WNBA.com: Getting to Know Your First Round Picks

Washington's Tamara James and Seattle's Barbara Turner

Getting to Know Your First Round Picks

What strengths, qualities or skills will you bring or add to your new team?
Turner: My work ethic. I love this game and have fun playing it. I know alot of people have questions about what position I will play, but I'm a basektall player. I'll play anywhere on the floor and give 100% when I'm doing it. You can put me inside and out, but I have an advantage because I have been playing both for four years in college and that will help me out a lot.
James: I bring energy, rebounds, scoring and determination. Anything they need me to do, I'll do.

With the 11th pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft, Seattle selected Barbara Turner.
T. Vaccaro/NBAE/Getty Images
What skills do you feel you still need to improve or work on at the next level?
James: My handles, a little.
Turner: My ball handling. I played with my back to the basket in college, so I'll work more on that. I also want to become a more consistent 3-point shooter. Those are the two biggest factors I need to improve on to be successful in the league. Once I start to work on it, I'm confident I'll be successful.

What do you expect to be some of the biggest challenges or adjustments at the next level?
Turner: The speed of the game and the physicality ot it. I think the adjustment going from high school to college will be similar in going from college to the pros. Playing against players Catchings, Swoopes and Tina Thompson, I think I'll be in awe. I grew up watching them and want to be like them.
James: These are bigger, stronger players. I wouldn't say it's a challenge, but you have to be a role player before being a star in the WNBA. I just want to win.

Is there a current WNBA player you model your game after or look up to?
James: I really like Nikki Teasley's game.
Turner: Tamika Catchings. She is relentless. When you mention her name, you immediately think of the work ethic and how she has worked to develop her game. So I'd say I model my game after her because she gives 110% percent and is the face of the franchise.

Washington's Tamara James, chosen eighth overall, is a scorer.
M. Wurst/NBAE Images

So now that all is said and done, what will you remember most about your college experience?
Turner: I will remember the relationships with my teammates and the coaching staff. Of course, I will also remember how much fun it was to win two National Championships and experience it at Connecticut. The fans were also amazing, and I will always remember and appreciate them.
James: I will recall the fact that I got to play in two conferences and with two coaches. The support of my family meant a lot to me.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Turner: Nice guys finish last. Play mean and fierce. Keep it in baclk of mind - trainer back in Cleveland - Melvin burt. Live by that motto - helped me have work ethic.
James: A quote from the bible.

What WNBA player are you most looking forward to playing against or meeting?
James: It doesn't matter to me. I just want to play.
Turner: I am looking forward to playing with Sue Bird since we were nevert teammates in college.

What type of profession or field would you be interested in pursuing after your career?
James: I majored in theater, so perhaps being on a sit com or in a movie. I 've always been a dramatic person and my parents always said I'm going to Hollywood. I love TV and would enjoy doing something in entertainment
Turner: I would like to pursue a degree in law. My aunt is a prosecutor who has recently passed the bar, so I can work with her in the offseason and attend school.