|
Chat Reel: Yolanda Griffith
WNBA MVP says a 4-peat for Houston no sure thing
Posted: Wednesday May 24, 2000 05:31 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's WNBA chat with Sacramento forward and 1999 WNBA MVP Yolanda Griffith. Hi Yolanda, thanks for joining us.
Yolanda Griffith: Thank you.
From Guest: Have you been to Sydney? What do you think of the city and its Olympic preparation?
Yolanda Griffith: Actually, yes I have been to Sydney in August of last year with Team USA. We played a couple of games and saw where they were building the Olympic basketball site. It's amazing to think that the time just flew by since they announced they were having the Games until now.
From Guest: Have you met coach Fortner? What do you think of her as a coach?
Yolanda Griffith: I have met Nell Fortner and I think she's a great coach. She's young but really understands the game. Since I've been playing under her she's taught me a lot of things to help my game.
From Guest: How has the city of Sacramento responded to the team? Do people recognize you on the street?
Yolanda Griffith: *laughs* Pretty much, I think the whole team is famous - especially after the great season we had last year. The city is great; it's hot. They've welcomed us back with open arms and we're looking forward to a great season.
From Guest: Are there any players you haven't played with but would like to?
Yolanda Griffith: Not really, I'm pretty satisfied with the players we have. I played in the ABL with Andrea Nagy with the Mystics. We've crossed our fingers that we'll get to play together again before I retire.
From Guest: Why do you think the Comets have been able to win the title each year? Will they repeat?
Yolanda Griffith: For the Comets to repeat they have to go through all the teams and I think it'll be tough to 4-peat this year. They were able to win 3 because of their defense. They have players willing to do anything to win a championship because they know they have the three of Cooper, Swoopes and Thompson.
From Guest: Were you surprised to win the MVP award last season?
Yolanda Griffith: Truly, that kind of blew me back. I knew I was in the running, but after I went down with my injury, I didn't think I had a chance. But it caught me by surprise because there were so many plaayers that had a great season that it could have gone to anyone.
CNNSI Host: From Peter in Los Angeles: After winning MVP last year, lots of Western Conference players will have you targeted, trying to show you up; players like Lisa Leslie and Jennifer Gillom. Are you worried about how these other teams are going to target you, or do you see this as a new challenge? Are you up to it?
Yolanda Griffith: It's just a new challenge because I felt last year Jennifer and Lisa had a great season. I'm not trying to repeat as MVP, just doing what I need to do to get Sacramento the championship.
From Guest: The Olympics are right around the corner and the roster has yet to be set. Any thoughts on who will fill those final spots?
Yolanda Griffith: I have no idea whatsoever. It could be filled by anyone because there's so many great players out there. Adding a great player will make the team even more talented than it already is.
From Guest: Have you played any teams overseas? If so, how does it compare to playing in the states?
Yolanda Griffith: It's different because playing overseas you have to learn different rules and, yes, we played in Rio against Brazil and Cuba. Cuba is young but they can run with the best of them. We lost to the Brazilian National Team and we're going to remember that when we get to Sydney. All of the teams are going to be tough, we're not going to take any team lightly. If we do make it to the championship and it's against Australia, it's going to be tough.
From Guest: Growing up, did you have the opportunity to watch any of the great women's basketball players? Who inspired you?
Yolanda Griffith: Back in the day, I would say Cheryl Miller. She could have played for any NBA team. Seeing her put her team on her shoulders and carrying them to the championship was a thrill for me.
From Guest: How is being a member of the US national team and playing in the WNBA going to affect players at the end of the season or during the Olympics? Are they going to be overly tired?
Yolanda Griffith: No. When you're playing for something that really means a lot to you, you can't be tired. I think they gave us a great program to follow and if everyone does that we'll be in the best shape ever.
From Guest: Do you think the WNBA will raise player salaries or will the players association have to become involved each time?
Yolanda Griffith: I don't really know about the salaries. You're not going to make a million dollars with the WNBA - I'm not trying to get involved in the money situation.
From Guest: The WNBA has expanded quickly, adding four teams this year, do you think the talent is becoming diluted or there are still a lot of players out there?
Yolanda Griffith: There are truly some great players out there. I'm glad they added new teams because that way you keep the talent in the US. There are still a lot of great players in college. It's still happening for women's basketball.
From Guest: Have you thought about what you'd like to do when you retire from basketball?
Yolanda Griffith: I'm going to own five sporting goods stores and the clothes line and apparel are going to be on the bottom and upstairs there's going to be a weight room/workout facility. It's going to be called Hooked Up.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have for today. Thanks again for joining us, Yolanda. And Good luck the rest of the season and in the Olympics.
Yolanda Griffith: Thank you.
|
Copyright © 2001
CNN/Sports Illustrated
An AOL Time Warner Company.
All Rights Reserved.
|
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines.
|
| 
