WNBA.com Chat Session, 6/19/01
It's been a busy past week for Liberty guard Becky Hammon. After a slow start, the Liberty are once again heating up in the East and Becky has been a big part of their turnaround. She was a contributor in the Liberty's clutch win over Miami on Sunday and during their current four-game winning streak, which has catapulted them to a half game behind the Rockers in the East. It's no wonder Hammon is on the ballot for the 2001 WNBA All-Star Game in Orlando!
Hammon completed her college career at Colorado State ranked as the WAC's all-time leading scorer (men and women) with 2,740 points (21.9 ppg), passing Keith Van Horn, now with the Nets, to earn the honor. She teamed up with the Knicks' Allan Houston for the Sony 2Ball Competition at the 2000 NBA All-Star Game.
Now in only her third season, Becky has notched a place in the league's top 20 in three-point percentage (.433), three point fied goals made (13), and field goal percentage (.433). She chatted live on Tuesday, June 19 prior to her game against the Monarchs that night. Here's what she had to say:
Emily from proxy.aol.com at 3:59pm ET
After winning four in a row, do you guys feel confident that you can win in the west?
Becky Hammon at 3:59pm ET
We're playing really good basketball right now, so we'll just keep doing what we're doing and hopefully the winning will take care of itself, and hopefully we can squeak out a couple more wins on this road trip.
Troy at 4:00pm ET
Which makes you feel more comfortable starting or being a spark of the bench?
Becky Hammon at 4:00pm ET
I'm comfortable with either role. We have the best backcourt in the whole league, and if I can come in, relieve them and not lose anything when we go to our bench, then I think that's a positive for us. I want to be able to come in and do whatever I can and take some stress off of our starters, so that way we don't lose anything.
Brenda from genevaonline.com at 4:01pm ET
If you had to change or improve one thing about your game, what would that be?
Becky Hammon at 4:02pm ET
There's a lot of areas that I want to improve in. I'd like to improve little things so that my overall game improves. I learn stuff from this team every day, from the players to the coaching staff.
Regina from proxy.aol.com at 4:02pm ET
How does it feel being a candidate for the All-Star team?
Becky Hammon at 4:03pm ET
Obviously it's a great honor to be put on the ballot -- I'm just excited about it. Whatever happens happens. Being in my third year in the league, this is an accomplishment for me being that I wasn't even drafted. I'm excited. We'll see what happens.
Kim at 4:04pm ET
Since your dog Trey is in Colorado, do you have any companions up there in NY (like a goldfish or something) to keep you company, or are your wacky teammates enough company?
Becky Hammon at 4:04pm ET
My wacky teammates definitely keep me company! We keep everybody laughing around this place. It's so hard to even own a pet during the season, and it wouldn't be fair to my dog since we travel so much. I definitely miss my baby.
Fortress Q. from proxy.aol.com at 4:05pm ET
If you had one wish, what would it be?
Becky Hammon at 4:05pm ET
Oh, that's a tough one! I'd wish for many more wishes.
marissa from proxy.aol.com at 4:06pm ET
First, I would like to say that you are a great inspiration to me. My question is: what is your favorite part about playing for the Liberty? Thank you and good luck this season.
Becky Hammon at 4:06pm ET
It's gotta be Madison Square Garden. Being a New York athlete, there's nothing better. That's my favorite thing is to play there and be surrounded with the people I'm surrounded with.
Laura at 4:07pm ET
How does it feel to be a role model for young girls who don't have a chance of being tall, but just average like you?
Becky Hammon at 4:08pm ET
You have to work a bit harder, but you build character when you work harder than everybody else. A lot of people just look at your height, but there are a lot of other things that contribute to your athletic ability. You just have to be able to dream big and be able to work hard for what you're dreaming. I've been in good situations, so it's also about the people you surround yourself with. No one makes it on their own -- there are a lot of people who help you out ... but we've got to give a shout-out to all the short girls!
jamie from ss.shawcable.net at 4:09pm ET
Hey Becky, you rock! Who are your role models on the court and off the court?
Becky Hammon at 4:10pm ET
I don't know if I have a role model on the court -- I try to pick people where I like to take bits and pieces of their games and add them to my own. A lot of people do individual things well.
Off the court, definitely my parents, without a doubt. My family in general, my brothers and sisters. Those are people who I really respect and admire.
Jeff from norfolk.nipr.mil at 4:10pm ET
Do you still hold on to you Midwest values or does the glitter and the limelight suit you better?
Becky Hammon at 4:11pm ET
I like both. I definitely hang on to my values, but I definitely like playing in New York and being in the action too. When I'm in South Dakota I like to kick back and take it easy, but I can see myself in both settings.
Natreia from 063.popsite.net at 4:12pm ET
What is your take on Rebecca Lobo's return? And do you think with her back you have even better chances of taking home a title this year?
Becky Hammon at 4:12pm ET
We're definitely excited about Rebecca being back. We get to play together a lot in practice, which is actually a first because she's been injured. She's going to help us and contribute good minutes off the bench ... how can you take a step back when you've got Rebecca Lobo coming in?!
Wynter from proxy.aol.com at 4:13pm ET
Thanks to Rebecca we all know you love N'Sync!! But what music gets you pumped up before a game?
Becky Hammon at 4:14pm ET
I listen to all kinds of music, nothing really specific. Anything from alternative to Christian music to rap ... anything goes in my pregame ritual.
Stacy from pci1.cos.pcisys.net at 4:15pm ET
How do you mentally stay in the game and not let anything distract you?
Becky Hammon at 4:16pm ET
When you come off the bench, you have a bit of an advantage because you're able to read things. Just staying alert and being focused on the bench -- watching things -- keeps you in the game. You can see who's hot right away and get a feel for what's going on. That helps a lot.
Krista Riley from allina.com at 4:16pm ET
Hey Beck! As an old friend from South Dakota, I thought everyone would enjoy hearing what you miss about South Dakota and the Black Hills, as well as what your favorite things in NY are. Take care and I'll see you when you come play the Lynx. :)
Becky Hammon at 4:17pm ET
Hey, Krista! I miss my summers, going to the lake and hanging out with my family. In New York, I actually don't do much except play Liberty games and go to Liberty-related events.
ARSANTORO from proxy.aol.com at 4:18pm ET
Becky, I am a teacher. Do you ever get involved with visiting schools to talk to kids?
Becky Hammon at 4:19pm ET
My whole offseason seems like that's what I was doing. I did it in New York, Jersey -- that's definitely something the NBA and WNBA take a lot of pride in is going to the schools and being a positive influence in young people's lives. A good way to go about getting a player to possibly visit your school is to contact the Liberty office.
Amanda from proxy.aol.com at 4:19pm ET
You are an awsome ball player. But what is it like to have a teamate like T-Spoon?
Becky Hammon at 4:20pm ET
It's comical! She's extremely intense but has a big heart. She keeps us laughing, but at the same time keeps an intense atmosphere. It's great playing alongside her.
Meg_25 from rconnect.com at 4:20pm ET
Hey Becky. I'm a big fan of you and the Liberty and I was wondering what your favorite part of being in the WNBA is?
Becky Hammon at 4:21pm ET
Just the excitement of playing in the games. It's a very exciting atmosphere, and that's really our selling point. It's just exciting to be a part of something like this. And then just being a positive influence in kids' lives and being a role model -- that's something I take a lot of pride in.
Carissa from m64.mar.catskill.net at 4:22pm ET
Hey Becky, your camp was great! Will you be doing more next year?
Becky Hammon at 4:22pm ET
It depends on my schedule -- I've done one in Rapid City (South Dakota) for two years and one in Colorado. Maybe I'll do one in New York ... we'll see. The whereabouts are yet to be determined!
Heather from ipt.aol.com at 4:23pm ET
What rookie do you think will make the most impact this year? I think it will be Svetlana Abrosimova!
Becky Hammon at 4:24pm ET
I definitely like Svetlana's game, but there are a couple others I'll be watching. Lauren Jackson's putting up big numbers. Semeka Randall is a nice surprise, too. A lot of it is adjustment for the rookies, so we'll see. I have yet to submit my vote for Rookie of the Year!
Kandi Decker from sbo.ma.webcache.rcn.net at 4:25pm ET
Hi Becky,
You see a lot of college players struggle when they try to make the jump to the WNBA ... can you tell me what was the hardest part of the transition from college player to pro?
Becky Hammon at 4:26pm ET
It's a tough transition mentally and I don't think a lot of these college players -- or a lot of people -- realize the level these women are playing at. It's the highest level of women's basketball in the world, and we've got All-Americans and Olympians going back 15 years. It's a huge step. You can't even really compare college and the pros.
Amanda from proxy.aol.com at 4:26pm ET
What was your major in college?
Becky Hammon at 4:26pm ET
I majored in exercise and sports science, with a minor in coaching. It's a fancy name for P.E. teacher, but it requires a lot of science classes.
Wynter from proxy.aol.com at 4:27pm ET
How does it feel to finally have a real jersey that your fans can get?
Becky Hammon at 4:28pm ET
It feels great. It's great to look up in the stands and see your supporters up there. And I'm excited because my fans don't have to make them anymore! They can actually buy the real thing! But it's a great feeling to know you have that kind of support.
Stephanie from rdc1.ct.home.com at 4:29pm ET
Do you think the Liberty could go all the way?
Becky Hammon at 4:30pm ET
Definitely yes. We have a few things we're still improving on, and we've yet to play our best game, which is a good thing. It's exciting for us that we can still improve and the Liberty's best performance is still to come. We have the right elements and we're jelling a lot quickly than we have in the past. It's not a giveaway, though. There are a lot of great players and teams in our league.
Becky Hammon at 4:31pm ET
Thanks for all the questions and the support you've given to myself, the Liberty and the WNBA. Hope to see you at the games! TO THE TOP