First-year University of South Alabama women's basketball head coach Terry Fowler will welcome three new players – Division I transfers Juliann Miller (Evansville) and Grace Farnsworth (Weber State), along with incoming freshman Colby Davis (Wylie High School) – to the Jaguar roster during the 2013-14 season. Miller and Farnsworth will have to sit out the season due to NCAA transfer rules, but Davis should see time on the court this season.
Recently, www.USAJaguars.com sat down with all three newcomers for a brief Q&A session. The first of the trio is Miller, who lettered the past two seasons at Evansville. As a sophomore, Miller started four games for the Purple Aces and saw time on the court in 21 contests. She averaged 4.2 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. The Louisville, Ky., native knocked down 78.4 percent of her attempts (29-of-37) at the foul line and recorded 47 assists, 10 steals and two blocks.
You've been here at South Alabama for four weeks now. What has your time on campus been like so far?
"I've liked it a lot. The class sizes are smaller than what I had thought they would be and that's good. The team has been wonderful to hang out with and work with. I've had a really good time so far."
You've only been on campus four weeks, what have you tried to accomplish during the offseason workouts?
"My strength and my speed are two things that I would like to improve on in the weight room. In these four weeks, I think I've gotten a lot stronger. It's something I need to build on. Some of the girls may not be able to get into the weight room every other day because of games, but because I'm redshirting this year, I'll be able to and it's something I can take advantage of."
Due to NCAA transfer rule, you will have to sit out this season. How do you see yourself helping the team this season and what are you planning on working on to improve your game for the 2014-15 season?
"This season, I'm going to really work on pushing the girls. Really, just making them better every day in practice, mostly with my defensive play I guess. I'll also work on my shot during this year. Getting in the gym and putting up a lot of shots to try to make my shot better. That's one area of my game that I need to improve and I plan on doing that this year."
What about South Alabama made you want to transfer here?
"The coaches. They had recruited me previously when they were at North Alabama and I decided that wherever they went, I would go. I really believe in what they have to say and their attitude every day in practice. I didn't really know much about (South Alabama) coming into it, but the main reason I came was because of the coaches."
For all of the South Alabama fans that will read this on the web site, try to sell yourself. What kind of player can fans expect to see when they watch you next season?
"I'm kind of like a slasher. I mainly play the three (guard position), but I like to be in the paint. Not as much posting up, but driving (the ball) is where I feel most comfortable scoring. However, I enjoy passing the ball as well. I think one of my biggest strengths is getting the ball to players who can knock down the three and feeding it to the post players. That's another element that I hope I can add to the team."
What do you believe is a strength of your game and why?
"My ability to see the floor. Not just to be able to make the correct pass at the right time, but to also understand the game. I know I can always improve on it, but as a whole, I have a pretty good feel for the game. I may not be as athletic as some players, but I think what I lack in that area, I make up in basketball smarts."
What professional or collegiate player do you try to pattern your game after and what is it that you like about their game?
"I guess Steve Nash. I've always been a big fan of his. I love how he gets players involved. That's what I admire about his game."
What do you like most about playing basketball?
"I'm a very competitive person. I feel that I can be myself playing basketball. You can't be competitive in everything you do in life, but basketball is one area I can let my competitive side show. I like to win also. That's mainly what I like to play."
When did you start playing basketball? How did you get involved with the game?
"Probably third or fourth grade was when I started with my grade school. I really started getting more serious about the game when I got to high school and started playing AAU. I was always outside playing with my brothers though and the other kids in the neighborhood."
What are you majoring in here at South Alabama? Do you have an idea what you want to do with your degree after graduation?
"My major is interdisciplinary studies. I'm going to focus on business, communication and studio art. Before coming to South Alabama, I was a visual communications major, which is similar to graphic design. However, I don't want to be just working on a computer when I graduate. My hopes are to go into the advertising area and design logos."
How long have you known that you wanted to do that as a career?
"I've always been a big drawer, just doodling around a lot. I'm not a great drawer, but I think the art side of it is what inspires me to learn more. I want to learn more about the business and communication side, so I can be better at advertising or getting a certain audience."
Who would you say has had the biggest impact on your life, either as a person or as a player?
"My high school coach, Mark Evans. He really helped me get where I am now. He not only helped during the recruiting process, but he also helped me develop my skills since I was in eighth grade. He helped make me into the player that I am today by stressing the importance of defense and that not everything is offense. I feel that a lot of coaches stress how much you're scoring, but he was more about the hustle plays."
What things do you like to do off the court?
"I've started playing the ukulele. It's something fun that I like to do. I like to also be creative and make things, whether its bracelets or a table. Just any hands-on projects. I'm a huge Pintrest fan. I think I have over 2,000 pins."
If you could play any other sport, what would it be?
"Probably football. I know that's not a sport that's commonly known for women. Both my brothers played in high school and I grew up playing flag football and touch football with them. I have a pretty good arm. I was always the quarterback. If I could play anything that would be the sport I would like to play."
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).
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