2013 WNBA Draft: New York Liberty draft pick Kelsey Bone & her mother on draft night & Bill Laimbeer

Q&A with Kelsey Bone

Swish Appeal: What are your emotions, how excited are you after getting drafted?

Kelsey Bone: "Amazing in how I feel. I was so nervous when the show actually started. When they called my name for the Liberty, there was a calm that came over me because that is exactly where I wanted to go."

SA: What can the fans of the New York Liberty expect out of Kelsey Bone?

KB: "The fans in New York can expect the best that I have to give every night. I want to work with my teammates and coaching staff to bring championships to the Big Apple."

SA: How much are you looking forward to playing for the New York Liberty?

KB: "I can’t wait to get to New York and work with the great team that Coach Laimbeer has assembled there. For the first time in my career I will be playing for a coach that actually played my position. What better teacher could I ask for at this time in my career?"

SA: Have you had a chance to talk to Coach Laimbeer, if so, what did he say to you?

KB: "I spoke with Coach Laimbeer on Draft night and he talked about how excited he was to have me on his team and that I have a lot of work to do."

SA: You have been a person who has always loved challenges, how much are you looking forward to this new challenge in your life?

KB: "This is the biggest challenge of my life and probably one I am most excited about. I will be playing with a group of women who are arguably the best in the world in this sport, with a coach that has produced three WNBA Championship teams, in the best city in the world. This is what I have been waiting for all of my life!"

SA: Can you talk about the past few days, what did you all do leading up to the draft?

KB: "The past few days have been filled with knowledge about the league and the expectations of representing the WNBA. It was great to spend these past few days and get to know all of the girls. Most of them I known since high school, but it was really fun to spend time with them in this setting."

SA: You are very close to your family, how does it make you feel to see the happiness of your mother and little brother?

KB: "Extremely humbled. I was worried that my mom was going to cry, but when they called my name and I looked at her she was smiling. I stayed with this sport because of her belief in me and it makes me very happy to have had her there with me to share this moment. My brother Donovan was the star at the Family Bowling Night event and got a shout from Kevin Negandhi on national TV. Who does that? (Smile) He had such a great time and has been my inspiration. He’s the next superstar!"

Q&A with Bone's mother, Kim Courville-Williams

SA: As a mother and number one supporter of Kelsey, how happy are you, what are your emotions?

Kim Courville-Williams: "There was a huge mountain outside of our hotel. I sat in the lobby Monday morning and the mountain caught my eye. I reflected on how Kelsey had arrived at this moment and that mountain represented the journey. She has had to climb that mountain to get to her dream but the good thing is she is still climbing. What I feel is an enormous sense of pride. I am so proud of her accomplishments and how she has handled all this with class and grace."

SA: When you gave Kelsey that long hug before you went to the podium, you could be seen whispering some words to her, can you share what you said to her?

KCW: "I told her that I loved her and to enjoy this moment because it belonged to her."

SA: How proud are you of her?

"I am extremely proud of her and excited to continue on this journey. I truly believe the best is yet to come."

For more on the draft, visit our 2013 WNBA Draft section. For more on the New York Liberty, check out our offseason storystream.