JORDANN PLUMMER is one of five athletes selected for the Missouri Valley Conference 2009-10 Preseason All-Conference team. Photo: Sarah Andrews
Starting senior guard Jordann Plummer, who leads the team in scoring with 13.6 points per game, sat down with The Times-Delphic with the Missouri Valley Conference tournament just around the corner.
The Times-Delphic: What are your expectations for this year’s MVC tournament?
Jordann Plummer: Like every team that participates in the MVC tournament, our expectations are to play hard and together as a team. We would love to win the tournament, and that trophy is up for grabs. Each team is entering its third season and everybody is 0-0. The tournament usually raises the level of play of each team involved. It will be four days of pure heart, determination and mental toughness.
TD: How do you guys prepare for the tournament, knowing that you have to win it to make it to the NCAA tournament?
JP: I would say the best way to prepare is by us practicing hard and being very coachable this week. We have a couple areas of growth that are easily correctable and if we can manage to make a change, we will be in great shape. The talent is there and the chemistry is strong.
TD: What’s your biggest concern heading into the tournament?
JP: I don’t think the team or the coaching staff has any concerns about heading into the tournament. As long as we play the game of basketball like we did back in nonconference season and in some games in conference play, we should be in great shape.
TD: How would you describe this season?
JP: This season has been a season of learning and growth. Our team has a lot of young players and they had an immediate impact on our team. The transition from a high school senior to a collegiate freshman is very tough. Every aspect of your life changes and you learn a lot about yourself and the game of basketball.
TD: How would you describe this year’s team? What makes it special?
JP: I would describe this team as a youthful and talented team. What makes this team special is how close-knit we are. Each team I have played on, I have memories that will last forever. With this team, and previous team members I have played with at Drake, I have developed friendships that will last a lifetime. I think that is what makes it special. The relationships that I’ve made over the years are what I will cherish the most, and this is what makes collegiate basketball special.
TD: Looking back on the season, do you feel this team has fulfilled expectations?
JP: No, I do not think we fulfilled our expectations this season. As a team, we wanted to be one of the top finishers in the Valley, but we fell short of that accomplishment. Other than that, I don’t think we fell short of any expectations.
TD: Are there any regrets from your behalf on the team’s performance so far?
JP: No, I think I have played my hardest for my team, game in and game out. I don’t have any regrets about anything that has happened this season. Everything happens for a reason and I think this season has taught our team a few things about handling adversity.
TD: You are a senior and you recently played your last game at Drake. How does it feel to move away from Drake women’s basketball?
JP: I feel like it is time for me to move forward in my life. There will never be an experience like college basketball. I will cherish the last five years I have played and supported Drake women’s basketball.
TD: Did you ever think you would have this kind of success for a Division I program?
JP: Initially, I did not. As a freshman I was told that I would be backing up Linda Sayavongchanh and playing about 10 minutes a game. She ended up having a couple of injuries and I was thrown into the starting lineup, and it was great experience. Since then, I have gradually gained the confidence of being able to compete and grow into a successful player here at Drake.
TD: What are you going to miss the most about this program?
JP: I will miss the fans, the community and the overall atmosphere. Drake has a great reputation of being a quality women’s basketball program and I am glad to be a part of the program.
TD: What’s your most memorable experience at Drake?
JP: Watching the MVC tournament in 2007 and seeing my team win the whole thing in four days. Also, the entire experience traveling to Pittsburgh, Penn., and watching my team play a close game with the Tennessee Lady Volunteers in the first half. I got a chance to shake Pat Summit’s hand and watch Candace Parker play.
TD: Would you say that are you happy with your decision of coming to Drake? Has it offered you everything you wanted academically and as a basketball program?
JP: I am very happy with my decision to go to Drake. I can’t see myself going to any other school. The power of a Drake degree speaks volumes across America. Graduating from Drake is a privilege and I am glad that I was offered the opportunity to represent the school through basketball.
TD: Do you think this program will continue to be successful after your departure?
JP: Yes, I do. Drake has always been a winning program. Even this year we were a winning team, even though we did not reach our maximum potential. This team has a lot of talent and the recruits coming in will only add more talent and success for Drake.
TD: What are your plans after graduation? Is basketball still going to be a part of your life?
JP: After graduation, I will hopefully have a job somewhere, preferably in my field of study (marketing and management). Basketball will still be a huge part of my life. I would like to play professional basketball if the opportunity presents itself after season is over. If not, I would probably look into coaching an AAU team or college level.
