Basketball New Zealand

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NZ Tall Fern centre Jess McCormack (Photosport)

GoHuskies.com catches up with one of the six freshmen on the University of Washington women’s basketball team.

Centre Jessica McCormack comes to Seattle via New Zealand and is a member of the Huskies’ top-10 nationally ranked incoming recruiting class.

GoHuskies.com: How does basketball in the U.S. compare to the game in New Zealand?

Jess McCormack: “It is a lot different actually. It is a lot of running style basketball. I like it though. It is intense with a lot of defense and pressure defense. In New Zealand it is a bit more of just `dribble it up the court and run the set.’ It is a bit of a change, but I like it, it is a good style of basketball. It is fun.”

GoHuskies: What made you choose UW over other schools?

JM: “When I came for my visit, it just felt right. My family and I decided that all of the components we wanted were here.”

GoHuskies: Is it hard being so far away from home?

JM: “I miss home a bit, but it is okay. I’ve got a good kind of family support unit here with all of the girls and the coaches.”

GoHuskies: How have practices treated you so far?

JM: “They have been good. They have been intense and it has been busy, but it is all good fun.”

GoHuskies: What are your goals for the season?

JM: “I just want to get in there and kind of make an impact. I want our team to obviously do well and win some games. I think each year we just want to improve on what we did the last year, and I think we are going to do well this year.”

GoHuskies: Is there anything in particular you are looking forward to most this season?

JM: “Just playing pretty much, getting to play against some quality competition. I have been waiting for this for about a year now so it is exciting to finally be here and getting ready to play.”

GoHuskies: How have you gelled with the rest of the girls on the team?

JM: “I came in a little bit later, but I have been able to bond with the girls obviously. It’s been good fun meeting all the girls. We’ve got an amazing group so it is a lot of fun.”

GoHuskies: What has been the most fun bonding experience for you, personally?

JM: “All of the girls went on a hike. That was a good one. But we spend a lot of time just together as a group, watching movies and hanging out at each other’s houses. That is obviously a lot of fun getting to know everyone.”

GoHuskies: As a newcomer, how have you seen this young team coming together?

JM: “I think we are getting it together now. We are a young team, but no one knows what to expect of us because of that. I think it’s good – sort of being that surprise factor.”

GoHuskies: Thank you, and good luck this season.

JM: Thanks!

MCormack had two points (1/5 FG), two rebounds, two blocks, an assist and a steal in 15 minutes as a starter as University of Washington beat Love & Basketball 84-59 in their first pre-season outing.