Coach Shumate Barry Gossage WNBAE/Getty Images

Coach Shumate: “The majority of the season I thought that it was Chantel Anderson with Vanderbilt with Latoya Thompson from Mississippi State second. It is definitely between those two. Some people will say Chantel while others would say Latoya. So right now I would say one of those two players have a chance at being the number one pick, depending on who has the number one pick.

How do you think you will utilize Lisa Harrison in the up coming season? (Danielle from Arizona)

Coach Shumate: “I think that Lisa is an ultimate professional, she is an exceptional individual and team defensive player. We put a lot of emphasis on our defensive approach and we expect Lisa to set the tempo, set the stage defensively. As well as utilizing her offensive talents by putting her into a structured system which will help her be a more effective offensive player.”

Are you thinking about taking Diana Taurasi when she graduates? (Becca from Illinois)

Coach Shumate: “Taurasi is a great player, but there is also a lot of other great players. I love Alana Beard and Shameka Christon of Arkansas, so if I had a chance at any one of those players I would be a really happy person.”

In your opinion, who are the top five prospects for the 2003 draft? (Tina from Texas)

Coach Shumate: “Latoya Thomas, Chantel Anderson, Coretta Brown from North Carolina, Gwen Jackson from Tennessee.”

If you get the first pick in the WNBA draft, who will you select? (Anthony form New York)

Coach Shumate: “That is up for grabs for between Chantel and Latoya, depending on who is drafting. You would definitely have to look at those two players.”

Assuming everyone who played last year returns and Maria is ready to go, do you think you can build a successful team with the existing roster, or do you see a need to go after some “outside’ talent? (K. Harris from Florida)

Coach Shumate: “Through a combination of the Dispersal Draft and the College Draft, I think that we will greatly enhance this team. This team has a wonderful nucleus and some great parts. But we need some additions and we will have those additions. That will make this team very competitive.”

What are you most excited about as you begin your first year as a WNBA Coach? (Tara from Tucson)

Coach Shumate: “To get going and start working with the team.”

If the season started today who would be your starting five? (Nate from Tempe)

Coach Shumate: “I don’t know.”

What are the chances of Kara Lawson playing in the WNBA? (Shelley form Phoenix)

Coach Shumate: “She is going to be a fine WNBA player. She’s smart and shoots the ball very well, as we saw in the tournament she is a warrior. I definitely think that she will be somewhere and that she will have a long healthy career.”

Who is the team to beat next year in NCAA Women’s Basketball? (Shawn from Tucson)

“Well, that is tough to say. Right now it looks like it is going to either be UConn or Tennessee. We will have to wait and see who comes along and gives