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Alana Beard on ESPN.com
On Wednesday, November 7, Duke Blue Devils guard/forward Alana Beard dropped by to take your questions in chat.
Beard, a sophomore native of Shreveport, La., averaged 17.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals a game while being named the consensus National Freshman of the Year last season. She started all 30 games she played in and ranked in the top five of six different Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) categories.
Beard has been selected one of 30 preseason candidates for the 2001-02 Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year award as well as numerous other preseason honors. Duke opens the 2001-02 campaign on Nov. 6 with an exhibition game against Dynamo-Moscow and the regular season opens on Nov. 11 versus Texas Tech in the State Farm Women's Tip-Off Classic.
The following is a transcript of the November 7 chat:
For a list of upcoming ESPN.com chat guests, visit the Community section.
At the same time, you will have the challenge to integrate two highly talented frosh. How do you plan to give them the opportunity to shine like you did last year?
I'll be sitting right behind the bench again this year - thanks for your highly entertaining brand of basketball!!
Your #1 Fan,
Denisia " Dee-bo " Andrews
p.s.
I play for Tallahassee Essence. The best AAU program in Florida.
Alana Beard: Hello Everyone!
JayHamfromMemphis: What type of impact should freshman Wynter Whitley have on your ball club
Alana Beard: Wynter is a very strong post player. She will give us a big boost on the inside. Not only because she can score she can play defense. She will give us an edge on the boards.
Memphis Grizzlies Inc.: Is there a good relationship between the Men's and Women's teams at Duke
Alana Beard: Yes there is...We hang out together and have little get togethers all the time. We support each other very well.
Audra Durham : I just wanted to say that i think that you are an amazing b-ball player. your so lucky that GOD has given you such an awesome talent to use for him!I hope you and all the rest of the girls have a great season!!!GO DUKE
Alana Beard: Thank you for your support!
Shreveport: From your old coach Armes: Are you going to play point guard this year?
Alana Beard: Yes I am. Hello!
Wichita: Do you plan on staying at Duke for four years?
Alana Beard: Yes...I love Duke and I wouldn't leave early if I could. I want to get my education.
Sue/Durham: Alana,
Having been recognized as the #1 frosh last year, how do you plan to share leadership of this year's team with the lone senior and two juniors on this year's team?
Alana Beard: We always play as a team and our freshman can come in and give us good minutes. They are very talented and smart. Our upperclassmen are great leaders. Thanks for your support at all the games.
Amanda : Alana, you've accomplished so much more than anyone can imagine in only a year at Duke. How do you think of yourself as a basketball player? Obviously, you are always getting better, what keeps you inspired? Thanks and GO DUKE!
Alana Beard: As a player, I always want to get better. I give all my credit to God because he has blessed me to be at a great school, have agreat teammates and great coaches.
CHICAGO: ALNA: YOU HAD A VERY SPECIAL FRESHMAN YEAR, WHAT PREPARATIONS DID YOU TAKE TO ENSURE THAT YOU WOULD HAVE A EVEN BETTER SOPHOMRE CAMPAIGN.
Alana Beard: I used the USA Basketball experience to better my leadership skills and my mental aspect of the game.
Lindsey (Houston): From your future teammate. What's up Alana? Who in the ACC, will be the toughest team to beat? I wish you the best of luck this season!!!
Alana Beard: Great to hear from you Lindsey...cain't wait to see you. All the teams in the ACC are really good and we have to be prepared to play everyday.
Denisia Andrews ( Tallahassee Fl. ): " Hey Alana! " How are you? I am a junior at Godby High School in Tall., Fl. I feel you are a very talented player, and one my favorite college athletes. Your tenacity and leadership on the court, tells alot about your character. My father always said," Never try to be like someone else, always play your game. " But as I watch you play,I feel myself basing my game around yours. This summer I got the chance to meet you, which was an unforgetable exprience. We didn't talk long, but the my teamates and I posed for a quick picture with you. You are a rising star in college athletics, and by the time you've completed your four years at Duke, you will be unstoppable. Good luck in your upcoming season.
Oh, and remember to keep " God " first.
Alana Beard: Thanks so much! Glad to hear from you and hope to see you at a Duke game this year. Go Blue Devils.
Keegan (Sydney, Australia): Did you enjoy your experience down under? What was the favourite part of your trip?
Alana Beard: I did enjoy my trip and would love to go back any time. My favorite part was snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. It was my first time and plus I cannot swim very well.
Christy Crittenden (Shreveport): Hey Alana!! Its your long lost friend back in Shreveport! Just wanted to say that you are doing an Awesome job! Keep up the great work and remember where your ability to play ball comes from! :) Hey one more thing... when you make it to the WNBA.... dont forget to hook me up with a ticket (you said you wouldn't forget us)....ha ha SMILE God Loves ya! Maybe I'll see you again soon!
Alana Beard: Hey! Glad to hear from you. I will hook you up...
Barry (Phoenix): With depth possibly being a concern, how is center Crystal White and her recent injury?
Alana Beard: I think we can start any five. Depth is not a concern for us. Crystal is doing fine as she started practice today. She did great today. There was a sign of toughness that I saw in Crystal that I hadn't seen in a while.
lizzy p. durham: i really enjoy watching you play basketball your awesome! well i was wondering who is your number one influence in your life
Alana Beard: God and my parents
Heather: Hi Alana!! I am really looking forward to seeing you play this season. Do you think you guys will have everything you need to win the NCAA Championship this year? Good luck on Sunday against Texas Tech!!
Alana Beard: I think we do. We just have to continue to play with heart and committ ourselves to getting better each and every practice.
craig danville va: Good luck i just want to say that Duke lady blue devils Are the BEST .in VA yall the number 1 !!! GO duke
Alana Beard: Thanks...Hope to see you at the Virginia game when we play them. Cheer for Duke!
pilight (Macon GA): Hi Alana! With your team in the top 5 of both national polls and picked by everyone to run away with the ACC, do you worry that you might be overconfident going into the season?
Alana Beard: We are not overconfident going into the season. Rankings don't mean anything and the ACC is one of the best conferences in the nation. You cannot afford to be overconfident.
Dukejim: Good win last night Alana. Strengths of this team are many and obvious. After playing against a big team last night how to you feel about this Duke team's ability to rebound consistently.
Alana Beard: Rebounding is going to be a team effort and everyone is going to have to committ thereselves to doing it every game. We have some very tough inside players and very strong rebounding guards.
TROY (CHICAGO): I AM A DUKE BASKETBALL FANATIC. WHEN I FIRST SEEN YOU PLAY I WAS LIKE WOW! ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR A TITLE SINCE THE DUKE MEN WON ANOTHER LAST YEAR?
Alana Beard: YES! WE ARE ALWAYS HUNGRY.
Alana Beard: Thanks for all your questions. I enjoyed talking with you. Go Duke Blue Devils.
