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Interview: Layshia Clarendon on her transition to the WNBA

Following the New York Liberty's overtime win over the Indiana Fever at the Prudential Center, we caught up with rookie Layshia Clarendon.

By Ray Floriani
Photo by Ray Floriani.

NEWARK, NJ - A rookie, Layshia Clarendon logged 37 minutes while scoring six points against the New York Liberty earlier today.

The Indiana Fever guard hails from the University of California where she helped lead the Golden Bears into their first Women's Final Four this past Spring. She was also the PAC-12 Women's Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Swish Appeal: Discuss your career at Cal.

Layshia Clarendon: "Well, this past year was the first time in the program's history we made it to the Final Four. That was cool. We were up 10 but got knocked out in the national semifinals by Louisville. Still, we got to do something never done before at Cal."

More: Clarendon's WNBA potential How Clarendon led Cal to the Final Four Clarendon: Cal's Golden Bear

SA: What is your role with the Fever?

LC: "It changes almost day to day. In this game we missed Erin (Phillips), Jeanette (Pohlen) and Katie (Douglas) due to injury. So I had to play a lot of two guard. I am in a situation this year where I have to be able to adapt."

SA: Do you prefer the point or the two?

LC: "It depends on the situation. Also what the team needs. I can play both guard spots and am willing to change given what the team's needs are."

SA: How was it adapting to the WNBA style?

LC: "It is definitely more physical than what you face in college. In my situation there was hardly any time to rest. Fatigue was a factor. We finished our college season in early April and it seemed like I had a week or two before WNBA training camp came up. Overcoming the fatigue after long college season was the toughest thing for me."

SA: You are a rookie just three games in but what is your assessment of the WNBA?

LC: "It is definitely the best women's basketball league in the world. You grow up reading about or watching a Cappie Pondexter, now, all of a sudden you are on the floor asked to guard her. And there are so many outstanding players in the league beside Cappie. Again, the WNBA is absolutely the best (women's) league going."

For more on the game itself and Clarendon's performance, check out Queenie's recap.

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