Boston College Athletics
Seniors Talk About Upcoming Season
November 07, 2008 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 7, 2008
Senior captains Corey Rusin and Brittanny Johnson sat down to answer some questions about the 2008-09 Women's Basketball season. Rusin and Johnson have been with the program for four years and were chosen as team captains upon the arrival of the new coaching staff in April. The Eagles open up the 2008-09 season on Friday, November 14 in Conte Forum (8:15 p.m.)
Q: How has the transition been with the new coaching staff?
Corey: Everything is faster and exciting. We are working together better then we were last year at this time.
Brittanny: The transition has been very good so far. Any time there is a change, especially a coaching change it takes some time to adapt and to learn a new system. The coaches have done everything they can do to make the transition easier.
Q: What do you see in this year's team from the first few weeks of practice?
Corey: I see a lot of energy, competitiveness, and unity in just the few weeks we have been together.
Brittanny: The most important thing is we are all a year older. We were so young last year, our inexperience showed. We did not understand every game counts and when it came down to the end of the season we were one or two games away from the NCAA tournament. I think we are all on the same page and we understand any one play or any one game can define a season.
Q: What is the new coaching staff really concentrating on in practice?
Corey: The coaches are really concentrating on pushing the tempo and reducing turnovers in our game. We have the talent and the ability to do big things, we just have to put it all together and create on the floor.
Brittanny: The coaches have been concentrating on individual development. They believe if we can become more skilled players individually than the team will continue to grow. They have also been concentrating on strength and conditioning and an up tempo game. Our new strength coach, Tom Shruhan, has pushed us to our limits and beyond during the summer and in pre-season. Coach wants us to become skilled and strong mentally tough players as well as physically.
Q: Has the team easily made the adjustments to the new system?
Corey: It's hard to break old habits, but everyone is motivated to make the changes necessary for the new system.
Brittanny: I think the team has made the adjustment to the new system. The only thing we need to do is change the speed we play both offensively and defensively. So far, I think we have started to do it more consistently now that we are a little more comfortable playing that way.
Q: Can you describe Coach Crawley's style of coaching?
Corey: Coach Crawley has picked up how to connect with each player. She is positive and pushing us all to play to our potential. She makes every drill completive and fun in practice.
Brittanny: Coach Crawley is an upbeat, positive, and a players coach. She always tells us she was also a college athlete not too long ago and knows what it is like. She knows the demands that we have because of academics and basketball. She makes practice fun and competitive but she is also a great teacher. What I love most about her is she doesn't just tell you what to do, she tells you why she wants it done that way. Coach and her assistants have been really fun to work with.
Q: Talk a bit about the two freshmen - Mia Nickson and Jasmine Gill - and what they will add to the team?
Corey: Jasmine is a tall slashing guard, who has a nice jumper and can take the ball to the hoop. Mia works hard in every area of the game and is a great offensive rebounder. They both bring spice to our offense and will contribute this year.
Brittanny: Mia is a work horse, especially on the boards. She is an energy player who works hard in every drill. Jasmine is an athletic tall guard, who can shoot and get to the basket. As both of them gain confidence, they are going to improve and contribute to the team.
Q: What player or players on the team have you noticed have taken the step to the next level?
Corey: Vic Jones has really stepped up over the past few weeks. She has proved herself as a leader on floor. I think everyone knows the bar has been raised and there has been improvement in everyone's game.
Brittanny: Everyone on the team had a great summer and preseason, and there are many people have made big improvements. If I had to pick someone, I think Lauren (Whitehurst) has looked great. She missed most of last season with a back injury and has really worked hard to come back. The time and work she has put in is definitely showing and I think she is going to have a great season.
Q: As one of the two captains on the team, what do you see are your main responsibilities?
Corey: To take care of the team and make sure everyone is on the same page. I want to go out with bang, so my goal is to bring the team along with me.
Brittanny: Each person on the team has a vote for captain, because of us being voted as captains for this year, I think it is a great honor. With that honor comes a lot of responsibility. I realized with every decision that is made there are 12 sets of eyes looking at me and most of the time my actions can define theirs. It is important for me to give my best at all times and set a good example for the underclassmen. Corey and I have been here through some of the highs and lows of this program and we want to get back to the NCAA's before we graduate. Our leadership is a big part of that goal.
Q: How much do you pay attention to the preseason polls?
Corey: I obviously look at them to see what people are thinking, but I don't take them seriously. Its hard to rate a team when you have a new coach and there has been significant changes.
Brittanny: No, I don't pay any attention to the preseason polls. The only ranking that matters to me is being one of the best 64 teams in the country at the end of the season.
Q: Talk about the challenges your schedule presents to the team this season.
Corey: November is going to be really busy and we are traveling a lot in the first half of the season. We are playing away in a couple of big tournaments that will be challenging and that we need to win. Playing at Minnesota will be a tough atmosphere as well.
Q: This is your senior season; there must be a number of highlights in your career. What game or even team event really stands out?
Corey: My freshman year I saw more than participated, but I learned a lot from the season. What stands out is the road to the "Sweet Sixteen". We beat the number one team in our region (Ohio State) and it was the most memorable game of that season.
Brittanny: My three years at BC have been filled with many good highlights. Nothing has taken the place of beating Ohio State in the NCAA tournament my freshman year to go to the Sweet Sixteen. That was one of the best memories I had at Boston College. Corey and I tell all of our teammates the stories all the time because we believe we have the talent this year to get back. We have to put the work in. I know by the end of my career here, I will have a new number one highlight.
Q: What are your plans upon graduation?
Corey: I am interested in furthering my education and possibly becoming a graduate assistant if I am unable to keep my basketball career going. I would love to experience playing overseas and seeing parts of the world I may never get a chance to see.
Brittanny: After I graduate this spring, I am excited to come back for my 5th year and play for another year.
