University of Minnesota Athletics
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/ Men's Basketball
Photo by: Brace Hemmelgarn
Q&A With Jamison Battle
1/19/2022 2:06:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Jamison Battle joined the Gopher program in March 2021 after a two-year stint at George Washington. In 15 games with the Gophers, Battle averages a team-best 18.0 points per game, which also ranks sixth in the Big Ten. During his time with GW, Battle started 45 of the 47 games he played in and averaged 35.7 minutes per game, 13.5 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per games. In 2020-21, he started all 15 games he played in and was named All-Conference Third Team after averaging 36.5 minutes per game, 17.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. A Robbinsdale, Minn., native, Battle also led DeLaSalle to a Class 3A state title.
Talk about your process of how you landed at Minnesota?
I entered the portal a couple days after the A10 tournament at George Washington last year. I took a week off and had some other schools interested, but it really came down to here and Miami. The reason why I came to Minnesota is because it's home. I've said this in every interview, you can't beat being at home. Family being able to come to see me, and being at home, playing for Minnesota across my chest is something I've always dreamed of and I love doing.
What have you learned about yourself as a player since you've been at Minnesota and was there something the coaches did to help you in this process?
I've learned to become more confident in myself. I put a lot of work in this summer and in the weight room with losing some weight. But, I think confidence is the biggest thing. The coaches have really promoted that. They never tell me to waiver in confidence, in fact they tell me to shoot more and keep going and that's what the coaches really emphasize. Be confident and be who you are.
Has that helped you in your mindset, is to play more free?
For sure. Playing free is the biggest thing. You can't play tight or play while thinking too much. It's even something my dad has told me. Don't think when you play, just go out and play. I think that's what we do here, we never really worry about the past or the future. We just try to stay present and stay into the moment.
With your dad playing basketball in college, is that love for the sport start?
Ever since I was young, I was around sports. There was always a basketball hoop, mini footballs around. I've always been immersed in the culture of sport. Basketball was the first that I really took a love to. I played football and baseball, but basketball was the one that I really loved. I think my dad playing as well helped me love the game. He's helped me a lot. Working out with him when I was younger helped me be the person and player I am today.
Did you go to games here at the Barn as a fan and what's it like now to play here at Williams?
The one that really stood out to me was when Minnesota upset Indiana (Feb. 26, 2013). I was sitting right behind the basket and saw the fans storm the court. That's the one that really stood out to me. The energy that this university has, not only in basketball, but football, volleyball, is something I didn't experience my first two years of college. Seeing that and being a part of that now as a player is something crazy to see. It's getting back to where it was when I was younger. When the Barnyard is rockin' it gets rowdy in here. That's what we want as players and that's what fans want as well. If the team goes out there and plays hard and gives a great the effort, people will come to watch.
Your sister committed to play at Minnesota next year, what does it mean for both of you to play here and what have you told her about the university?
I know she's very excited. She's played at Williams during state basketball so she knows. She's excited to be a part of the team and coach Whalen who was a great college and pro player with the Minnesota Lynx and is immersed in Minnesota. She's someone that Minnesotans really want to play for and I think my sister really saw that. With me joining the men's team, she already knows what it's like to be here at home. Seeing the energy that Minnesota sports has and playing for the name in front is something you dream of. You dream of representing your state and she's very excited to join and I'm excited for her as well.
Did I see you play the saxophone? How did you get into that and do you still play at all?
I actually started playing the piano in first grade. Then in fifth grade is when you can play in the band so I always wanted to play in the band. I really wanted to play percussion but I didn't take piano as seriously as I should have memorized more of the notes and in percussion, you had to know how to play the xylophone and wasn't interested in that. Saxophone was my No. 2 option. I wasn't really very good at first, but when I went to Benilde St. Margaret's, I was in the band for four years. It's something you do just to get away from basketball. My mom really put me into band and piano for that reason. I'm not just a one-trick pony. I play the alto saxophone from fifth to eighth grade. Then eighth I started to play baritone saxophone and when I went to DeLaSalle I gave it up. However, I still have it and every once in a while I play it just to get away from sports for a bit and decompress.
You're a major Minnesota sports fan. Who are some of your Minnesota sports idols growing up?
That's a good question. Kevin Garnett was one of my favorite players. Both of my parents used to work at the Minnesota Timberwolves so I was introduced to the Wolves very early. I had a Wally Szczerbiak jersey as well. I love the Vikings and have been through the ringer with that. We haven't had the best luck with our franchises, but we've always stayed the course and supported the teams. That's what I love about being back home. If you play hard and put your best foot forward, fans will support you, regardless of the outcome. I love Minnesota. I can't say it enough. When I was in DC, everyone knew I was a big Minnesota fan and big Minnesota guy and it's just great to be back home and representing my state in my own way. Having Minnesota across your chest is something you dream about as a kid.
Talk about your process of how you landed at Minnesota?
I entered the portal a couple days after the A10 tournament at George Washington last year. I took a week off and had some other schools interested, but it really came down to here and Miami. The reason why I came to Minnesota is because it's home. I've said this in every interview, you can't beat being at home. Family being able to come to see me, and being at home, playing for Minnesota across my chest is something I've always dreamed of and I love doing.
What have you learned about yourself as a player since you've been at Minnesota and was there something the coaches did to help you in this process?
I've learned to become more confident in myself. I put a lot of work in this summer and in the weight room with losing some weight. But, I think confidence is the biggest thing. The coaches have really promoted that. They never tell me to waiver in confidence, in fact they tell me to shoot more and keep going and that's what the coaches really emphasize. Be confident and be who you are.
Has that helped you in your mindset, is to play more free?
For sure. Playing free is the biggest thing. You can't play tight or play while thinking too much. It's even something my dad has told me. Don't think when you play, just go out and play. I think that's what we do here, we never really worry about the past or the future. We just try to stay present and stay into the moment.
With your dad playing basketball in college, is that love for the sport start?
Ever since I was young, I was around sports. There was always a basketball hoop, mini footballs around. I've always been immersed in the culture of sport. Basketball was the first that I really took a love to. I played football and baseball, but basketball was the one that I really loved. I think my dad playing as well helped me love the game. He's helped me a lot. Working out with him when I was younger helped me be the person and player I am today.
Did you go to games here at the Barn as a fan and what's it like now to play here at Williams?
The one that really stood out to me was when Minnesota upset Indiana (Feb. 26, 2013). I was sitting right behind the basket and saw the fans storm the court. That's the one that really stood out to me. The energy that this university has, not only in basketball, but football, volleyball, is something I didn't experience my first two years of college. Seeing that and being a part of that now as a player is something crazy to see. It's getting back to where it was when I was younger. When the Barnyard is rockin' it gets rowdy in here. That's what we want as players and that's what fans want as well. If the team goes out there and plays hard and gives a great the effort, people will come to watch.
Your sister committed to play at Minnesota next year, what does it mean for both of you to play here and what have you told her about the university?
I know she's very excited. She's played at Williams during state basketball so she knows. She's excited to be a part of the team and coach Whalen who was a great college and pro player with the Minnesota Lynx and is immersed in Minnesota. She's someone that Minnesotans really want to play for and I think my sister really saw that. With me joining the men's team, she already knows what it's like to be here at home. Seeing the energy that Minnesota sports has and playing for the name in front is something you dream of. You dream of representing your state and she's very excited to join and I'm excited for her as well.
Did I see you play the saxophone? How did you get into that and do you still play at all?
I actually started playing the piano in first grade. Then in fifth grade is when you can play in the band so I always wanted to play in the band. I really wanted to play percussion but I didn't take piano as seriously as I should have memorized more of the notes and in percussion, you had to know how to play the xylophone and wasn't interested in that. Saxophone was my No. 2 option. I wasn't really very good at first, but when I went to Benilde St. Margaret's, I was in the band for four years. It's something you do just to get away from basketball. My mom really put me into band and piano for that reason. I'm not just a one-trick pony. I play the alto saxophone from fifth to eighth grade. Then eighth I started to play baritone saxophone and when I went to DeLaSalle I gave it up. However, I still have it and every once in a while I play it just to get away from sports for a bit and decompress.
You're a major Minnesota sports fan. Who are some of your Minnesota sports idols growing up?
That's a good question. Kevin Garnett was one of my favorite players. Both of my parents used to work at the Minnesota Timberwolves so I was introduced to the Wolves very early. I had a Wally Szczerbiak jersey as well. I love the Vikings and have been through the ringer with that. We haven't had the best luck with our franchises, but we've always stayed the course and supported the teams. That's what I love about being back home. If you play hard and put your best foot forward, fans will support you, regardless of the outcome. I love Minnesota. I can't say it enough. When I was in DC, everyone knew I was a big Minnesota fan and big Minnesota guy and it's just great to be back home and representing my state in my own way. Having Minnesota across your chest is something you dream about as a kid.
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