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You grew up on Long Island, but went to high school in Queens. What’s the difference between the basketball scene in each borough?

It’s definitely different. There’s a lot of interest on Long Island with soccer and girls lacrosse, and then when I went to Queens, it was 100% basketball. The competition was better. I had five D-1 players on my team.

When you’re home, where do you play? What are the best leagues/playground to play at in Long Island or Queens? Who are the best players in the city?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t really happen because I play overseas. When I am home, I play with my friends in the city. New York Athletic Club has a lot of good run there. A lot of the guys who play there are former D-1 players. I don’t play on the playground though. As for the best players in the city, well one of them is Chamique Holdsclaw. I never got to play with her, but I followed her career. I used to go to games and watch her. She is still legit. She was the bomb back then; the best player in the country. 

Of all the courts you’ve shot hoops at through the years, what would you consider your home court?

Probably in my hometown of Syosset on Cold Spring Road down the street from my house. That’s where I played the most growing up. 

What are some memorable stories from your AAU days playing on the Liberty Belles?

Oh my God, I have a lot! We were a pretty good team. We’d go to nationals every year. I remember all the road trips and the classic games, both heartbreaking and victorious. I still keep in touch with them. We had a lot of good times. 

In high school, you and the “Fab Five” took Christ the King to an undefeated season, won the state championship and was named National Champion by USA Today while averaging more than 16 points, seven rebounds and eight steals a game. Tell me about that experience.

It was crazy. When the rankings came out at the end of the season, it’s kind of like college basketball where you have to run the table to stay first. That’s the way it is. In order to accomplish our goal, we had to stay undefeated.

You’re one of only six women to receive an Olympic Gold Medal, an NCAA championship and a WNBA Championship. Where do you see yourself in the hierarchy of women’s basketball?

Oh my God, I have no idea! I guess if you go by winning, and in that regard being one of 6, that’s pretty high. The hardest one to get is probably the college one - you only get four tries.

Having played in Russia for the past couple years, what is the biggest difference between American and international ball?

The way the game is played. If you watch someone in the NBA, Ginobili, Parker, you notice they sidestep a lot. We call it the “European step,” and refer to it in women’s basketball as “the Manu.” The talent level is definitely not as high as the WNBA, but it’s a different kind of style they play that makes it difficult. They may not be physically as strong, but they’re crafty as hell.

What was it like sharing a house in Moscow with Diana Taurasi and Lauren Jackson?

It was awesome. They’re two of my best friends, and to live with them overseas, it was great. If you get bored, it’s nice to hang out with people. 

What was it like winning another gold in China this summer?

It was great winning. A lot of people didn’t expect us. A lot of people thought that if there was going to be a year to do it, this was the year, especially against Australia. We had a really good group, everybody was cracking jokes.

Tell me about the legacy of UConn women’s basketball.

I didn’t know it when I chose UConn, but it was one of the best descisons I ever made. I definitely feel that I’m a better person, player, better all-around human being because I went there. It was a great four years. Winning puts an exclamation point on all that. Leaving a small mark on that program really was an honor, and it’s exciting to look back and have very fond memories. Not a lot of people can say that.

What is the best game you ever played?

I think my sophomore year in the Final Four against Penn State. Helen Darling was a finalist for point guard of the year, and we played them and beat them pretty badly. I remember I had a great game and didn’t turn the ball over once.

At what moment did you know you were going to be a baller for life?

The WNBA didn’t start until my senior year of high school, and after college, I realized there were a lot of UConn players in the WNBA. During my sophomore year of college, I thought ahead and thought I could probably make a living out of this.

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