A Somewhat Related Diversion

[RockyMTblue2]

As most know Paige went to Hopkins HS. A teammate and bestie one ? year behind her was Maya Nnaji. An extensive interview of Maya, who was recruited by Barnes at Arizona, just posted. It is interesting and entertaining. It gives an in depth look at Hopkins, which she reveals was run like a D I program and instilled fear and attracted talent. Yes, she talks about Paige and what she'd do to the consternation of the coaches. She talks about all the guys who would challenge her in open gym. The women's game, college and WNBA. The silliness of asserting a woman can play in the NBA. etc

She's a thoughtful, engaging young woman and she's walking away from basketball because a medical career takes priority.

 

[Kaizen]

Just love anyone name Maya ....

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Here is a tease:

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Oh, forgot, she said Arizona was somewhat toxic.

 

[Jackcatscal]

Here is a tease:

The Hopkins coach to Paige: "You're too unselfish."

Sound familiar?

 

[Zarathustra]

As most know Paige went to Hopkins HS. A teammate and bestie one ? year behind her was Maya Nnaji. An extensive interview of Maya, who was recruited by Barnes at Arizona, just posted. It is interesting and entertaining. It gives an in depth look at Hopkins, which she reveals was run like a D I program and instilled fear and attracted talent. Yes, she talks about Paige and what she'd do to the consternation of the coaches. She talks about all the guys who would challenge her in open gym. The women's game, college and WNBA. The silliness of asserting a woman can play in the NBA. etc

She's a thoughtful, engaging young woman and she's walking away from basketball because a medical career takes priority.

Maya begins her discussion of her playing with Paige, and how Paige was a "leader" and helped the
Hopkin's team 'bond together'. Scroll ahead to about the 22-minute mark. Note: This could be " Required listening "
for players from Grace Academy or Fuquay-Farina, N.C.

 

[OldSchooler]

One of the most delightful interviews I have ever watched. Maya is poised, articulate and engaging. A beautiful person. She will be a success at whatever she tries. What a role model. Nice job by the interviewer, too.

 

[Zinethar]

I was very impressed with her interview. The young woman is well grounded, intelligent, and a gifted athlete. I sure wish Paige had told Geno to bring her to UConn. Then again she still has eligibility .

 

[FormerCTrez]

I was very impressed with her interview. The young woman is well grounded, intelligent, and a gifted athlete. I sure wish Paige had told Geno to bring her to UConn. Then again she still has eligibility .

I believe Maya chose to attend Arizona because it allowed her do the two things she loves best — courses geared towards her medical career, as well as playing basketball. On one hand, it’s sad to see her step away from BB, but I’m elated that she’s intelligent and smart enough, to know what suits her best at this age, and stage of her life. I’m rooting for her success in the medical field. She will do exceptionally well.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I was very impressed with her interview. The young woman is well grounded, intelligent, and a gifted athlete. I sure wish Paige had told Geno to bring her to UConn. Then again she still has eligibility .

While still at Hopkins she made it known that UConn was not on her list. At the time I surmised that though she and Paige were tight she wanted to get out from under the huge shadow that Paige cast.

 

[Zinethar]

While still at Hopkins she made it known that UConn was not on her list. At the time I surmised that though she and Paige were tight she wanted to get out from under the huge shadow that Paige cast.

I saw that back then. My remark was because she mentioned that although she had left the team to focus on her studies she would be playing basketball again and wanted to play professionally and I couldn't think of a better place to prepare for that wish than UConn. She sure seems comfortable in her own skin now so I would thing that would no longer be an issue.

 

[Charliebball]

I saw that back then. My remark was because she mentioned that although she had left the team to focus on her studies she would be playing basketball again and wanted to play professionally and I couldn't think of a better place to prepare for that wish than UConn. She sure seems comfortable in her own skin now so I would thing that would no longer be an issue.

Everything that she said she loved most about her best basketball experiences matches up perfectly with what goes on in the UConn program ..........if she's interested in playing again, I would hope she would consider UConn.....

 

[JellyBean]

One of the most delightful interviews I have ever watched. Maya is poised, articulate and engaging. A beautiful person. She will be a success at whatever she tries. What a role model. Nice job by the interviewer, too.

Maya has a phenomenal family and it showed in this interview. Solid person. Solid family.

 

[YoDore]

Very impressive young lady.