The media can paint whatever picture they want in regard to how the WNBA is promoted and which players they choose to market.

For example, management in the WNBA offices really uses the media to try to pump up the draft. Every year at draft time I hear, "This is the best draft since the WNBA started." It is true that it has gotten harder in each year of the WNBA's existence to make a team. Every year the competition becomes a little tougher, and this year it was extremely hard to make because there were no expansion teams to create more job opportunities.

True, some players available in the draft are really talented, but a good draft doesn't focus on the draft's top 10-15 players. A good draft, at least to me, means there is someone special to snag in every round.

I know the league and media have to develop a new marketing strategy every year to generate excitement about the upcoming season of the WNBA. However, the media, the general public, and even the top draft picks themselves don't realize how good the veterans in the league really are and how tough it is to make a roster.

I think back to when I got drafted, which actually was the best draft in the history of the WNBA (due to the folding of the ABL and all its players coming over to the WNBA).

What a transition it is to go from a superstar to super ... back up. It's a tough transition mentally. I think the hardest part of coming off the bench is being ready to play at any moment. There are times I may go in at the 7-minute mark and other times when they wait until the 12-minute mark to make substitutions. I understand my role on this team and have grown much more as a player because of it.

One area of my game that has really improved this season has been my defense. I have made a conscious effort to raise my level on that end of the floor, and it has paid off. I realize my time will come when the time is right. But for now, all I can do is make the most of the minutes I receive.

I think this season is an important one for me. I came into this league doubted by many and spent my first two seasons trying to prove I should be here. Now, I think people have been giving me more respect as a player, and I know that along with that respect comes higher expectations.

As a player, it is always a confidence builder to have people who believe in you, but I think the most important aspect of self-confidence comes from believing in yourself and your ability.

One highlight so far this year has been being placed on the All-Star ballot. There are so many talented players in this league, it is an honor for me to be placed in the same category.

It's the veterans who really run this league, and it's exciting to be not only considered one, but valued as one — which is a far cry from my first year coming in as an undrafted free agent.

If you wish to vote for the WNBA All-Stars, you can do so at http://www.wnba.com. You are allowed to vote once a day.

Becky Hammon, an all-state basketball player at Rapid City Stevens and an All-American at Colorado State, is in her third year of pro basketball as a member of the WNBA's New York Liberty.