After Adrian Williams-Strong finished her college career at USC, she hoped to get a chance to play in the WNBA.
The former Clovis West High standout got that opportunity when she was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the second round of the 2000 WNBA draft (21st overall).
Eight years later, Williams-Strong is playing for the Sacramento Monarchs after spending time with several teams, including a trip overseas.
Williams-Strong spent five seasons with the Mercury before getting traded to San Antonio. Williams-Strong, an '03 All-Star, played in Korea and Spain before returning to the WNBA with the Minnesota Lynx.
In '07, the Lynx traded Williams-Strong to the Monarchs for a second round pick in the '08 WNBA draft.
This season, Williams-Strong is averaging 6.2 points per game and 4.9 rebounds for the Monarchs.
Earlier this year, Williams-Strong was inducted into the Clovis West Hall of Fame.
Question: How did it feel to be inducted into the Clovis West Hall of Fame?
Answer: When they first called me I was really happy. It was like a trip down memory lane. It was really overwhelming and I really appreciate them for that. That can never be taken away from me because it was a special time.
How was your time in Korea and playing in the Women's Korea Basketball League?I actually really enjoyed it over there. I liked the culture and loved the food. We played two games a week with eight teams in the league. I played for Samsung [Life Bichumi] and they used the [Samsung] in a way for advertisement. We had Samsung over the jersey ... biggest company in Korea.
When you found out that you were acquired by Sacramento last season, what went through your mind?I had mixed emotions but it was a blessing in disguise because I went from a team in last place to first place. I'm actually very happy Sacramento asked for me and traded for me.
Which game this year stands out the most?I can't think of one game. We came off a seven game winning streak to tie a Monarchs' record. That little run was great because we had so many players who were injured and we just kept persevering.
What do you recall the most when you were selected by Phoenix in the 2000 WNBA draft?I remember being all by myself and when I saw my name I was screaming. It's been a whirlwind ever since and the WNBA made me who I am today.
-- Anthony Galaviz, The Fresno Bee
Fresno State kicks off the 2008 football campaign at Rutgers on Sept. 1. What would you say are the team's strengths and weaknesses? How strong is The Schedule on a national level?
Should be an exciting first game and a very good Litmus test to began as Rutgers usually puts together a strong team. Our strength is that we have a lot of returning starters. As far as weakness, maybe the D-line. Lost Tyler Clutts and Jason Shirley, although the replacements aren't brand new and Shirley only played a few games last year anyway. Should be a good season. As for the schedule it's definitely brutal. Rutgers, UCLA, AND Wisconsin!!! If...IF, the bulldogs manage to come out of Pasadena with a 4-0 record then let the BCS hype begin. I know everyone wants to talk about it already but there's plenty of work for Pat Hill and company to do before then. Everyone buy your tickets to the Wisconsin game. We should be sold out already. As a sidenote youtube "jump around" and find the Wisconsin version of what we do; puts us to shame. Go dogs.
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