Silver Stars forward in Las Vegas for events and appearances
Wecker Set to Lead San Antonio To Saturday Repeat

LAS VEGAS, NV, Feb. 15, 2007 — San Antonio's Kendra Wecker burst onto the NBA All-Star scene in Houston last year as a part of the victorious Team San Antonio that won the Shooting Stars competition. Back this year to defend her title, WNBA.com's editor emeritus caught up with Wecker on her way from the airport to her hotel.

Wecker looks to lead San Antonio to a second consecutive title in the Shooting Stars competition. NBAE/Getty Images

Q. Welcome home, sort of. At least back to the U.S. What took you so long?
Wecker: "Travel. But I'm well-rested now. I think."

Q. That's good news. You have a big weekend ahead of you. So where were you coming in from?
Wecker: "Barcelona, Spain. I was actually home for Christmas to see the family for nine days. I didn't actually go overseas last year because I was finishing school and rehabbing."

Q. So you are definitely rested. What are you most looking forward to about this weekend here in Las Vegas?
Wecker: "I have never been to Las Vegas so this is a first-time experience for me. I've heard a lot about it and I know that what goes on in Vegas stays here and all that, so it's exciting that I'm actually here. Hopefully I will have a great time and get to meet people and enjoy being around everyone from the competition on Saturday Night. Last year's experience was one of the most exciting things I have ever done in my life."

Q. It was also probably the biggest crowd you will ever compete in front of."
Wecker: "Very true, but I loved being around Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade, too."

Q. Wait, does this mean that doing the media circuit is not the most exciting part of the weekend?
Wecker: "Well, darnit, you are pretty exciting."

Along with her WNBA and NBA counterparts, Wecker will meet the press in an obstacle course of a media circuit here in Las Vegas. NBAE/Getty Images

Q. So aside Kobe and D-Wade, who are your favorite NBA players to watch and who are you looking forward to meeting?
Wecker: "I really enjoy watching Lebron James as well as Dwyane. Obviously watching Wade and the Heat in their championship run last year was pretty neat. I'm looking forward to meeting other NBA guys and just hanging out with my fellow WNBA players."

Q. Have you been in touch with Tony Parker and George Gervin to discuss your strategy for Saturday Night?
Wecker: "We haven't touched base yet, but I'm afraid that I may have to take a few of the more difficult shots. Who knows what the Iceman has for range."

Q. He's a legend and a Hall-of-Famer. You'll be fine.
Wecker: "Okay, that's good to know. I want to win again."

Q. As someone who has won this competition before, what are the keys to victory?
Wecker: "Making shots. Quickly. Be ready when it's your turn to shoot. Last year Tony made the half-court shot on his first try so hopefully he can do it again this year."

Q. How would you break down your WNBA competition?
Wecker: "Candice Dupree had a great rookie season. She is a great competitor and I'm not sure what her range is as far as an outside game goes. She is a pretty smooth four-player so I think she'll be okay. Temeka Johnson is a poitn guard, a leader and should be able to knock down shots. Swin Cash is the other one, playing with her Coach, Bill Laimbeer. I don't know their on-court chemistry, so that will be interesting to watch."

Q. Last question... Is this the year that the San Antonio Silver Stars finally make the playoffs?
Wecker: "We need to. It's been long enough. Coach Hughes has been there awhile now and has put in the work. He's a great coach and we all enjoy playing for him. So we want to have success both for him and for our organization. We'll make a run to the playoffs this year and get there."