Runner-up for the WNBA Rookie of the Year in 1999, the Shock's Dominique Canty is pumped for the league's upcoming season.

A 1999 graduate of the University of Alabama, Domique Canty finished her career as the school's all-time leading scorer -- male or female. She also was named to the first team Associated Press All-America and All-SEC teams in 1999.

Taken in the third round of the 1999 WNBA draft by the Detroit Shock, Canty averaged 9.6 points per game last season and finished tied for second in the rookie-of-the-year voting. With the departures of veteran guards Sandy Brondello and Jennifer Azzi, Shock GM/Head Coach Nancy Lieberman-Cline is counting on Canty to do even more this year.

Gball: The team is expecting a lot from you in the upcoming season.
Canty: Yes, I had a few talks with Nancy and she's depending on me a lot. With Sandy and Jennifer gone, I'm one of the veterans on the team, and I've only been in the league for a year. I'm going to do my best to fulfill every expectation of me that she has. I have high expectations of myself, because I know I can play the game--I'm going to try my best out there.

You'll be mentoring some of the new draftees, including first-rounders Edwina Brown and Tamicha Jackson.
They're still in school because of finals and graduation, but once we get everyone to practice so we can see where we stand, we'll be all right.

How did your first season of pro ball compare to what you expected going in?
Well, I knew I wasn't going to come in and be the superstar, and I wasn't really expected to do that. I think I had a good season being the second-highest scoring rookie in the league, so I can't complain about it. But this year I'm going to try to take my game to another level.

Did you find it was hard to adjust to the level of play in the pros?
It wasn't really a big change, because I played in the SEC, and that's the toughest conference in women's basketball. Night in and night out, every team came to play hard, so that really prepared me for the WNBA. At this level, players are stronger and much quicker, but I still was able to keep up with them in my first year.

What's it like to play basketball as a job after doing it in college for free?
In college, it was like a job because I had a scholarship. But it's something I just love doing. Money is not really an issue. We're not making millions like the men are, but we still go out every night and bust our butt for the money we do make. I'm happy to be making money -- finally -- for doing something I like, rather than a 9-5 job, although if I had to do that, I would. But it's great being in the pros.

What was your first exposure to basketball?
I was about eight or nine. I used to hang out with my brother a lot when he was going to basketball courts and just picked up on the game. I really wasn't taught the game, although when I played with them I stayed on the offensive end, though, so they could pass it to me so I could get a shot off. From then on, I just loved playing the game, it was something for me do every day to keep me from trouble and from running the streets.

What drew you to go to Alabama for college?
I had family down there, and when I took my visit, the people at the school were really nice and welcomed me with open arms. They didn't put on a front like some colleges do -- they were just straightforward and I knew what to expect once I got there.

Who do remember as your toughest opponent in college?
It was always Tennessee. But Georgia, Auburn, really every team -- it was a tough conference. You never knew what to expect in the SEC.

What was your favorite part of college ball?
I just liked being around my teammates. I think we had a nice bond. We loved to be out there on road trips. We had fun like sisters have. I still keep in touch with some of them--I really miss that.

You majored in criminal justice in college--what drew you to that, and do you have hopes to pursue it in the future?
I would like to become an FBI agent, but with basketball I know I can't do that right now, so I'll have to wait awhile. I'm not sure why I got into that major, though. I think it interested more than other things did. I'm from the inner city of Chicago, so I've seen a lot of things going on that when I get older, I can try to help prevent, so that's probably why I chose that.

When you started playing college hoops, they didn't have pro ball in the U.S. At that time, did you think about playing overseas?
When I was growing up, I guess I thought about playing overseas, but I don't think I ever really wanted to go because it's so far away. Once the WNBA came around, I was really happy because it gave us an opportunity to play here in the States, to let everyone know that females can play ball. We can't dunk and all that stuff, but we're fundamentally sound because we have to stay on the ground.

When you got to the WNBA last year, were there parts of the game you immediately wanted to work on?
Oh yes. I think everyone is open to improving, you can never learn enough. I think I needed to work on my jump shot, because I was so used to driving to the hole in college without anyone really stopping me. In the pros, though, people are quicker and stronger, so you have to learn to make those decisions about when to drive and when to take the shot. So I've been working on this every day with the coaches, and hopefully this year when I take more jump shots, they'll fall.

I read that you tried out for the USA team last summer?
Yes, but I didn't stay, though. A lot of girls dream about playing for the Olympic team, but that's not one of my dreams. That's what everyone else dreams for me, but I really don't think about it. The only thing I think about is winning the WNBA championship. As far as the Olympics go, if they happen to pick me some day, thanks, but it's not something I'm striving for.

Tell me about your PR internship in the Detroit Shock's front office.
I just wanted to see the business side of basketball--what goes on with the media, how to write press releases, etc. It made me more aware of the jobs they do, and how we need to come through on our end as players when it comes to interviews or other things. That's why I try to do my best to do every interview I'm asked to do.

Do you do anything in your spare time for fun?
Not really. I don't really go out much anymore -- I'm a homebody who'd rather stay home, sit back, and watch movies. During the season, I don't do much of anything. I just lay up and try to get my rest, which is very important because we play so many games in so little time.

Did you see that movie, "Love and Basketball"?
Yes. I thought it was pretty realistic, especially where the female character went overseas to play basketball. I think it was real good on Spike Lee's part. It's good that they acknowledged women's basketball in the movies.

Do you have any advice for girls who want to play college or pro hoops?
First of all, stay on those books, because education is very important and something no one can take away from you. Definitely work hard every day -- it's all about dedication and being mentally prepared when you get out on the court. Just practice every day on your weaknesses and you'll be all right and you'll make it to the next level.

Do you have goals beyond basketball?
I'm not going to limit myself to anything -- there are a lot of things I want to do. Hopefully, I'll make enough money to open up my own business of some type. I also really want to get into real estate, because that's something to really invest in. I'm trying not to limit myself -- the sky's the limit for me, and I can do anything I want.

Interview conducted in May by Gball Associate Editor Jim Catalano.