Atunrase is ready to be a Pro
TAMPA BAY -- Wednesday, April 9, the WNBA held its 2008 Draft for college seniors; and, Texas A&M's Morenike Atunrase was selected in the second round (24th overall) by the Atlanta Dream. Atunrase was later traded to the San Antonio Silver Stars which means Atunrase will have a chance to play in front of a lot more Aggies in San Antonio than she would have in the ATL.
HRR: I'm speaking with Morenike Atunrase -- one of the newest members of the WNBA. How does that sound?
Mo: It sounds great! I really didn't follow basketball growing up -- especially on the professional level; so, I really can't say that I dreamed of this day. But, it's a great honor. I think this is definitely a career I can enjoy. Some people wake up every day and not get a chance to enjoy their jobs; but, playing basketball is something I've always loved to do.
HRR: Have you had a chance to speak with your college head coach, Coach (Gary) Blair?
Mo: Not yet. Since I was called, I got my jersey; went from place to place speaking; so, I haven't had a chance to talk with him. I'm sure he's excited for me just like all of my coaches that are here. Getting drafter is a great thing -- a name besides my name -- for Texas A&M and the women's basketball program at A&M. So, it just helps us get those players like the McDonald's All-Americans; the Parade and Kodak (now State Farm) All-Americans that are coming out of high school that A&M doesn't usually get; so, I think this (getting drafted) really helps.
HRR: One of your college teammates, A'Quonesia Franklin, got drafted (38th overall by the 2005 WNBA champion Sacramento Monarchs) as well. So, talk about that.
Mo: I think it's great. I know she's at home but, I'm sure she's ecstatic. Once again, that just speaks a lot about our Aggies program and how far we've come in a short time. Going to the Elite Eight (in the NCAA Tournament) and how far she took us and what she can do for a program. She took us on her back and led us. She's not just a great player on the court she's a great person, too. Anywhere she ends up, she'll be a great fit.
HRR: Are you ready to be a pro?
Mo: I am. I am.
HRR: Congratulations, Mo. I'm looking forward to following your pro career.
Mo: Thank you.
HRR: I'm speaking with Morenike Atunrase -- one of the newest members of the WNBA. How does that sound?
Mo: It sounds great! I really didn't follow basketball growing up -- especially on the professional level; so, I really can't say that I dreamed of this day. But, it's a great honor. I think this is definitely a career I can enjoy. Some people wake up every day and not get a chance to enjoy their jobs; but, playing basketball is something I've always loved to do.
HRR: Have you had a chance to speak with your college head coach, Coach (Gary) Blair?
Mo: Not yet. Since I was called, I got my jersey; went from place to place speaking; so, I haven't had a chance to talk with him. I'm sure he's excited for me just like all of my coaches that are here. Getting drafter is a great thing -- a name besides my name -- for Texas A&M and the women's basketball program at A&M. So, it just helps us get those players like the McDonald's All-Americans; the Parade and Kodak (now State Farm) All-Americans that are coming out of high school that A&M doesn't usually get; so, I think this (getting drafted) really helps.
HRR: One of your college teammates, A'Quonesia Franklin, got drafted (38th overall by the 2005 WNBA champion Sacramento Monarchs) as well. So, talk about that.
Mo: I think it's great. I know she's at home but, I'm sure she's ecstatic. Once again, that just speaks a lot about our Aggies program and how far we've come in a short time. Going to the Elite Eight (in the NCAA Tournament) and how far she took us and what she can do for a program. She took us on her back and led us. She's not just a great player on the court she's a great person, too. Anywhere she ends up, she'll be a great fit.
HRR: Are you ready to be a pro?
Mo: I am. I am.
HRR: Congratulations, Mo. I'm looking forward to following your pro career.
Mo: Thank you.
posted by Kris Gardner @ 10:25 AM
1 Comments:
At Sat Apr 12, 12:45:00 PM CDT,
Anonymous said…
I was impressed with the way Morenike handled herself when her name was called and when Rebecca Lobo interviewed her. She sounds like a very nice young woman and I'm pleased to see her get the opportunity to play for Dan Hughes in San Antonio ... and I think it's a good move to bring in some Aggie fans!
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