Ally speak to media about WNBA future

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Allison Hightower spent yesterday afternoon as one of four WNBA draft prospects in a nation-wide media teleconference. Here is her response to some of the questions:

Allison Hightower (Opening Statement): I am excited to have this op to be able to be in the WNBA draft and just as everyone else said, there are some great players in this league. I have had a great career here at LSU and I am just looking forward to continuing it on the professional side.

Q: Allison, you have the advantage for playing for Van Chancellor who coached in the WNBA. How much of an advantage was that for you in getting ready for the draft and what has he told you to expect?

AH: "I think it was really good advantage. Some of the stuff he ran here he also ran in the WNBA such as pick-and-roll. I think that prepped me for the next level. He told me [WNBA teams] do a lot of that stuff. He gave me great advice on what I need to learn and work on and he’s just been a really big help for me.”

Q: What do you think you need to work on the most?

AH: “Just having a stronger right hand, everybody knows I’m left handed. I’m just going to have to develop a right hand and make it more consistent. I also have to work on my jumpshot and make it more consistent.”

Q: Allison, I know you had talked about visiting your grandparents in Houston and them taking you to watch the Comets play? Did you envision yourself in the WNBA at that point?

AH: "Having grandparents that lived in Houston was just awesome for me because as you know the Houston Comets were a big thing there. I was able to go watch those games when I was younger and see great players, a great fan base and it really motivated me and got me excited about women playing professionally. I got to see a lot of games and go to a lot of championship games. I thought of myself maybe being able to play in the WNBA and now that I am able to have that opportunity, I am just blessed and it’s a great feeling.”

Q: What are your thoughts on the transition from college to the WNBA? It’s such a quick turnaround?

AH: “I think it’s all about being tough. If you want to play you just have to go ahead and play. It’s going to be a very physical league, its going to be long, but that’s what you prepare for. You prepare for these types of thing. I am looking forward too it.”

Q: Can you speak about the fact that you are the second generation of players to see women play professionally in the States?

AH: “It is a great opportunity for women to be able to play here in the States and not be able to go overseas if you don’t have to. It’s great to play in front of our family, friends and fans here.”

Q: Now that you see yourselves becoming professionals, have you thought about your role in becoming role models for the young ladies growing up?

AH: “I think that college has prepared us to be great role models because a lot of people that come to our games are a younger crowd. The WNBA is the same fan base. We have to be role models for a younger generation that look up to us and continue to carry good attitudes and be disciplined.”

Q: Allison, what have you heard about your draft prospects?

AH: “[The draft] is very guard heavy. I don’t know much about where I might be going. I am just looking forward to having the opportunity. Its going to be a great draft, there’s a lot of great players. I am just looking forward to seeing what is going to happen.”

Q: You have been one of LSU’s leaders in your career – how will you adjust to being on the learning end once you start your career?

AH: “I was in the same position when I started at LSU. W e had the class of 2008 leave – 8 seniors. I easily learned form them and took their advice. I looked up to them on-the-court and off. When I get the opportunity to go to the league, it’s all about learning and taking what they say and being a coachable player.”

Q: What is a very coachable player in your mind?

AH: “Listening, being disciplined, doing the things they need you to do and giving great effort.”

Q: What do you think is your strength and skill that you bring the league that is not always recognized?

AH: “I come from a defensive school and it’s all about teamwork and effort. I can add energy to a team.”


Read the entire transcript of the press conference at: http://bit.ly/dafwqp

Posted by Bill Martin