One of five true freshmen on the roster, Jayla Morrow signed with the University of South Alabama women's basketball program in the spring. A graduate of Wenonah High School in Birmingham, Ala., she helped lead the Dragons to four area and four state championships during her high school career. She sat down with USAJaguars.com to talk about her basketball game, her mom's influence on her career, and about here experience on the team's trip to Canada.

When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball when I was 4 years old. Watching my brothers Antaurean and Antuan play made me fall in love with the game and I decided this might be something I wanted to do. My dad signed me up to play basketball with the boys and I thought I would never get in the game since I was the only girl. I didn't start get playing time until my second year and thought I was pretty good so I stuck with it.

Take me through your journey to South.
I was being recruited by a bunch of schools, but there was something different when I visited South. I felt welcomed and needed. I felt I had an opportunity to start here sooner than the other schools that were recruiting me. I finally saw my hard work was paying off and I continued to build relationships with those who were here.

Describe your playing style.
I'm a floor general as a point guard. I direct traffic and try to make everybody feel comfortable on the floor. I like to be the coach on the floor and get people into their comfort zone. I also love to play defense and aggravate people.

Who do you model your game after?
Russell Westbrook. I love Russell and his playing style.

What is your biggest strength on the court?
My passing and defense are my best skills. I'm a go-getter and good defense leads to easy offense.

How have off-season workouts been going?
Off-season workouts are going great. I believe anytime you take time out of your day to get better than your opponent, that's all anyone can ask for.

What are you working on for this season?
I am trying to create more shots for myself. I need to be a little bit more selfish instead of passing up shots that I should have taken.
    
What is your favorite thing about playing basketball?
It gets you away from your problems. When I am playing basketball nothing else matters. The only thing that matters when I am on the court is helping my team win.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life as a basketball player?
My mother as she constantly motivates me. To continue to see her go out of her way to make me happy, I feel like I have to pay her back. 

How was your experience on the Canada trip?
Everything was new to me. Getting on airplanes, going on subways, I'm scared of stuff like that, but I had fun being able to socialize with people who aren't from our country and see their needs and wants and how their country is different from ours. It got me out of my comfort zone. 

What was your favorite part of the trip?
My favorite part of the trip was getting out of my comfort zone and bonding with my teammates because we learned a lot about each other getting to spend seven days with each other.


Quick hits
Favorite basketball team: San Antonio Spurs
Favorite sport other than basketball: Football
Favorite musical artist: J Cole
Favorite class: Sociology
Favorite social media: Snapchat
Favorite movie: "Love & Basketball"
Favorite basketball player: Russell Westbrook

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the Hardwood Club, the women's basketball specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All gifts to the Hardwood Club go directly to support the South Alabama women's basketball program. For more information on how you can join visit: jaguarathleticfund.com/hardwoodclub.