January 27, 2025 • 19 mins
Vanderbilt basketball star Khamil Pierre joins the pod to discuss the Commodores' season, her growth as an individual, Mikayla Blakes' impact, why she chose Vandy, and much more!
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If you have not already, subscribe to the YouTube channel!
You can listen to the pod on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theyve-got-now/id1652378572
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eTVgaVudBvS9yox3XbgGX?si=16a02c3ea75942e8
You can watch the pod on https://youtube.com/playlist?
list=PLSPW9eR1D5GWBw1lRpM8qTDSlliwbGp8J&si=rX7RfQZmuB6XAa3T
As always, a major thank you to James Edwards III for the intro and outro music! If you have not already, follow Mark on Twitter @MG_Schindler and be sure to rate and review the pod! Send any questions, comments, or feedback Mark's way, and enjoy the show.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Welcome to another episode that they've got. Now. I'm really
excited to be joined today by one of the star
breakout players in the country this year, particularly in the SEC,
and that's Camille Pierre from over at Vandy women's basketball.
Camill first and foremost, how you doing today.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
I'm doing good, area, I'm good.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
I can't complain. I didn't hit a you know, I didn't.
I didn't take Alabama wire to wire last night. But
other than that, doing pretty great. I think to start
obviously this season, do you have kind of like a
feel of what you guys are doing at Vandy right now,
kind of like looking at building this team back up
to where it's at. Obviously, I know last year was
a big stepping stone year to kind of get to
(00:48):
this point. But does it hit you yet or is
it something you're just kind of like in it so
you're not really feeling that yet.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Oh, honestly, I don't know what we're doing.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
It.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
It's pretty special, so it's just really cool to be
a part of it. I think just in the work
every day with my teammates and with the staff. I mean,
it'll go a long way, So you definitely recognize it
in the moment, but it would just keep working at
the end of the day.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
No, absolutely, it stands out and how you guys play
for sure, I think the most important question I have
to ask too. I was thinking about this because I
was rewatching a bunch of games the last day. How
long did it take you to get used to the
site lines in ingram and like playing with a different
sideline and baseline than like pretty much anybody in the country.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
I mean, it's different, but it's pretty fun, so I
don't think we think about it too much.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Yeah, No, I love it, honestly. I wish more staves
were built like it. I think it's like just way
better to be honest, particularly like that way're not crashing
into stuff on the sidelines. But yeah, especially too. I
mean like when you have the Tennessee game, you hit
the game winn and then hey, teammates are right there,
like you know, there's fun. Yeah, it does end up
being pretty cool like that. But obviously going off that,
(01:56):
you know with you, I mean Alabama Tennessee, the way
that all these games have played out, a ton of
tight games and obviously a very loaded sec what have
you kind of been able to sift through the craziness
of this season so far. I know, it's like very
much a game by game thing. Were like every game
in the SEC so far has felt wire to wire.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
Yeah, I mean it's the SEC. I think it's the
best conference like in the NCAA. So it's definitely a
challenge every game. But I mean we're in it, kind
of just in it, so it's really fun.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
It's hard.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
My team, we love to compete, and we're all with
each other, like we stand behind each other ten tos,
so just going into the games, and I feel like
the most important thing is obviously to try to win, but.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Just to have fun. So we're never going to get
these moments back with each other.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
No, Absolutely, going off that too, I wanted to ask
just about this team as a whole. There was a
piece I was reading from early on this year kind
of talking about how you felt like you were really
focused on scoring last year, but this year was about
like just being focused on everything else. And I think
Number one, that's a really awesome realization to have. But
it's kind of funny because I feel like focusing on
(03:00):
all the other facets of your games what has opened
you up as a score. So it's what if you
kind of elaborate on that, like what that growth process
was like for you to get to that kind of
build off that I.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
Think just understanding the importance that, like it's not all
about scoring. There's so many different ways you can affect
the game. And a perfect example is last night, I
couldn't get the.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Ball in the rooms.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
It was a tough one.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
Yeah, it was hard.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
I think I shot like or for nineteen, but I
had to affect the game other ways. So I focused
on my rebounding, stealing, being a great teammate, setting screen,
stuff like that, because just by doing other actions on
the floor and knowing that I'm such a big piece
to what we do, it kind of like helps move
the defense and stuff like that.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
No, for sure, And I feel like your passing has
really taken a jump this year too, Like you had
some last year, but I think it's like you can
see it even more this season. But like, I think
you make it sound really simple, but like actually putting
that stuff into practice. What was the work like in
the offseason, Like what we're conversations like with coaches and
like how was you know, in terms of like finding
those other avenues to make an impact.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Just lots of emphasis that they have a lot of
belief in me that could really be a great player.
So just understanding that I have to stack days. You know,
I have to come into practice and I have to
run the floor as hard as I can. I have
to try to get every rebound, Like I just have
to try to be my best self in every aspect
regardless of what we're doing.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
So just things like that.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
M did you watch the Bulls thirty for thirty in
uh during during COVID No, okay, all right, Well there's
this clip where Dennis Robbin basically talks about like how
he got awesome at rebounding and he like just kind
of talks about how like literally like he just used
to watch games to see where the ball bounds and stuff,
and like go in the gym and throw the ball up.
(04:46):
How did you get to this level's of rebounder? Cause again,
like you had really great stuff as a rebounder last year,
but I mean you've basically been the best rebounder in
the country this year. Like what was again, Like is
that something that you emphasized or like is it really
just like you know, I just thought about it more
and it's happening or how did you kind of get
to this?
Speaker 3 (05:05):
Yeah, I think I just thought about it more. But honestly,
like I'm six to two. I know I can rebound.
I'm super athletic. It's one of those things. But like
I want to get ten rebounds a game, bare minimum ten,
Like I don't want anything less than that. So just
like I don't think it's much skill. It's just how
bad do you want it? And I want to get rebounds,
so that's all that matters.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
Yeah, it's interesting though, because watching I feel like there's
definitely skill in how you do it, Like your angles
are awesome, Like you don't really pause seeing the ball.
So it's interesting because like, yeah, I can definitely see
from your perspective, not like feeling like skilling it, but man,
there's just not a lot of people can track the
ball like that, so it stands out. But on top
of that too, like you mentioned in terms of just
(05:44):
like kind of a lot of feeling it and want
for it as well, I think kind of what has
stood out a lot about this team has been that
that want to Like I don't think I've ever questioned
this team's after a single game. This season, and again,
like talking on a quote from your early this year mentioning,
like seeing Mikayla come in and play at that level
(06:04):
with the confidence she has is something that kind of
inspired you to keep growing yourself, what you know, in
terms of that dynamic and seeing her come in and
have that impact and playing off of it, what has
that been, Like, I.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Mean, it's been amazing.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
Mikayla is a really really talented player, and I know
she's the best freshman in the country. So just playing
alongside her, like she doesn't understand how she helps me,
but like you know, like her motor like it makes
me go. And like she's scoring, Okay, well if I'm not,
I'm gonna try to get her open. And just like
she pushes me to be better not only as a
player but as a person. And she's just a great
(06:39):
teammate and a great kid to be around. So I'm
super blessed to have her on the team.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
Yeah, I think one of the things that stands out
to is like she's just and I was going back
through and watching stuff and like coach Ralph has talking
to them about her fearlessness, and especially watching the Bama
game yesterday, it's funny because, like, I mean, she plays
hard as hell, but she gets thrown around sometimes in
some games, and I feel like that stood out a
lot yesterday in the Bama game, but like she just
keeps going after it, like never really stops, which again
(07:05):
feels like an embodiment of the whole team. Dou A agree.
But like you mentioned her being kind of like one
of the best freshmen, the best freshman in the country
this year, one was kind of like the first moment
you got to see your game and like fully understand like, oh, okay, wow,
this is what she's bringing the table this season.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
Well, I knew coming in she was like ranked pretty high,
so I figured she'd be pretty good. But I mean
she was never talked about as much as like the
other kids that graduated high school in twenty four, so
I didn't really know.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
What to expect. I figured she had to be pretty.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Solid, But I mean the first workout we had, I
was like, oh, Wow, this kid is crazy good. I
would always tell my mom that she's in Phoenix. We
talk all the time, and I'd be like we talked
about like our new players we got.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
I'll be like, wow, like Mikaela like that kid's a beast.
She's good. I've never seen anything like it.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
I mean, the way she's able to make shots and
just like play the game of basketball is insane.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Yeah, she's really good at reading the court too. I
feel like that's underrated part, Like a lot of point
guards are like they're good at being, you know, having
the ball in their hands. But I feel like one
of the things that makes her so good in your
guys offense is like, now she's an awesome cotter. You
can play off the ball, like does all the stuff
that you guys need to do to be successful, for sure,
But on top of that too, with yourself. I think
(08:18):
it's interesting because I know you. I think I was
looking up today. I believe you're wearing sixty third in
twenty twenty three, and fair to say that you have
more than outplayed that in terms of like coming to Vanderbilt,
Like what was what drew you to Vandy originally? Like
how did you kind of end up coming to this program?
Speaker 3 (08:39):
And Yeah, I've always been just like a really genuine kid.
I was raised with like really genuine people, So I
felt like in order for me to be great, I
needed to be around like great people. For sure, and
people who know what they're doing and can get me
to the league, but also people who just are good people.
And I feel like that's exactly what Vanderbilt had to offer. So,
(09:01):
I mean, regardless of what their record was and how
much they were talked about, I felt as long as
I was in a position where, you know, I felt
like I was around family, that it would go a
long way.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
And it's showing that it does so definitely. And it's funny,
you know, talking to Jordan Cambridge last year, she talked
a ton about, you know, the genuineness of Shay. Can
you kind of put that into words like what that
looks like compared to not even like compared to other
coaching staffs, but just in general, like what does that
look like in a day to day basis you know
that people maybe don't see.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
I mean, I don't think you can really describe it.
And she's just really truly like a great person. She
cares for each and every one of us on this team.
She cares for her staff, she's a great mom. So
like when her daughter Mason's around, like that shows like
just like her outside of basketball, and that it's so
much more than just a game, and you know, she
just teaches us how to be better people and that
(09:52):
there's so much more to the world than just like
our sport, but how to be better in our sport too,
So it's really fun to play for her.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
What's maybe the biggest thing you've learned here or biggest
maybe lesson you've learned in the last year and a half.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
That's hard, Yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 3 (10:13):
Probably just how to be like resilient, just to keep going,
not to give up stuff like that, kind of just
like you control your destiny. So and on top of that,
just being a good person. I think that's like the
main takeaway from anything, just simple just be good.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
Yeah, definitely, Yeah, being resilient. I mean getting every rebound
is a certain way to be resilient for sure. I
got to ask you, have you ever gone back and
seen coach Ralph play before, like you can you find
her games on YouTube?
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Sometimes it's so like pixelated.
Speaker 1 (10:47):
Yeah, yeah, she definitely she played similar a lot of
a lot of fire and gritten passion. But you know,
going off that too and just this team as a whole. Uh,
you know, you mentioned like wanting to get to the
league eventually and wanted to be competitive, build something like that.
(11:07):
Keeping with the theme of like just coming to the
Vandy team, I think a lot of people can hear like, oh,
we're building something that we're going to get to this spot.
But what like, really, I know you mentioned the genuineness,
but like what sold you on that. I'm like, Okay, no,
we can do this, Like we can take Vanderbilt to
this spot. We can be there. I can be part
of that. Because again, I think to a degree, like
(11:27):
every programs like, you know what, we can do this
and that, and but Vanderbilt has like really hit that.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Well.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
I think like before I committed here, honestly, I didn't
really even know it toso much about basketball. I just
started playing, but I knew I had a bunch of
offers from a bunch of different high majors. But just
like I don't know, the belief and what there were
going to do with this program and where they were
going to go just felt more real than other schools,
and I just wanted to be a part of it.
(11:55):
So I feel like that's kind of just what got
me here. And then being here, I mean, we appreciate
every day that you know, we can really be a
great team, and I mean everyone just buys in.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
So I think we're on the path to do that.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Mentioning like starting late, When did you first start playing?
Speaker 3 (12:11):
So I played soccer like my whole life, and that
in Arizona, like high school basketball and high school soccer
during the same time, so I had to pick one
or the other. But club soccer in Arizona's year round,
so like you're always going to be playing.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
So I was playing club soccer.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
I was like my freshman year, I was like, I
might as well try out for the team and see
if I make it.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
So I tried out for my freshman year. I made it.
They put me on varsity. I never played my freshman year.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
I was just kind of like a practice player and
like went through the motion stuff like that, but I
only went to practice, like I was free from soccer,
and like I never really cared for basketball.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
It was just doing it just for fun.
Speaker 3 (12:47):
And it wasn't until my junior year I decided to
quit soccer and then just solely focused on basketball. And
so I went into AAU my junior summer for like
three months and that's where I got all my offers.
And then I went into my senior year still uncommitted,
and then I just only took one visit and it
was here, and that I committed on my visit.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
So wow, that's a pretty wild dream to have things
play out, especially like I mean, starting off in freshman
your high school is late for most people with basketball,
Like a lot of people playing travel by the time
they're like sixth seventh grade. So it's like, you know,
a big jump in that. But it's fun too because
I feel like you can kind of see soccer in
your skill set, Like you have really quick feet for
(13:28):
someone your size. Like again, like you see the court
well too, and I think that's a big part of
like when you play soccer, you have to like you
have to be aware what's around you. So like it's
cool because a lot of times when people only play basketball,
like you can see people have a tunnel vision or
like they can be like strictly like all like gym
workout stuff, Like yeah, you can hesy and you can
get into your ISO bag, but can you make the
(13:49):
right pass to somebody who's opened fifteen feet away? So
like it's cool to see that. And yeah, but especially
like that, I mean, that's just so interesting. You feel
like very had sets the wrong way to put it,
but like it just feels like you kind of knew
what you want to do to a degree. Is that
Is that a good way to put it?
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Yeah? I kind of just live life. I want to
be better in every aspect.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
So no, I love that. Continuing on on this year though,
you got the Tamika Catching stamp of approval, which I
do you recognize how how massive that is to get?
Speaker 2 (14:24):
That's huge?
Speaker 1 (14:25):
Yeah? Yeah, have you gone back? Have you seen her
play before?
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (14:29):
Yeah, she was, and I mean we see her around sometimes.
She's just like a great person. She's always talking about
just ways to be better and like the importance of
certain things.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
So super cool.
Speaker 1 (14:40):
Yeah, no, she's she's really dope. But yeah, having that
moment like of her just like saying that when you're
walking out the broadcast, did that like hit you right
away or was that something that you had to kind
of like think about after, like, oh wait, no, that's
pretty dope. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:54):
I think it was, like afterwards, I was like, Wow,
that's really cool. I think it just goes to show
that like kind of just put in trust and yourself,
it'll go a long way, and you know, I don't
think a lot of people would have thought I'd be
here where I am today.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
So just less for everything, Yeah.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
For sure, you know, especially in terms of looking at
at going to the next level, like you mentioned obviously
know there's a lot to get done before then that
you want to keep working on, but in terms of
building out your skill set the way that you have
because again, like I think you saw a lot of
really promising stuff you could do last year, but you're
handling the ball better this year, facing up more like
(15:30):
even just controlling more of the offense, being able to
make those reads. Like we talked about what things you
want to keep building on and keep kind of working
towards just everything.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
I feel like I still am like nowhere near my
full potential. I feel like I can have a better handle,
a better shot, better finish, Like I could see the
floor better. So I feel like there's so many different
parts of my game that I can improve on that
I mean, this is like barely the beginning.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
So I'm excited for sure.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
Yeah, No, excited for that too. That's a great mindset
to have. But also like how do you kind of
focus on on the right now and like keep you
up with one thing well, knowing like yeah, there's all
this stuff I can do and get to, but I
want to make sure that you know, I'm taking it
one game at a time, just understanding.
Speaker 2 (16:12):
That like I can't ever get a day back.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
I don't really think too much about like myself and
like I need to do this, this and this, Like
obviously I have goals that I want to achieve, but
I think more so about like I've SATIN teammates, I've
graduating this year that I'm never going to be able
to like spend my day to day life with ever again,
and so more so also doing it for myself, but
doing it for them, but trying to enjoy every second
because I mean it really is so special.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
Yeah, no, that's really powerful, especially like seeing somebody like
Eyana in the way that she's come along, She's been
here for that and like kind of getting herd of
that next step, you know, with this team and where
it's at right now too, midway through SEC play, like
where I mean feeling where it can keep going torough
Obviously I know like I was, so I do practology
(16:56):
over the athletic and I know like right now I
have you guys hosting up to a four seed, which
would be talking about this with Chris earlier today. This
will be the first time you guys host since twenty twelve.
If this keeps up with where you're at, but knowing
that you want to keep doing more, I'm sure that
this team has pretty big goals, Like what are the
things you really want to see you guys continue to
(17:16):
do throughout this conference season on the on the way
to March.
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Just outwork the other team, like when I lose, walking away,
knowing that we gave it are all and you know
that we were there for each other. I don't think
it's much deeper than that, Like people are going to
go on runs some days, teams will have a better
shooting to day than us, But it's just more so
like who work the hardest?
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Yeah, sometimes ball just bounces the other way.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
Yea.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
To close out, what has been your favorite moment of
this year so far?
Speaker 3 (17:50):
Jeez, I don't know if that is really hard. We
have a I think we have the funniest team in
the country. Yeah, Like we had cameras following us around,
like we're a really funny team. So I don't know,
we do a lot together. I mean obviously, like on court,
like Mikhaeale's buzzer beater. That was really fun beating Tennessee.
Speaker 2 (18:09):
But I don't know. I couldn't give you one thing.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Yeah, who's the funniest player on the team?
Speaker 3 (18:15):
Uh, probably Juice Jane. Yeah she's funny.
Speaker 1 (18:21):
Okay, I believe it. What's the funniest thing she's done?
Speaker 3 (18:25):
Just the way she acts and like tells stories things
like that, Like, I don't know, she's really funny.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
Though, No, no doubt. Well, Camille, it's been a blast
watching you grow this season, continue to take those strides
as a team and individually. Is there anything you want
to mention your shout out for you out here?
Speaker 2 (18:43):
No, I think we touched on some good things, So
thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
No, absolutely to everyone listening. Of course, keep up with
all things Vandy women's basketball taking on Florida, Ole, Miss,
and Texas in the next three games. So great slate
coming up, and most portly enjoyed the rest of your day.
Welcome to another episode that they've got. Now. I'm really
excited to be joined today by one of the star
breakout players in the country this year, particularly in the SEC,
and that's Camille Pierre from over at Vandy women's basketball.
Camill first and foremost, how you doing today.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
I'm doing good, area, I'm good.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
I can't complain. I didn't hit a you know, I didn't.
I didn't take Alabama wire to wire last night. But
other than that, doing pretty great. I think to start
obviously this season, do you have kind of like a
feel of what you guys are doing at Vandy right now,
kind of like looking at building this team back up
to where it's at. Obviously, I know last year was
a big stepping stone year to kind of get to
(00:48):
this point. But does it hit you yet or is
it something you're just kind of like in it so
you're not really feeling that yet.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Oh, honestly, I don't know what we're doing.
Speaker 1 (00:56):
It.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
It's pretty special, so it's just really cool to be
a part of it. I think just in the work
every day with my teammates and with the staff. I mean,
it'll go a long way, So you definitely recognize it
in the moment, but it would just keep working at
the end of the day.
Speaker 1 (01:08):
No, absolutely, it stands out and how you guys play
for sure, I think the most important question I have
to ask too. I was thinking about this because I
was rewatching a bunch of games the last day. How
long did it take you to get used to the
site lines in ingram and like playing with a different
sideline and baseline than like pretty much anybody in the country.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
I mean, it's different, but it's pretty fun, so I
don't think we think about it too much.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Yeah, No, I love it, honestly. I wish more staves
were built like it. I think it's like just way
better to be honest, particularly like that way're not crashing
into stuff on the sidelines. But yeah, especially too. I
mean like when you have the Tennessee game, you hit
the game winn and then hey, teammates are right there,
like you know, there's fun. Yeah, it does end up
being pretty cool like that. But obviously going off that,
(01:56):
you know with you, I mean Alabama Tennessee, the way
that all these games have played out, a ton of
tight games and obviously a very loaded sec what have
you kind of been able to sift through the craziness
of this season so far. I know, it's like very
much a game by game thing. Were like every game
in the SEC so far has felt wire to wire.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
Yeah, I mean it's the SEC. I think it's the
best conference like in the NCAA. So it's definitely a
challenge every game. But I mean we're in it, kind
of just in it, so it's really fun.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
It's hard.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
My team, we love to compete, and we're all with
each other, like we stand behind each other ten tos,
so just going into the games, and I feel like
the most important thing is obviously to try to win, but.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Just to have fun. So we're never going to get
these moments back with each other.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
No, Absolutely, going off that too, I wanted to ask
just about this team as a whole. There was a
piece I was reading from early on this year kind
of talking about how you felt like you were really
focused on scoring last year, but this year was about
like just being focused on everything else. And I think
Number one, that's a really awesome realization to have. But
it's kind of funny because I feel like focusing on
(03:00):
all the other facets of your games what has opened
you up as a score. So it's what if you
kind of elaborate on that, like what that growth process
was like for you to get to that kind of
build off that I.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
Think just understanding the importance that, like it's not all
about scoring. There's so many different ways you can affect
the game. And a perfect example is last night, I
couldn't get the.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Ball in the rooms.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
It was a tough one.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
Yeah, it was hard.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
I think I shot like or for nineteen, but I
had to affect the game other ways. So I focused
on my rebounding, stealing, being a great teammate, setting screen,
stuff like that, because just by doing other actions on
the floor and knowing that I'm such a big piece
to what we do, it kind of like helps move
the defense and stuff like that.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
No, for sure, And I feel like your passing has
really taken a jump this year too, Like you had
some last year, but I think it's like you can
see it even more this season. But like, I think
you make it sound really simple, but like actually putting
that stuff into practice. What was the work like in
the offseason, Like what we're conversations like with coaches and
like how was you know, in terms of like finding
those other avenues to make an impact.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Just lots of emphasis that they have a lot of
belief in me that could really be a great player.
So just understanding that I have to stack days. You know,
I have to come into practice and I have to
run the floor as hard as I can. I have
to try to get every rebound, Like I just have
to try to be my best self in every aspect
regardless of what we're doing.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
So just things like that.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
M did you watch the Bulls thirty for thirty in
uh during during COVID No, okay, all right, Well there's
this clip where Dennis Robbin basically talks about like how
he got awesome at rebounding and he like just kind
of talks about how like literally like he just used
to watch games to see where the ball bounds and stuff,
and like go in the gym and throw the ball up.
(04:46):
How did you get to this level's of rebounder? Cause again,
like you had really great stuff as a rebounder last year,
but I mean you've basically been the best rebounder in
the country this year. Like what was again, Like is
that something that you emphasized or like is it really
just like you know, I just thought about it more
and it's happening or how did you kind of get
to this?
Speaker 3 (05:05):
Yeah, I think I just thought about it more. But honestly,
like I'm six to two. I know I can rebound.
I'm super athletic. It's one of those things. But like
I want to get ten rebounds a game, bare minimum ten,
Like I don't want anything less than that. So just
like I don't think it's much skill. It's just how
bad do you want it? And I want to get rebounds,
so that's all that matters.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
Yeah, it's interesting though, because watching I feel like there's
definitely skill in how you do it, Like your angles
are awesome, Like you don't really pause seeing the ball.
So it's interesting because like, yeah, I can definitely see
from your perspective, not like feeling like skilling it, but man,
there's just not a lot of people can track the
ball like that, so it stands out. But on top
of that too, like you mentioned in terms of just
(05:44):
like kind of a lot of feeling it and want
for it as well, I think kind of what has
stood out a lot about this team has been that
that want to Like I don't think I've ever questioned
this team's after a single game. This season, and again,
like talking on a quote from your early this year mentioning,
like seeing Mikayla come in and play at that level
(06:04):
with the confidence she has is something that kind of
inspired you to keep growing yourself, what you know, in
terms of that dynamic and seeing her come in and
have that impact and playing off of it, what has
that been, Like, I.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Mean, it's been amazing.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
Mikayla is a really really talented player, and I know
she's the best freshman in the country. So just playing
alongside her, like she doesn't understand how she helps me,
but like you know, like her motor like it makes
me go. And like she's scoring, Okay, well if I'm not,
I'm gonna try to get her open. And just like
she pushes me to be better not only as a
player but as a person. And she's just a great
(06:39):
teammate and a great kid to be around. So I'm
super blessed to have her on the team.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
Yeah, I think one of the things that stands out
to is like she's just and I was going back
through and watching stuff and like coach Ralph has talking
to them about her fearlessness, and especially watching the Bama
game yesterday, it's funny because, like, I mean, she plays
hard as hell, but she gets thrown around sometimes in
some games, and I feel like that stood out a
lot yesterday in the Bama game, but like she just
keeps going after it, like never really stops, which again
(07:05):
feels like an embodiment of the whole team. Dou A agree.
But like you mentioned her being kind of like one
of the best freshmen, the best freshman in the country
this year, one was kind of like the first moment
you got to see your game and like fully understand like, oh, okay, wow,
this is what she's bringing the table this season.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
Well, I knew coming in she was like ranked pretty high,
so I figured she'd be pretty good. But I mean
she was never talked about as much as like the
other kids that graduated high school in twenty four, so
I didn't really know.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
What to expect. I figured she had to be pretty.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Solid, But I mean the first workout we had, I
was like, oh, Wow, this kid is crazy good. I
would always tell my mom that she's in Phoenix. We
talk all the time, and I'd be like we talked
about like our new players we got.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
I'll be like, wow, like Mikaela like that kid's a beast.
She's good. I've never seen anything like it.
Speaker 3 (07:52):
I mean, the way she's able to make shots and
just like play the game of basketball is insane.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Yeah, she's really good at reading the court too. I
feel like that's underrated part, Like a lot of point
guards are like they're good at being, you know, having
the ball in their hands. But I feel like one
of the things that makes her so good in your
guys offense is like, now she's an awesome cotter. You
can play off the ball, like does all the stuff
that you guys need to do to be successful, for sure,
But on top of that too, with yourself. I think
(08:18):
it's interesting because I know you. I think I was
looking up today. I believe you're wearing sixty third in
twenty twenty three, and fair to say that you have
more than outplayed that in terms of like coming to Vanderbilt,
Like what was what drew you to Vandy originally? Like
how did you kind of end up coming to this program?
Speaker 3 (08:39):
And Yeah, I've always been just like a really genuine kid.
I was raised with like really genuine people, So I
felt like in order for me to be great, I
needed to be around like great people. For sure, and
people who know what they're doing and can get me
to the league, but also people who just are good people.
And I feel like that's exactly what Vanderbilt had to offer. So,
(09:01):
I mean, regardless of what their record was and how
much they were talked about, I felt as long as
I was in a position where, you know, I felt
like I was around family, that it would go a
long way.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
And it's showing that it does so definitely. And it's funny,
you know, talking to Jordan Cambridge last year, she talked
a ton about, you know, the genuineness of Shay. Can
you kind of put that into words like what that
looks like compared to not even like compared to other
coaching staffs, but just in general, like what does that
look like in a day to day basis you know
that people maybe don't see.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
I mean, I don't think you can really describe it.
And she's just really truly like a great person. She
cares for each and every one of us on this team.
She cares for her staff, she's a great mom. So
like when her daughter Mason's around, like that shows like
just like her outside of basketball, and that it's so
much more than just a game, and you know, she
just teaches us how to be better people and that
(09:52):
there's so much more to the world than just like
our sport, but how to be better in our sport too,
So it's really fun to play for her.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
What's maybe the biggest thing you've learned here or biggest
maybe lesson you've learned in the last year and a half.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
That's hard, Yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 3 (10:13):
Probably just how to be like resilient, just to keep going,
not to give up stuff like that, kind of just
like you control your destiny. So and on top of that,
just being a good person. I think that's like the
main takeaway from anything, just simple just be good.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
Yeah, definitely, Yeah, being resilient. I mean getting every rebound
is a certain way to be resilient for sure. I
got to ask you, have you ever gone back and
seen coach Ralph play before, like you can you find
her games on YouTube?
Speaker 3 (10:44):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Sometimes it's so like pixelated.
Speaker 1 (10:47):
Yeah, yeah, she definitely she played similar a lot of
a lot of fire and gritten passion. But you know,
going off that too and just this team as a whole. Uh,
you know, you mentioned like wanting to get to the
league eventually and wanted to be competitive, build something like that.
(11:07):
Keeping with the theme of like just coming to the
Vandy team, I think a lot of people can hear like, oh,
we're building something that we're going to get to this spot.
But what like, really, I know you mentioned the genuineness,
but like what sold you on that. I'm like, Okay, no,
we can do this, Like we can take Vanderbilt to
this spot. We can be there. I can be part
of that. Because again, I think to a degree, like
(11:27):
every programs like, you know what, we can do this
and that, and but Vanderbilt has like really hit that.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Well.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
I think like before I committed here, honestly, I didn't
really even know it toso much about basketball. I just
started playing, but I knew I had a bunch of
offers from a bunch of different high majors. But just
like I don't know, the belief and what there were
going to do with this program and where they were
going to go just felt more real than other schools,
and I just wanted to be a part of it.
(11:55):
So I feel like that's kind of just what got
me here. And then being here, I mean, we appreciate
every day that you know, we can really be a
great team, and I mean everyone just buys in.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
So I think we're on the path to do that.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
Mentioning like starting late, When did you first start playing?
Speaker 3 (12:11):
So I played soccer like my whole life, and that
in Arizona, like high school basketball and high school soccer
during the same time, so I had to pick one
or the other. But club soccer in Arizona's year round,
so like you're always going to be playing.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
So I was playing club soccer.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
I was like my freshman year, I was like, I
might as well try out for the team and see
if I make it.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
So I tried out for my freshman year. I made it.
They put me on varsity. I never played my freshman year.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
I was just kind of like a practice player and
like went through the motion stuff like that, but I
only went to practice, like I was free from soccer,
and like I never really cared for basketball.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
It was just doing it just for fun.
Speaker 3 (12:47):
And it wasn't until my junior year I decided to
quit soccer and then just solely focused on basketball. And
so I went into AAU my junior summer for like
three months and that's where I got all my offers.
And then I went into my senior year still uncommitted,
and then I just only took one visit and it
was here, and that I committed on my visit.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
So wow, that's a pretty wild dream to have things
play out, especially like I mean, starting off in freshman
your high school is late for most people with basketball,
Like a lot of people playing travel by the time
they're like sixth seventh grade. So it's like, you know,
a big jump in that. But it's fun too because
I feel like you can kind of see soccer in
your skill set, Like you have really quick feet for
(13:28):
someone your size. Like again, like you see the court
well too, and I think that's a big part of
like when you play soccer, you have to like you
have to be aware what's around you. So like it's
cool because a lot of times when people only play basketball,
like you can see people have a tunnel vision or
like they can be like strictly like all like gym
workout stuff, Like yeah, you can hesy and you can
get into your ISO bag, but can you make the
(13:49):
right pass to somebody who's opened fifteen feet away? So
like it's cool to see that. And yeah, but especially
like that, I mean, that's just so interesting. You feel
like very had sets the wrong way to put it,
but like it just feels like you kind of knew
what you want to do to a degree. Is that
Is that a good way to put it?
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Yeah? I kind of just live life. I want to
be better in every aspect.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
So no, I love that. Continuing on on this year though,
you got the Tamika Catching stamp of approval, which I
do you recognize how how massive that is to get?
Speaker 2 (14:24):
That's huge?
Speaker 1 (14:25):
Yeah? Yeah, have you gone back? Have you seen her
play before?
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (14:29):
Yeah, she was, and I mean we see her around sometimes.
She's just like a great person. She's always talking about
just ways to be better and like the importance of
certain things.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
So super cool.
Speaker 1 (14:40):
Yeah, no, she's she's really dope. But yeah, having that
moment like of her just like saying that when you're
walking out the broadcast, did that like hit you right
away or was that something that you had to kind
of like think about after, like, oh wait, no, that's
pretty dope. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:54):
I think it was, like afterwards, I was like, Wow,
that's really cool. I think it just goes to show
that like kind of just put in trust and yourself,
it'll go a long way, and you know, I don't
think a lot of people would have thought I'd be
here where I am today.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
So just less for everything, Yeah.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
For sure, you know, especially in terms of looking at
at going to the next level, like you mentioned obviously
know there's a lot to get done before then that
you want to keep working on, but in terms of
building out your skill set the way that you have
because again, like I think you saw a lot of
really promising stuff you could do last year, but you're
handling the ball better this year, facing up more like
(15:30):
even just controlling more of the offense, being able to
make those reads. Like we talked about what things you
want to keep building on and keep kind of working
towards just everything.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
I feel like I still am like nowhere near my
full potential. I feel like I can have a better handle,
a better shot, better finish, Like I could see the
floor better. So I feel like there's so many different
parts of my game that I can improve on that
I mean, this is like barely the beginning.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
So I'm excited for sure.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
Yeah, No, excited for that too. That's a great mindset
to have. But also like how do you kind of
focus on on the right now and like keep you
up with one thing well, knowing like yeah, there's all
this stuff I can do and get to, but I
want to make sure that you know, I'm taking it
one game at a time, just understanding.
Speaker 2 (16:12):
That like I can't ever get a day back.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
I don't really think too much about like myself and
like I need to do this, this and this, Like
obviously I have goals that I want to achieve, but
I think more so about like I've SATIN teammates, I've
graduating this year that I'm never going to be able
to like spend my day to day life with ever again,
and so more so also doing it for myself, but
doing it for them, but trying to enjoy every second
because I mean it really is so special.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
Yeah, no, that's really powerful, especially like seeing somebody like
Eyana in the way that she's come along, She's been
here for that and like kind of getting herd of
that next step, you know, with this team and where
it's at right now too, midway through SEC play, like
where I mean feeling where it can keep going torough
Obviously I know like I was, so I do practology
(16:56):
over the athletic and I know like right now I
have you guys hosting up to a four seed, which
would be talking about this with Chris earlier today. This
will be the first time you guys host since twenty twelve.
If this keeps up with where you're at, but knowing
that you want to keep doing more, I'm sure that
this team has pretty big goals, Like what are the
things you really want to see you guys continue to
(17:16):
do throughout this conference season on the on the way
to March.
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Just outwork the other team, like when I lose, walking away,
knowing that we gave it are all and you know
that we were there for each other. I don't think
it's much deeper than that, Like people are going to
go on runs some days, teams will have a better
shooting to day than us, But it's just more so
like who work the hardest?
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Yeah, sometimes ball just bounces the other way.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
Yea.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
To close out, what has been your favorite moment of
this year so far?
Speaker 3 (17:50):
Jeez, I don't know if that is really hard. We
have a I think we have the funniest team in
the country. Yeah, Like we had cameras following us around,
like we're a really funny team. So I don't know,
we do a lot together. I mean obviously, like on court,
like Mikhaeale's buzzer beater. That was really fun beating Tennessee.
Speaker 2 (18:09):
But I don't know. I couldn't give you one thing.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
Yeah, who's the funniest player on the team?
Speaker 3 (18:15):
Uh, probably Juice Jane. Yeah she's funny.
Speaker 1 (18:21):
Okay, I believe it. What's the funniest thing she's done?
Speaker 3 (18:25):
Just the way she acts and like tells stories things
like that, Like, I don't know, she's really funny.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
Though, No, no doubt. Well, Camille, it's been a blast
watching you grow this season, continue to take those strides
as a team and individually. Is there anything you want
to mention your shout out for you out here?
Speaker 2 (18:43):
No, I think we touched on some good things, So
thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
No, absolutely to everyone listening. Of course, keep up with
all things Vandy women's basketball taking on Florida, Ole, Miss,
and Texas in the next three games. So great slate
coming up, and most portly enjoyed the rest of your day.
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