thirtysomething Q&A with Brea Banks

July 17, 2008

Redbird All-Access members, watch Brea Banks' full interview (30 questions) on Redbird All-Access, your exclusive home to full student-athlete video interview's during this summer's "thirtysomething" series.

Redbird Athletics fans who would like to see the full interview must click on the link below and login to Redbird All-Access. If you do not have a Redbird All-Access account, one can be purchased for $6.95 per month, or annually for $49.95. Redbird All-Access provides fans with live and on-demand audio and video coverage of Redbird Athletics.

GR: What was it like playing in the NCAA Tournament last season?
Brea Banks: Well, it was awesome. It was my first time being there. A lot of the girls were seniors who had been there before, and they told us how it was. We were all just very excited being there. It was a great experience.

GR: What do you expect from the upcoming 2008-09 season following last season's NCAA Tournament appearance?
BB: We definitely expect to be right back there. Obviously, that is our main goal. We also want to get a conference championship and win the conference tournament. So, those are also some goals for us, besides getting back to the (NCAA) Tournament.

GR: What lessons from basketball have you learned that you will take with you in the future?
BB: The biggest two lessons would be work ethic and time management, because with basketball, you have to be on time and manage all your school work and basketball and everything. And work ethic, because work that you do on the court transfers to your normal life. It really helps being a student-athlete and knowing how to manage everything.

GR: You have been awarded numerous academic honors. How do you balance the responsibilities of school, your family and friends, playing basketball and free time?
BB: For me, it was kind of easier coming in, just because my parents have always pushed that one me. They do the same for my sister -- balancing school work and athletics and everything So, for me, coming in, it wasn't as hard as for most people. The (Karin Bone Athletics) Study Center also does a great job making sure we're all on point and having everything together. So, for me, it wasn't as hard.

GR: What made you choose or want to play basketball in the first place?
BB: My dad always was watching it, and I got a later start than most people. So, I just went out for one day. My best friend was actually playing at the time, and she got me to go out for the team. After that, I just was in love with it.

GR: When did you start playing basketball?
BB: I really got into playing basketball around seventh grade, but the first year I actually played was in sixth. But it was more serious coming into seventh grade.

GR: Where is your favorite place to play on the road with the Redbirds?
BB: Indiana State is a fun place to play just because of the rivalry and everything. They always pack it in there. So, that is definitely a fun one to play. DePaul is also pretty fun because I'm from Chicago, and a lot of people that I know come to the games up there. So, those two places are fun to play at.

GR: Ok, the next two questions are about your teammates. Who is the comedian of the team?
BB: For this one, I'm going to have to go for (sophomore guard) Shala (Jackson). She is a riot and she's always making light of the situation.

GR: Who are you most like on the team? Who would you compare yourself the most to?
BB: I don't know. I mean we are all very different. But it works because we all are different, and we're able to get along together knowing our differences and being able to work together. We're all different. I don't know if I can pinpoint one person.

GR: Some athletes are superstitious before a game. Do you fall into that category? Do you have any traditions you have to do before game time?
BB: I wouldn't say I have any superstitions, but I definitely have traditions. I like to listen to the same music before a game. It's kind of weird, but before home games, I listen to a certain playlist on my iPod, and before away games, I listen to a different playlist. So, I do have some rituals, but I wouldn't say I'm superstitious.