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Voices from Sydney: Lisa Leslie


Sept. 26, 2000

More from Lisa Leslie: Sept. 22, Sept. 20

Question: The men's team took some heat after it's close win over Lithuania. Being a member of the women's Dream Team, do you feel the same pressure to win by a large margin or is a win a win?

Lisa Leslie: Many of the reporters sound as if there shocked when we don't win by large margins, but we (The Dream Team) are much more realistic. We realize that we have to play well and play together to win. We are very talented but so are the other countries. We believe we have more depth and we wear the other team down by the second half. We believe we will win the game and it won't be won in the first twenty minutes.

Lisa Leslie is averaging 15.6 points per game in the Olympics. 
Lisa Leslie is averaging 15.6 points per game in the Olympics.(Allsport) 

Question: After your game against New Zealand, Kirstin Daly said, "It's like they're men. It's like playing first division men. It's an honor to be on the court with them." How does that make you feel?

Lisa Leslie: I believe it's a compliment when we can make another team feel as if they're playing against men, at any level. We take pride in our defensive pressure!!

Question: Who has been the toughest player you've matched up with in the Olympics?

Lisa Leslie: That's a tough question! I don't know that I could name one player because we constantly switch and I could guard almost any player or the floor. However, I must admit the South Korean team was the hardest to guard.

Question: Who would be on your all-time Dream Team? (men and/or women)

Lisa Leslie: My all time Dream Team for men would be: Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley and SHAQ!! My all time Dream Team for women would be: Teresa Edwards, Sheryl Swoopes, Cheryl Miller, Katrina McClain and of course, me, Lisa Leslie!!

Question: Who would you most like to play a game of one-on-one with?

Lisa Leslie: I would like play Shaq or Alonzo Mourning one-on-one because they are premier centers. I would like to see that matchup since I'm a center too.

Question: If you weren't playing basketball professionally, what would you want to do?

Lisa Leslie: I would like to be a color commentator, anchor or have some position in front of the camera. I would also like to open up a Christian Academy for kids to go to school, learn about the Lord and have the opportunity to play sports.