I just think with this move being made, it allows for a lot of things on the basketball court, with Asjha and myself, both of us are interchangeable. It’s not going to matte who takes that ball out, it will be a fast-paced tempo game because we’ll take the ball out quicker, take the ball up the floor. I won’t be playing with just a one dimensional player on the other block. You can’t double team her because I can shoot outside and you can’t double team me because she can shoot outside. Lindsay knows how to distribute the ball to anyone anywhere they need it or where they want it. All and all, everyone on this team understands basketball.”
Q: Did the move come as a surprise?
A: “Yeah, it did. It was kind of a surprise, because I wasn’t thinking that Katie would want to move because she was in such a good situation. I was in a good situation in Indiana, but change is good. I’m really looking forward to playing there and being a part of the Connecticut Sun.”
Q: Talk about playing for Coach Thibault.
A: “If he needs to pull a play out of thin air, he can pull one out of thin air. He’s very open-minded toward his players and he understands the game, he knows the X’s and O’s of the game. He sees things that not necessarily every coach can see. I’ve only had the opportunity to play for one other guy like that and that was Richie Adubato. I’m really looking forward to getting that bond with Coach T and getting the ball rolling in Connecticut. Coach T and I have always had a good rapport. He’s always been joking with me and clowning with me. I actually asked him to see if he could get me a couple of years ago, but he just didn’t have the right moves to sign, trade, do whatever. I asked him a couple of years ago if I could play for him and I am really excited about that.”
Q: Can you talk a little bit about your toughness and intimidation down low as well as your ability to give this front line a little more “umph” than they’ve had in the past?
A: “When I started playing, I would say I was a wuss. My mom told me that if I wanted to play, I had to toughen up, so she just basically took me out and beat me to death. I really don’t try to intimidate anybody. I just try to let them know that I don’t care how big you are or whatever; I’m not going to back down. I’m just going to keep coming and keep coming, and to me that’s what a winner does and that’s what I’m trying to do – get a championship.”
Q: With you being a veteran and some younger players coming in to Connecticut, will you look forward to helping them out?
A: “I really do look forward to each generation coming into the WNBA. To me it’s fun. It’s kind of fun and it’s funny, to watch them learn the style of play in the WNBA, especially coming from college and overseas. Seeing them, how they adjust to it, I enjoy it. I’ll be there to help them if they want my help. I’ll offer it. I like to stay after practice, I like to come early before practice, so I’m pretty much a gym rat.”
Q: Do you think that the trade will make the Sun/Fever match-up even more exciting to watch now?
A: “I think it kinda ads to the pot a little bit. I think that was a rivalry before I even got to Indiana. Katie got the opportunity to go home and I’m happy for her, and I get the opportunity to win a championship. Both of us are moving in a right direction I think.”
Q: From and outsiders perspective, what have you always liked when you see the Sun play and what have you always thought they might need?
A: “I think they needed someone who is a bruiser in the paint, someone who is willing, if you hit my point guard, like Charles Barkley said, just let me know and don’t worry about it, I’m going to get them back. Its just part of the game, its not tennis, its not ballet, it’s a full contact sport and I like to give contact and I like to get it. I think it’s part of what they’ve been missing and also too that with Asjha and I being interchangeable. Both of us are very versatile on the court and it will be really hard to guard, two post players down there.”
