What I've Learned Since Draft

Listen up, seniors, because school isn't over for you just yet. While you may be getting that spring fever and thinking about your post-graduation plans, there are still a few lessons that you need to be taught. So sharpen those pencils, get the notebooks out and take good notes because there will be a test at the end of the semester.

Even though top WNBA prospects are still in college their education will continue well into the WNBA. A year ago they were still college seniors with little idea what to expect in the WNBA. Then they were drafted and the education begun immediately. From veterans to recent grads, some of the WNBA's current players already making names for themselves in the league don their professor caps and shed some light on what the incoming rookies can expect.

 

The education and the schooling continues for the 2005 class. Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images

Sancho Lyttle, Houston Comets
The schedule, I knew the games lasted about four months, but I never learned that we would be out of town for two or three days a week, so that was the biggest difference, you come home, sleep one day on your bed and you're gone again."

Kristen Mann, Minnesota Lynx
"I think the biggest thing I've learned is how physical the professional league is on the court. I'd say the other big thing that I learned is how much of a business this really is now. In college, people hold your hand."

Kendra Wecker, San Antonio Silver Stars
"The biggest thing you need to learn about life in the WNBA is that it really is a business. That has been the toughest adjustment for me because it is important to get your name out there and promote the sport, meet a lot of people and find the people that can help you around every corner. This is the top league in the world for a reason and the best of the best all come to play here and we will continue to grow."

Kristin Haynie, Sacramento Monarchs
"That's hard for me to say because Rookie Orientation prepares us so well and totally manages our expectations as far as how different the professional game is. Current and former players come in and we get to ask questions, so nothing surprised me in the WNBA. The girls are stronger and faster and play a much more physical style of play and the game is more up-tempo."

What they've said in the past...

2004: Lindsay Whalen, Connecticut Sun
"I that learned everyone is tall, long and fast. Everyone is a great player and you have to come ready and bring it every night."

2002: Sue Bird, Seattle Storm
"At first I was a little nervous about going out to the west coast. I didn't realize how much fun adapting to a new city would be. Not only off the court, but on it as well. The fans are so passionate in this league, its great to play in front of them every night."

2001: Ruth Riley, Detroit Shock
"I think one thing you don't realize coming out of college is that your new team is full of such diversity. There are people from different areas of the country and the world, and from all different age groups. In college, there is a close knit group of girls that you go to school with and are roughly the same age. But as a rookie, there are veteran players who have been playing for a long time and have so much more experience."