Seimone Augustus

On living in Minneapolis

It is the first time I've been away from [ Baton Rouge]. Minneapolis reminds me a lot of home. It's laid back. It's not a very busy city. Everyone has shown me great hospitality. The only thing they don't have is good Sunday cooking--crawfish and stuff like that.

On being recognized in Minnesota

I'm recognized a little, but it's not stalker-type. People are not following me around the mall here. I had a few people come up and say, "You're Augustus," but it's not a lot, which is good because I can walk through a mall and shop. I haven't been able to walk through a mall in Baton Rouge since I was 11.

On being recognized by stars

At the ESPYs last year I met Carmelo Anthony, Amar� Stoudemire and T.O. I didn't figure they watched women's basketball. Dwight Howard walked up and was like, "You're Seimone Augustus." I said, "Yes, I am. And you're Dwight Howard." It was amazing.

On maturing from a shy freshman at LSU to a talkative WNBA player

I give thanks to the media. I had to open up. The media started to change their questions so I wouldn't have just yes or no answers. That helped me come out of my shell. Before I was like, "Yes. No. Maybe." But the [interviews] made me feel comfortable talking to people and to not be afraid to say what I need to say.

THE 6-FOOT AUGUSTUS, 22, SCORED 16 POINTS IN LAST WEEK'S WNBA ALL-STAR GAME.