Amanda Thompson Q&A: Part Two

Keenan Clayton

NORMAN, Okla. -- The Sears Tower and downtown Chicago are a long way from college-town life in Norman.

Perhaps that is why Amanda Thompson's name is not common place around Oklahoma. It is certainly not due to a lack of talent.

The five star athlete can do anything on the basketball court and is expected to compete immediately for starting time on the Oklahoma women's basketball team. She was a consensus high school All-American, who displayed arguably the most well-rounded abilities in the McDonald's and WBCA All-Star games.

The freshman forward went to Whitney Young High School in the heart of downtown Chicago. Everyday she honed her skills on the famous public courts of Chicago, where she was usually the only female in the game.

Today, SoonerSports.com features the second portion of Thompson's interview. The Sooner rookie talks about her game, growing up on the blacktop courts of the Windy City and the high-flying expectations she has for fellow freshman Nyeshia Stevenson:

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SS: What is it like growing up in the shadows of the Sears Tower?
AT: Its cool. It is a nice view. Especially at Whitney Young, there are a bunch of class rooms with big windows with good views of downtown. It's a busy area down there.

SS: So you were day dreaming out those big windows during class?
AT: I tried not too. I'll admit that sometimes I was and I was probably looking out those windows.

SS: You have been playing pickup with the team for a couple weeks, where do see yourself fitting in?
AT: Well everyone brings their own style, but when it comes down to me I feel like I can bring the mid-range game and the ability to take it hard to the basket. I think those two abilities will really help this team.

Q&A Part One | Thompson's Bio | 2006-07 Roster

SS: Biggest weakness?
AT: Shooting threes.

SS: Biggest strength?
AT: Either rebounding or my mid range jumper.

SS: We hear that you and fellow freshman Nyeshia Stevenson have bonded quickly. How has that come about?
AT: We came in on the same day. She came in that morning and I arrived that night. She had a room right next to me and we have been best buddies since. Wherever she is, I am.

SS: And you both have some of the same superstitions?
AT: Yeah, I didn't think anyone out of Chicago had them.

SS: Tell us about those?
AT: For example if you shake someone's hand with your left hand or if you step on the back of someone's foot, you have to pat their back three times.

SS: Now we know that Nyeshia can grab the rim with both hands. Are you already envisioning throwing her an alley-oop during your careers?
AT: Oh yeah, that's gonna happen. As soon as Nye gets her calfs and legs a little stronger we are going to do that.

Either that or I am going take a tip in and dunk it.

SS: So the first alley-oop in women's basketball history could go down at the Lloyd Noble Center?
AT: Yep, that's a definite possibility.

SS: What do you think about the bright red socks Nyeshia wears during pickup games?
AT: I gave her some grief about them, until she told me they used to be her game socks. Whatever makes her comfortable.

SS: Orange isn't a popular color in Norman. Are you going to have any trouble changing over from the orange colors you wore in high school?
AT: It was hard on the way down here because everything I had was orange and blue, plus I wore adidas. I like red so I am changing things up now.

SS: How long have you been playing pickup games around Chicago?
AT: Since I was little. I do not remember when I started. I can remember in grammar school coming early just to play basketball at the park before class.

SS: Were pickup games an everyday thing for you?
AT: Oh yeah. For example, when I was working camps this summer, there was a gym right across the street. So right after work, I would go and start playing basketball.

SS; Has it always been against men?
AT: The majority of the time because they are the only people at the park. I didn't start playing basketball in a gym until I was in high school and then I played with girls more.

SS: What's your nickname?
AT: Just AT.

SS: So is AT famous around the pickup courts in Chicago?
AT: Yep they all know me.

SS: Talk about that process, because it can't be easy to get in a game and establish yourself when you are the only female.
AT: Usually when I go to the court, I go by myself or with my mom because I don't like to go during the daytime. When I get there I just start shooting and dribbling and they are like, “Man she can hoop.”

I may not get picked right away because I am a female, but once I get on the court I do my thing and that's how they know who I am.

SS: How was the USA Basketball tryouts this summer, when you were one of five high school players among all college athletes?
AT: That was the greatest experience. I came out there thinking how hard it was going to be.

I left knowing that if I play hard, I will stick out.

It gave me a lot of confidence coming to Oklahoma. I know what I need to work on to play at this level. I have to improve my speed and strength.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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