文章基本信息

标题：GOT IN THE GAME
作者：Kritchevsky, Janice
期刊名称：Women's Basketball
印刷版ISSN：1524-9204
出版年度：2004
卷号：Apr 2004
出版社：Goldman Group

GOT IN THE GAME

Kritchevsky, Janice

Kristen Rasrnussen has beaten the dds just to be in the WNBA. While iany highly touted first-round layers are no longer in the league, the Utah Starzz's 2000 fourth-round draft pick continues to improve and cement her position on the Indiana Fever roster.

Rasmussen spent two WNBA seasons with the Miami Sol. She was not selected in the dispersal draft when the team disbanded but came to Indianapolis as a free agent.

The 6'2'' center used that experience as additional incentive.

"If you don't get all the hype and everything, people may underestimate how you play or your work ethic," said Rasmussen. "That's motivation to go out there and show them what I can do. It actually worked out. At the start of last season I wasn't getting any playing time, then at the end I was starting."

Rasmussen averaged 7 points and 3.5 rebounds per contest in 2003. The Michigan State University graduate is now in Indianapolis "doing promotional work and working out with Niele [Ivey] and Tamika [Catchings]."

Rasmussen is also adjusting to a new boss. Brian Winters was named the Fever's head coach in December. Said Rasmussen of the switch, "This is the professional level, so anything that's thrown at you, you've got to accept - just like with a new play or bringing in a new player."

Perhaps Rasmussen appreciates what Winters brings to the team because she has spent time assisting at Western State College and would like to coach when her playing career is over. "Coaches still have the love and the passion for the game," she noted. "They're trying to teach you. So, I take what they say to heart."

For now, Rasmussen's thoughts are on the upcoming WNBA season. "I'm happy to work with somebody that's excited about cutting and movement and getting shots for everybody on the floor," she said. "It sounds like we're going to be able to play off each other. My teammates and I are excited and looking forward to it."

- Janice Kritchevsky