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/ Women's Basketball
Introducing... Delaynie Byrne
7/31/2018 3:07:00 PM | Women's Basketball
GopherSports.com will sit down with each of the four new WBB newcomers to get to know them better as they prepare for their first season in the Maroon and Gold.
The Minnesota women's basketball team welcomes three newcomers to the team for the 2018-19 season. GopherSports.com will sit down with each of them to get to know them better as they prepare for their first season in the Maroon and Gold.
Previously: Mercedes Staples
Up next, it's Delaynie Byrne, a forward from Arvada, Colo. The No. 21 ranked forward according to ESPN, she finished her prep career at Ralston Valley High School, where she sat out one season due to transfer rules. Previously, she averaged 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a sophomore at Broomfield High School. On the AAU circuit, she played for BC Denver's Elite team throughout her high school career.
GopherSports.com: How did you choose Minnesota?
Delaynie Byrne: "Minnesota was actually one of my last offers, which means it was in the last spring of my AAU career. They saw me here in Minnesota, and I received my unofficial sometime in June and then committed about a week later.
I ended up choosing Minnesota for the overall fit. I love the team, I love the city and I love everyone here. You can walk around town and everyone you see will be so kind. The city also reminded me a little bit of home because Colorado has similar weather. In terms of the recruiting process, it was an extensive and stressful experience but in the end I am definitely happy with my choice."
GS: You committed to Minnesota under the previous coaching staff, what made you stick to your commitment?
DB: "The new coaches were still very committed to me. They reached out to me and they were so nice. They had a good idea of what they wanted the program to be like and I know Coach (Lindsay) Whalen has high expectations for this team. She is an incredible player so to be able to be coached by her is a great opportunity."
GS: What has been your impression of the coaching staff since you have started practice?
DB: "They have been nothing but great to us. They help us so much with figuring out plays and the instruction they provide has been really helpful for me while I am adjusting. I also really like the competitive environment that they are able to establish."
GS: How has the adjustment to college and living on your own been like for you?
DB: "I have never lived on my own and my entire family lives in Colorado so moving out here was difficult for the first couple of weeks. Now that I am living here and keeping busy the transition has become a little easier for me."
GS: How would you describe yourself as a player?
DB: "I like to think I am a team player. I like to make sure that everyone on the court has an equal opportunity and whoever is in the best position to make a play needs to receive that opportunity. I really like to shoot and I think I am versatile, as well.
I would say its split between the 3 (position) and 4. I'm good at playing in the post, but I definitely like to pop out when I get the chance."
GS: What would you say your role will be as a freshmen this year?
DB: "I think the biggest thing is to learn from everyone else. All of these girls have a lot of experience, and they are all so good. I am able to look up to them and learn as much as I can from them. Hopefully I can get in some games and help out the team in whatever way that I can, but this year will be a learning experience for sure."
GS: Have there been any particular players that have taken you under their wing?
DB: "All of the guards have been great leaders, even though that is not my position. In terms of position, Annalese (Lamke) has been a great mentor for me."
GS: In the few practices you have had so far, have you noticed a big difference between the high school game and the college game?
DB: "Yes, the college game is so much faster. Getting up the floor alongside everyone else has definitely been a challenge. The pace is exciting though, I really like it."
Off the Court with Delaynie
Favorite food: Pizza. I usually just go with cheese, but sometimes you got to go with the pineapple.
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Favorite movie: The Blind Side
Favorite sport other than basketball: I ran track in high school and that was really fun for me. You see some incredible athletes and it's just amazing to witness.
Favorite WNBA players: Coach Whalen is obviously incredible, but I definitely look up to Breanna Stewart and Elena Delle Donne.
Previously: Mercedes Staples
Up next, it's Delaynie Byrne, a forward from Arvada, Colo. The No. 21 ranked forward according to ESPN, she finished her prep career at Ralston Valley High School, where she sat out one season due to transfer rules. Previously, she averaged 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a sophomore at Broomfield High School. On the AAU circuit, she played for BC Denver's Elite team throughout her high school career.
GopherSports.com: How did you choose Minnesota?
Delaynie Byrne: "Minnesota was actually one of my last offers, which means it was in the last spring of my AAU career. They saw me here in Minnesota, and I received my unofficial sometime in June and then committed about a week later.
I ended up choosing Minnesota for the overall fit. I love the team, I love the city and I love everyone here. You can walk around town and everyone you see will be so kind. The city also reminded me a little bit of home because Colorado has similar weather. In terms of the recruiting process, it was an extensive and stressful experience but in the end I am definitely happy with my choice."
GS: You committed to Minnesota under the previous coaching staff, what made you stick to your commitment?
DB: "The new coaches were still very committed to me. They reached out to me and they were so nice. They had a good idea of what they wanted the program to be like and I know Coach (Lindsay) Whalen has high expectations for this team. She is an incredible player so to be able to be coached by her is a great opportunity."
GS: What has been your impression of the coaching staff since you have started practice?
DB: "They have been nothing but great to us. They help us so much with figuring out plays and the instruction they provide has been really helpful for me while I am adjusting. I also really like the competitive environment that they are able to establish."
GS: How has the adjustment to college and living on your own been like for you?
DB: "I have never lived on my own and my entire family lives in Colorado so moving out here was difficult for the first couple of weeks. Now that I am living here and keeping busy the transition has become a little easier for me."
GS: How would you describe yourself as a player?
DB: "I like to think I am a team player. I like to make sure that everyone on the court has an equal opportunity and whoever is in the best position to make a play needs to receive that opportunity. I really like to shoot and I think I am versatile, as well.
I would say its split between the 3 (position) and 4. I'm good at playing in the post, but I definitely like to pop out when I get the chance."
GS: What would you say your role will be as a freshmen this year?
DB: "I think the biggest thing is to learn from everyone else. All of these girls have a lot of experience, and they are all so good. I am able to look up to them and learn as much as I can from them. Hopefully I can get in some games and help out the team in whatever way that I can, but this year will be a learning experience for sure."
GS: Have there been any particular players that have taken you under their wing?
DB: "All of the guards have been great leaders, even though that is not my position. In terms of position, Annalese (Lamke) has been a great mentor for me."
GS: In the few practices you have had so far, have you noticed a big difference between the high school game and the college game?
DB: "Yes, the college game is so much faster. Getting up the floor alongside everyone else has definitely been a challenge. The pace is exciting though, I really like it."
Off the Court with Delaynie
Favorite food: Pizza. I usually just go with cheese, but sometimes you got to go with the pineapple.
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Favorite movie: The Blind Side
Favorite sport other than basketball: I ran track in high school and that was really fun for me. You see some incredible athletes and it's just amazing to witness.
Favorite WNBA players: Coach Whalen is obviously incredible, but I definitely look up to Breanna Stewart and Elena Delle Donne.
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