HRR chat w/ Rox

I had the opportunity to speak with Roxana Button this evening. Earlier this month, Rox made a verbal commitment to play for head coach Joe Curl and the Houston Lady Cougars. Rox and I talked for about 10 minutes; and, her comments are below. She seems to be a very level-headed young lady.

HRR: Describe the process which led to you making a verbal commitment to Coach Joe Curl and the Houston Lady Cougars.

Rox: I took an official visit back in May. I really just loved the place then. I mean everything about it – the campus, the coaches; and, then, later in July, he (Coach Joe Curl) came and watched me play in a tournament; and, he made the (scholarship) offer. I thought about it; and, I couldn’t think of a better place for me.

HRR: Did you have a short list of schools before you chose UH?
Rox: Probably, right when I called him is when other scholarship offers starting to come in. I had a couple on the table at that point.
HRR: Can you tell me which other schools made offers?
Rox: Yes. North Texas. UTEP. St. Edward’s. I can’t think of the others.

HRR: Since I haven’t had a chance to see you play just yet, what do you do well? What are your strengths?
Rox: I’m aggressive. I attack the hole; and, I can shoot from the outside.

HRR: What about Coach Curl and his staff impressed you?
Rox: I can tell by the way he is that he is a good person; and, that he cares about his team which is something that is very important to me. You can come to him about anything; and, he’ll help you. When he gives you his word, he tells you straightforward. For me he told me who he was recruiting; and, that’s one of the things that really impressed me.

HRR: Has school started for you, yet?
Rox: No, I start on Monday.

HRR: For those who don’t know, what high school do you attend?
Rox: I attend Coppell High School.
HRR: How long have you played basketball at Coppell?
Rox: I’ve played varsity all four years.
HRR: How good has the team been thus far?
Rox: My freshman year was the best team. We were District Champs; 13 and 1. We got in the first round; and, then we lost. My sophomore year we were okay. I fractured my elbow with three games left in district. We ended up tied for the third spot; and, we had to play a game to get into the playoffs and we lost that game. I didn’t play those last four games. My junior year we did pretty well. We ended up tied again; but, this time we won the game to reach the playoffs. We got to the first round; and, we lost to Colleyville.

HRR: You mentioned earlier you play basketball in the summer. What team do you play for in the summer?
Rox: I play for the North Texas Shockers.
HRR: What’s that experience been like for you?
Rox: It’s awesome. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We’ve got a great group of girls who I’ve played with for two years. We have great chemistry on and off the court. It’s been great. We’ve traveled everywhere. We get along with the coach really well. It’s been a great fit.
HRR: Do you believe AAU basketball has been a good shot of exposure for you?
Rox: Yes. Definitely. It was a key factor in getting that scholarship. It’s exhausting (laughs).
HRR: Talk about. How much did you travel? How much time did it take out of your summer?
Rox: A lot. You know you have to make sacrifices. We were out of town every weekend in July except for the last weekend. During the week, you have practice; then, you have to work out on your own. I know most girls probably go through weight training and stuff like that.

HRR: How are you grades? What’s your G.PA.?
Rox: I have a 3.971.
HRR: On a 4 scale?
Rox: Yes.
HRR: Have you taken the entrance test?
Rox: The S.A.T.?
HRR: Yes.
Rox: I got an 1810 the last time I took it.
HRR: So, you’re definitely qualified then, right?
Rox: Yes.

HRR: Are you going to come down to Houston during this year during football season?
Rox: Yes. My official visit is scheduled for the weekend of the 22nd of September. I think that’s the first home game of the season.

HRR: Are you excited or are you relieved?
Rox: I’m excited and relieved (laughs). It’s a great feeling to go into your senior year knowing you’re already settled.

HRR: Are you going to keep track of UH this year?
Rox: Oh yeah. Definitely, I will. I’m going to try and catch the game at SMU. I can definitely see that game.

HRR: What do you know about Conference USA?
Rox: That’s probably the conference I’m most familiar with because I was being recruited by practically all of them – SMU, Tulane, Rice, UTEP, and Houston. The conference fits me perfect because the schools aren’t really far away from home.

HRR: This question is a little bit off-the-wall. Do you watch WNBA games?
Rox: I don’t really like to watch WNBA games.
HRR: Why not?
Rox: I don’t know. The games look kind of slow.
HRR: Okay. Are you a fan of the NBA?
Rox: I’m an NBA fan and college fan. That’s what I like.
HRR: Okay, so does that mean you like playing up tempo?
Rox: Yes.

Rox, 5-9 guard, is expected to sign a National Letter of Intent in November. An All-District 6-5A first-team selection the last two seasons, she currently is ranked among the top 30 prospects in the state. Rox averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game last season.

I thanked Rox for taking time to speak with me; and, I wished her good luck during her senior year at Coppell High School which she'll begin Monday, August 27.