University of Minnesota Athletics
Introducing: Jasmine Brunson
7/6/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jasmine Brunson joins the Golden Gophers from Queens, New York. Brunson averaged 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals per game as a senior for Mary Louis Academy. She was named to the ALL-USA New York Girls Basketball Second Team. Brunson arrived on campus in June for summer classes and workouts.
GopherSports: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Jasmine Brunson: I chose this school because, when I came on my visit, it just felt like a home away from home. Everybody was genuine and everybody was invested. Whether it was in the classroom or in the team, it was a real connected environment, and it's like family.
GS: With the summer strength and conditioning program, you're getting an early taste of what it's like to be on this team. How do you like strength and conditioning here so far?
JB: It's great, but it's different. It's stuff that I've never done before in my life, but it really pushes you and it gets you ready for anything. Most of the stuff is not basketball-related, so it has nothing to do with basketball. But it gets you ready to play in tough environments. It's really working.
GS: Had you ever flipped tires as part of a workout before coming here?
JB: Never in my life.
GS: Growing up in New York, did you play a lot of outdoor basketball on park courts?
JB: I grew up playing on park courts against boys. They were physical. I had to find ways to stay on the court because if you lose they kick you off. I was already the only girl playing with them, so they want to kick you off. That's how I grew up.
GS: Do you credit a lot of the skills you've been able to build to playing those tough games against boys?
JB: Yes. They taught me a lot. Just finding ways to stay out there. Defensively, that was the main focus for me, because offensively they always tried to shut me down. Defensively, that's where I stayed there, because I will annoy you.
GS: Other than your defense, what would you say are the strengths of your game?
JB: I'm just a scorer. I truly believe that. I find different ways to score the ball. I think one of the most exciting parts of the game is scoring. I love scoring.
GS: How have you been mixing in with your teammates so far since you've arrived on campus?
JB: They all welcomed me with open arms. So if I need help with anything, they're right there. They help me out with everything and they show me around. They were walking me to class, giving me good food places to go to. They're really helpful.
GS: Do you know what you want to study in school?
JB: I have two different ideas. I'm interested in psychology and sports management, but I don't really know which direction I want to go in.
