University of Minnesota Athletics
Outside the Paint with Danielle Garven
12/18/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 18, 2015 
Danielle Garven, a native of Scarborough, Ontario, is a freshman forward for the Golden Gophers. She has seen action in four of Minnesota's games so far this season.
Garven is a graduate of St. John Paul II Catholic Secondary, and played for her age-level Canadian National Team 2013-15. She helped her team win silver at the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championships, and place sixth at the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championships.
What were some of the highlights for you on the trip to the San Juan Shootout in Puerto Rico?
Playing new teams, since this is my first year of basketball here, and seeing what they were like. Being in Puerto because I've never been there. It was beautiful, and I got to see the beach in the nighttime. That was a highlight.
Playing for Team Canada, you got to do some international travel. What were some of the best trips?
I would say the European trips-France, going to the Czech Republic, just being able to be out there, because I never thought I would actually be able to experience Europe. So being given the opportunity to go there was great.
Did any place in particular stand out?
They were all cool. It's hard to pick.
Having been on campus since September, what are some things you feel you have improved in your game?
I would say I'm slowly getting more comfortable than I was at the beginning of the season. I was really nervous and would just go to practice. Now I know what I need to do to get better.
What are some of your favorite things about being at the U?
The whole campus vibe. I love how you walk outside your door and people are in Minnesota gear. Everybody just loves being a Gopher here. It's a cool vibe, a cool atmosphere to be in.
You're approaching your first college finals week. How have you been preparing, and how has the workload been?
It's actually getting very intense. I'm dividing my time among subjects to stay on top of things to make sure I don't get behind, so I'm ready for when the finals come.
Are you and your cousin, Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers, pretty close?
We are, but it's weird because I don't really see him a lot. It's hard to communicate with him because he's such a busy person. When I was in Canada, whenever he had games we would always go to house and see him after the game, and we would just get to talk and be with family and go out for dinner.
So you've had chances to see him play in the NBA in person?
Whenever he came to town in Canada we would always go to his games (against the Toronto Raptors).
Do you and your cousin talk much about basketball?
We like to kind of be away and just enjoy the moment and be with family.
How do you feel about the Canadian stereotypes that are always floating around in TV shows and movies?
Even walking around here, people will be like, "Oh, you're from Canada, right? Why don't you say, 'eh'?" I'm just like, "I don't speak like that."
Garven is a graduate of St. John Paul II Catholic Secondary, and played for her age-level Canadian National Team 2013-15. She helped her team win silver at the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championships, and place sixth at the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championships.
What were some of the highlights for you on the trip to the San Juan Shootout in Puerto Rico?
Playing new teams, since this is my first year of basketball here, and seeing what they were like. Being in Puerto because I've never been there. It was beautiful, and I got to see the beach in the nighttime. That was a highlight.
Playing for Team Canada, you got to do some international travel. What were some of the best trips?
I would say the European trips-France, going to the Czech Republic, just being able to be out there, because I never thought I would actually be able to experience Europe. So being given the opportunity to go there was great.
Did any place in particular stand out?
They were all cool. It's hard to pick.
Having been on campus since September, what are some things you feel you have improved in your game?
I would say I'm slowly getting more comfortable than I was at the beginning of the season. I was really nervous and would just go to practice. Now I know what I need to do to get better.
What are some of your favorite things about being at the U?
The whole campus vibe. I love how you walk outside your door and people are in Minnesota gear. Everybody just loves being a Gopher here. It's a cool vibe, a cool atmosphere to be in.
You're approaching your first college finals week. How have you been preparing, and how has the workload been?
It's actually getting very intense. I'm dividing my time among subjects to stay on top of things to make sure I don't get behind, so I'm ready for when the finals come.
Are you and your cousin, Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers, pretty close?
We are, but it's weird because I don't really see him a lot. It's hard to communicate with him because he's such a busy person. When I was in Canada, whenever he had games we would always go to house and see him after the game, and we would just get to talk and be with family and go out for dinner.
So you've had chances to see him play in the NBA in person?
Whenever he came to town in Canada we would always go to his games (against the Toronto Raptors).
Do you and your cousin talk much about basketball?
We like to kind of be away and just enjoy the moment and be with family.
How do you feel about the Canadian stereotypes that are always floating around in TV shows and movies?
Even walking around here, people will be like, "Oh, you're from Canada, right? Why don't you say, 'eh'?" I'm just like, "I don't speak like that."
Players Mentioned
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