Athlete+: Jada Walker on Defense, Passion, Family & More
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Jada Walker, a transfer from Kentucky, was interviewed by Ashley Hodge for SicEm365 Athlete+. Jada's reputation as an exceptional defender and her passion for the game were some of the highlights of the interview. She discussed her experiences at Baylor since arriving in early June, adapting to the Texas weather, and the progress she has seen from the team during the summer.
The conversation covered Jada's upcoming trip to Italy and Greece with the team to play against international competition. Jada mentioned that she had previous experience playing in Lithuania during high school, which gave her valuable exposure to collegiate basketball overseas.
Ashley Hodge praised Jada's defensive skills and compared her to former Baylor point guard Davion Mitchell, known for his defensive prowess. Jada explained that her defensive mindset is deeply ingrained, and she takes pride in preventing opponents from scoring. She also values making it easier for her teammates to play solid defense by putting pressure on the opposing point guard.
When asked about her love for basketball, Jada shared that her entire family has a basketball background, with many members either playing or coaching the sport. Her mother, currently coaching at Winthrop, has been influential in shaping her basketball journey.
Regarding the team's progress, Jada expressed enthusiasm for the level of competition and versatility among the players. She appreciated the team's willingness to work on defense, including implementing strategies like hedging and trapping screens.
Jada revealed that she has been working on her outside shooting to become a more well-rounded player. She also aims to improve her decision-making as a point guard by watching more film and studying opponents' play styles.
In the rapid-fire icebreaker round, Jada shared her preference for defensive play, blocking a shot to win a game, and her fear of heights and darkness. She admired her father's ability to push her limits on the court, while her mother brought balance to her life outside of basketball.
As for her favorite vacation spot, Jada fondly recalled family trips to Myrtle Beach. In the future, she hopes to win a championship and is curious about what her future holds. As a saver and spender, she values budgeting and managing her finances effectively.
When asked about her name, Jada mentioned that it was inspired by Jada Pinkett Smith's three-part name. She jokingly revealed that she had a fondness for tiny finger monkeys but also loved the idea of keeping a pet tiger.
To conclude, Jada appreciated the support from Baylor fans and expressed her excitement to play for the team. She valued the opportunity to lead and grow as a player while contributing to the team's success. The interview showcased Jada Walker as a dedicated and passionate athlete ready to make an impact at Baylor.