Maudess Fulton is Back

Averaging 5.8 points per game and 2.0 rebounds per game plus shooting an icy 34.8% from the field plus 62.2% from the foul line are not impressive numbers for a player expected to make a major contribution to a team's success. Comparing those numbers to these numbers -- Played in all 33 games, starting 25... Scored a career and game high 19 points against Baylor Nov. 30... Double figures in points in 11 games... Grabbed six rebounds on Nov. 26 vs. Auburn... Dished out a season-best five assists against Kent State Dec. 4 -- seems like I'm describing two completely different players.

Not at all. Meet Rice Owls wing player Maudess Fulton. The first set of numbers Maudess produced last season while the better set of numbers were from Maudess two seasons ago. What happened? Let her tell you.

"I'm in my fourth year; however, I redshirted; so, I'm using my third year of eligibility."

For those who don't know, why are you using the redshirt?

"Oh, because I tore my ACL in my left knee the beginning of my sophomore year; but, it's doing much better now. No brace. No brace."

If you don't mind, I'm going to take you back to the injury. Tell me what happened.

"Well, it was actually an exhibition game; and, I was going up for a lay-up -- a left-hand lay-up -- and something happened while I was in the air. Something crazy happened to my leg; and, I just fell. And that was all she wrote. It was a long process to come back; but, I'm doing much better now."

A lot of players, when they've torn their ACL, have said they heard "a pop". Did you hear that "pop"?

"I didn't hear a pop."

What did you think was wrong with your leg when it happened?

"Actually, I thought I could play again; but, it didn't work out like that. The trainer told me, " 'No we're going to have to check it.' " Then, they said that I tore my ACL; and, I really didn't even know what that meant because I've never really been seriously injured before. I realized soon, though, that I would be out for a whole year."

Last season, you played with a brace on the knee. What was that like?

"I got used to the brace; but, it was always constricting. It always felt heavy; and, I feel so free without it now. I feel so much better. I'm glad to be rid of the brace."

Many people who follow basketball believe it usually takes two years for a player to recover fully from an ACL injury to return to being the player they were before the injury. Do you agree with that belief?

"I do. Last year, I thought that I was myself; but, this year, the second year, I know for sure I'm playing like I did before the injury. I agree with that. Two years is a good amount of time. I really feel like I'm healthy again."

Are you going to be playing with anything on your left knee this season?

"No! I am done! The doctor told me I can get rid of that brace; so, I'm done."

Where is the brace?

"It is in my room, under my luggage, somewhere."

So, you kept it? You're not going to throw it away?

"I just threw it in the corner; and, I forgot about it. I could throw it away; but, I believe the trainer told me not to throw it away; so, I'll think I'll hold onto it."

For the people who haven't seen you play, describe your game.

"I guess you could say I'm a slasher. I like to create off the dribble. I like pull up jumpers. I think I'm a versatile player. I play defense. I like defense. That's pretty much it."

What parts of your game would you like to improve?

"I think I can improve my shooting percentages. I was want to be as accurate as possible. Definitely my three-point shooting and just catch-and-shoot. I like coming off the dribble a lot; so, maybe more catch-and-shoot and three-point shooting."

Which state were you were born and why did you decide to attend Rice University?

"I was born in New Jersey. I chose Rice because the coaching staff was one of the ones that recruited me heavily. I pretty much went with the team that showed me the most interest. When I came on my visit to Rice, I had no idea who they were; but, just the atmosphere and the way the coaches and the team treated me drew me in. When I went on other visits, I didn't feel the same type of atmosphere; so, I really went with how I felt about the team and the players."

What other schools recruited you?

My only other visit was Ohio State. I had a lot of letters; but, for some odd reason, I narrowed my choices down pretty quickly to those two schools."

Wow! That's a big difference. Ohio State is a Big Ten powerhouse; a known school and Rice is a Conference USA sort of middle-of-the-pack program. Why Rice?

"Honestly, I wasn't thinking which school would give me more tv time. I was thinking 'This is where I'm going to spend the next four years of my life and I'm going to be developing as a person; and, I want to be around people who have a genuine interest in me.' Not to say that Ohio State wouldn't have; but, I just felt Rice was more of a family. I wasn't interested in how many tv appearances I was going to have or 'are we going to make it this far in the tournament'. I believe any team can be successful; but, I was just more interested in a team atmosphere."

What did you do this summer?

"This summer I, basically, just worked out. I did a lot of running. I did a lot of open gym playing with guys which helped me get my quickness and my speed back. Also, I lifted weights to get stronger."

Guys. Does that mean you worked out with John Lucas or you worked with other guys?

"No. Actually, I went home to New Jersey. I played at the Y. I played pick up games. When guys don't know who you are, they don't take it easy on you; so, they play hard and they don't want a girl to embarrass them. I played against some really good guys; and, they pushed me to get back to where I wanted to be."

Expound on the difference between playing against guys and playing against girls.

"It's a big difference. Guys are so much stronger and so much faster which requires you, as a defender, to move your feet that much faster; and, when you make your moves, they have to be sharp and quick. You can't dilly-dally because guys will definitely take advantage of you. It's just a different level and a different speed to the game; and, playing against the guys helped me to get my speed and quickness back."

Do you have a favorite basketball player?

"Girls or guys?"

Both.

"Well, Cynthia Cooper was my favorite women's player. Of course, she's retired now; but, she still is my favorite player. Guys...I like Allen Iverson."

That's an interesting duo. Why Cynthia Cooper?

"Her game was so smooth to me. She could do it all. She could shoot the three. She could drive in the lane. She won. She made her team win. I like all those facets about her."

And, Allen Iverson? Please don't tell me it's because of his eyes or because you think he's cute.

"Well, that, too; but, since I'm from Jersey and Philadelphia is like 30 minutes away; so, I always saw him on tv and his game is great. He was an easy person to like."

Have you thought about the fact Rice is going to play Prairie View (December 28 at PV) this season which means you'll be facing your idol Cynthia Cooper?

"That's right! I forgot! I didn't even put that together. She's only been there like two years or so. I didn't even think about that. That didn't even cross my mind."

Well, what are your initial thoughts right now?

"My initial thoughts are I'm going to be a little star-struck. I'm going to have to shut it down until after the game; and, hopefully, we'll win so after the game I can walk up to her and say, " 'Oh, Cynthia Cooper!' " But, I'll try not to be star-struck during the game. I'll be very excited to meet her. Definitely!"

How has open gym gone so far this month?

"It's going pretty good. I think we're going to be better than people expect us to be. I know we're young; but, we have some players with experience and they've shown the younger players leadership. I think our young people are getting into the swing of things. We're going to be good."

Do you follow the WNBA?

"I do. I do. I don't want every single game. I know who's on what team; and, I watched the championship. It was good, too."

Do you hope to play in the WNBA after your Rice career?

"If the opportunity was awarded me, yes; but, there are other things that I'm interested in like working in the retail field. I'm interested in being a retail buyer. That's one of my goals; and, you don't get to do those things when you play basketball. It would be interesting to pursue other passions of mine."

Does that mean you don't want to play basketball as professional?

"No, I would play if I were given the opportunity."

Overseas?

"Possibly. I haven't really thought it about much to tell you the truth."

Is that because you have two years of basketball left at Rice -- this year and next year?

"Exactly. I'm preparing to get a job; but, if I did have a chance to play professionally, I definitely would give it some consideration."

Any thoughts about playing your home games at another place (Houston Baptist University's Sharp Gym) this season?

"It will be interesting; but, I believe, as a team, if we don't let that distract us -- having to play so few games at home -- I think we'll be fine."

What do you expect from the team this season?

"I expect big things. I really do. The older players are dedicated to us being good. I think we're going to be good. We have players who are ready to step up."

Meaning a trip to the NCAA Tournament?

"Yeah. I think we have a shot."