WBL Basketball Pioneers: Tonyus Chavers Q&A
This week, WNBA.com checks in with Tonyus Chavers, St. Louis Streak #6, Iowa Cornets #20 and Minnesota Fillies #45.
Up next: Cardte Hicks Previously: Ann Meyers | Michelle McKenzie | Mariah Burton Nelson
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"Playing professional basketball 25 years ago was exciting and challenging. The game was up-tempo with 12-minute quarters, a 24-second shot clock and no zones (the way that the NBA use to be). The challenge was convincing the skeptics that women could play basketball at the highest level. Most importantly, it was an opportunity to compete with and against the country�s best. The roster of cities convinced me that it was time to take a break from school and tour America! My introduction to the WBA was with the St. Louis Streak in an expansion season. We went to malls and gave free tickets to people to come and check us out."
When did you start playing basketball and what were the opportunities?
"I began playing basketball in 1969, after watching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with that beautiful skyhook. He affected me more with his inner strength and confidence. He wore tall better than anyone that I�d ever seen, and it made me stand taller. I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and the opportunities for girls' basketball were very limited. I learned to play the game the hard way � the only girl playing with the boys on a dirt court. I eventually earned the respect of the boys and fell passionately in love with the game. I regret not having the opportunity to play for my beloved high school. I graduated from Douglass High School in 1974. Girls' basketball was introduced the following year. The first team that I played for was the LeMoyne-Owen College Lady Magicians from 1976-1979. I received a full athletic scholarship to play on the college�s first women�s team and, in the process, saved my future."
Who is your favorite WNBA player to watch and why?
"My favorite WNBA player to watch is Tamika Catchings. Ooooweee! She plays the game as if there is no tomorrow! Her performance last year has me excited for her in 2004. She is already my choice for MVP next summer. However, I must send shout outs to all of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers now playing in the WNBA. I love you all."
If you were playing in the WNBA now, which player would be the biggest challenge for you to match up against?
"If I were playing in the WNBA, Sheryl Swoopes would be the biggest challenge for me to match up against. Her NBA three-point range is a beautiful thing to watch. She is a prolific scorer and rebounder; not to mention her commitment to playing serious defense. She can take over a game offensively and defensively at any time. I have been an admirer of her game since watching her put on a clinic while leading Texas Tech to the National Championship. I had the pleasure of meeting Sheryl at an All-Star autograph session in 1998 at the University of Minnesota. The way in which she greeted the public, especially children, endeared her to me even more.
Which WNBA player most reminds you of yourself??
"The WNBA player that most reminds me of myself is Yolanda Griffith. I love her aggressiveness as a scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker. I predicted that she would be league MVP in 1999. I also see myself in Tamara Moore (a young woman that I had the pleasure of coaching as a high school freshman) and I get the feeling that 2004 will be a break out year for her. Stay strong "T," I love you."
What is your favorite memory from your playing days?
"My absolute favorite memory from those days was walking into Madison Square Garden for the first time. I went to center court and sat down and started having flashbacks of all the great players that had played here before me. It was an emotional experience because I had never dreamed of playing professional basketball until the year before when I first saw "The Corndog" (The Iowa Cornets' bus). The icing on this memory was that I was blessed to share it with friends from Camp Minisink. I worked the camp for two summers before joining the WBL. And everyone that I called came to the game -- 60 strong! (Including my East Coast guys who helped take my game to another level)."
What is the funniest memory, strangest obstacle you faced?
"The funniest memory happened on the other coast. Being on board the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California was unforgettable! I called my Aunt Jean in San Diego and told her that she had to come. When she was asked for the name of the hotel, I said, 'I am on the Love Boat!' When game day arrived, she was there again and brought 12 of my cousins along to enjoy the game. The strangest obstacle I faced was playing for a coach in St. Louis who could not appreciate the beauty of street ball or trash talking."
Who were your basketball role models growing up?
"My basketball role models are all legends of the game: (1) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; (2) Julius �Dr. J� Erving; (3) Meadowlark Lemon; (4) Walt �Clyde� Frazier; (5) Bill Russell; (6) Earl �The Pearl� Monroe; (7) Jerry West; (8) �Curly� Neal; (9) Oscar �The Big O� Robertson; and (10) �Pistol� Pete Maravich. There were others, but the players on the above list always put a smile on my face when I watched them play."
Do you see yourself as a pioneer in the game?
"Yes, I see myself as a pioneer in the game of women�s basketball. I understood at the age of 23 that I could not do very much with my first contract for $6,000. I also understood that what we were doing was revolutionary just because we were the first."
What is the message you would like to give young girls who aspire to be basketball players?
"The message that I give to young girls aspiring to be basketball players is to put their education first. With all of the success of the WNBA, women�s salaries are still far less than their male counterparts. Basketball is a wonderful sport filled with experiences that help build confidence that you keep throughout your life. Putting education first prepares you for life after basketball."
Where do you think the women's game will be in 25 years?
"In the year 2022, the WNBA will celebrate its 25th anniversary by naming the 25 Greatest Women Players in WNBA history. Young girls watching today�s players will be WNBA players attempting to break the records being set today. In this year, the WNBA will be honored for 25 years in the fight against breast cancer and illiteracy. I see players playing above the rim in more ways than one. Salaries will reflect the hard work and sacrifices necessary to be a professional athlete."