Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
May 25, 2001

Last year Witherspoon was ranked fourth the league for three point field goals made (60). (Allsport)

One of the WNBA's best, Portland Fire guard Sophia Witherspoon, stopped by to chat about the start of the WNBA season.

Witherspoon will be looking to improve upon her outstanding 2000 season. Last year she was ranked twelfth in the league in points per game (16.8), eighth in freethrow percentage (.871) and fourth in three point field goals made (60). She has also averaged 2.1 steals per game and had 76 steals.

Witherspoon was drafted in 1997 by the New York Liberty and then selected by the expansion Fire in 1999. Throughout her WNBA career, Witherspoon has averaged 14 points and 2.8 assists per game.

Sophia Witherspoon: Hello! Thanks for joining me on the chat. I look forward to your questions.

Question: What were your initial thoughts when you were selected in the expansion draft in 1999 and headed to an expansion team? And your thoughts now?

Sophia Witherspoon: I just looked at it as a new start. Making history all over again. My thoughts are the same now. Last year was history making and now we are in the building process with the team and I am glad to be a part of it!

Question: What has been the biggest challenge playing for an expansion team?

Sophia Witherspoon: I think starting over again. Getting to know new faces, new women. Building trust again with the new coaches and players. And dealing with a lot of youth.

Question: How has Coach Hargrove helped your game? What's the best thing about playing for her?

Sophia Witherspoon: She has helped by allowing me to be myself. Letting me do what I do best. I am a score and I play hard. She has allowed me to be free with that. She gives me confidence to do that.

Question: How have we fans in Portland treated you?

Sophia Witherspoon: They received me well. Open arms. They have a sense of respect regarding the type of player they have gotten in me.

Question: The WNBA's reach has really grown over the past four year, what more do you think should be done to get a greater reach?

Sophia Witherspoon: I think we should do more post season appearances in communities. More travelling and exhibition to let people know we are out there.

Question: Did you get to pick #13? If so, what significance does it have?

Sophia Witherspoon: Yes I did. It was the number I had in high School. When you think of 13 you think the negative things like Friday the 13th. I just wanted to bring positive to the number

Question: Do you have any superstitions? (Especially pre-game)

Sophia Witherspoon: No. I don't. I do have pre-game rituals. Relaxing my mind and pray.

Question: What is a typical game day like for you?

Sophia Witherspoon: Get up around 8, eat, relax, pray.. go to the gym, get taped, shoot around at 10 or 11. Come back, eat, nap..Then head to the game 2-2.5 hours before the game. Get taped, dressed, do extra shooting to warm up, go back in and relax. Then we go out, warm up and play.

Question: What's the most important requirement to good guard play?

Sophia Witherspoon: I think being agressive. Being able to shoot from the outside. Consistent defense and beating someone 1-on-1.

Question: What NBA player do you think your game most resembles?

Sophia Witherspoon: A little bit of Allen Iverson. Some. And a bit of Kobe Bryant. With a little mixture of Michael Jordan.

Question: I have heard some people say that the rims should be lowered for the women in order to bring more "showtime" to the league. Your thoughts?

Sophia Witherspoon: I don't think so. It would take away from our shooting. I know people want us to dunk and all but that is not what we are about. Our game is more fundamentally sound and we hustle more. That is what makes our game more exciting. Bringing the rim down will mess up our shooting.

Question: What are the goals of your team this year, besides winning the championship? ;-)

Sophia Witherspoon: One of the realistic goals is to make the playoffs. Get over .500. And just to be known as an agressive, defensive team and a dangerous transition team.

Question: What personal goals have you set for yourself this year?

Sophia Witherspoon: One of mine is to go out and be a positive, strong leader for the team. That could be in every aspect. I would also like to make the All-Star team.

Question: Which players besides yourself do you see having a big impact on the team this year?

Sophia Witherspoon: And be the best I can be. Jackie Stiles of course.. Stacey Thomas, Kristin Folkl, and others.

Sophia Witherspoon: I think when a lot of people think of us there is a lack of respect. But be on the lookout for us. People thought we were a fluke last year. But we will be competitive and suprise a lot of people. Thanks for your time and your support! Goodbye!