LaQuanda Barksdale averaged 13.9 points and 7.8 rebounds in 1998-99.

This season, the junior forward leads the Tar Heels in both scoring and rebounding -- averaging 17.4 points and 9.8 boards.

Although Barksdale has worked hard throughout her career at UNC, she says her summer spent with the USA Basketball team has helped her become a better overall player.

"Playing with USA Basketball this summer helped me out a lot," Barksdale said during a chat with ESPN.com on Tuesday. "Most summers I don't get to play on that competitive level. But this summer I didn't sit around or go to the beach a lot. I just got a lot of basketball in."

Barksdale, who started all six games for USA Basketball at the World University Games in Spain in July, answered a number of your questions Tuesday. If you missed the chat, check out the edited transcript below. And make sure to check back for next week's Women's Hoops Spotlight chat, when North Carolina State's Summer Erb stops by.

LaQuanda Barksdale: Hi. I'm here. Let's get started.

LadyVolsFan: What are your thoughts on the situation with Nikki Teasley?

LaQuanda Barksdale: Well, I do miss her a lot and it's unfortunate that this had to happen this season. Right now, we're without her and have to play as hard as we can without her and try to win. We have to try and push this as far out of our minds right now because we have other things to deal with.

BARKSDALE BITS

After leading the Tar Heels in rebounding during a solid sophomore season, Barksdale, a 5-foot-11 forward, has emerged as one of the top players in the Atlantic Coast Conference, averaging 17.4 points and 9.8 rebounds this season. Barksdale earned ACC Player of the Week honors on Dec. 13 after notching a career-high 31 points against Georgia Southern on Dec. 7 and a 29-point performance against Radford four days later. Before the season started, Barksdale was included among the "best of the rest" candidates for the Naismith Award. For more on the Tar Heels, visit UNC's official athletic site.

Gina: It's amazing the improvements you've made to your game from last season to this season. My family and I really enjoy watching you on the court. What have you done differently this year to meet the physical challenges of each game?

LaQuanda Barksdale: Playing with USA Basketball this summer helped me out a lot. Most summers I don't get to play on that competitive level. But this summer I didn't sit around or go to the beach a lot. I just got a lot of basketball in. That's what helps -- practice. And I lifted weights a lot, too.

Boo Boo: LaQuanda -- who do you consider to be some of the best women's college basketball players around these days? And who is the toughest player you've played against?

LaQuanda Barksdale: I think the Miller twins from Georgia are really good basketball players. Their work ethic is outstanding. Also, I think all of the players I played with this summer on USA Basketball are great players ... Purdue's Katie Douglas, Notre Dame's Ruth Riley, Brooke Wyckoff of Florida State ... and Brandi McCain of Florida. Camille Cooper from Purdue as well. The toughest player I've played against ... I'd have to say Maylana Martin from UCLA.

Boo Boo: What is your major and how is school different during season? For instance, do you take fewer credits when you're in season? Also, what do you want to do after you graduate? Do you see the WNBA in your future, and if not, what type of career do you want to pursue?

LaQuanda Barksdale: My major is psychology. Classes aren't any different when we're in season. I take 12 hours -- or four classes -- each semester. My freshman year, I went to summer school both sessions to help keep up with my hours so I can graduate on time.

When I graduate, I'd like to play in the WNBA, but I'd like to play overseas, too. I really want to travel after I get out of school. I really want to see Italy. USA Basketball took me to Spain, but I'd also like to see Greece and France.

California Girl: What has been your most special memory or moment on the court?

LaQuanda Barksdale: I think winning the ACC championship my freshman year was my best moment. It was my first big championship ever, and my teammates were so awesome that year.

Brock: You do a great job of using the glass when you are in traffic. Is this skill one you work on consistently, or does it come naturally to you?

LaQuanda Barksdale: When I first started playing, my AAU coach would make me stay after practice for hours and hours, shooting it off the glass. It's something I practiced on in my earlier days.

Tigers #1: What is your advice to young kids who want to follow in your footsteps?

LaQuanda Barksdale: I would just say, "don't give up." Nothing comes easy, and no one is able to be a star their first time out. When I first came to UNC, I was sitting on the bench. It took a lot of hard work for me to become a starter and become the player that I am now. And even though I think I still have a long way to go, it took a long time to get where I am today.

Tigers #1: How do you prepare your self mentally before each game?

LaQuanda Barksdale: I just like to rest before games ... I usually read over our scouting report that the coaches do such a great job with. I also make sure to get in a nap before the game.

That's all the time we have for now. I just wanted to thank everybody for writing in and sending their questions. And just keep us in our prayers. We're working hard for all our fans out there.