Michigan State University Athletics
Q&A With Patrice McKinney
3/3/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 3, 2004
Redshirt freshman Patrice McKinney has played a key role during her intital season with the Spartans. McKinney has played in every game, starting 12, and has averaged 3.4 points and 2.8 rebounds. She took time out of her day after practice to answer a few questions?
You missed last season due to injury. What was it like having to sit out an entire season?
"At the beginning it was real tough, because I've never had to sit out. So it was tough being on the bench and not being able to play. When we lost I felt like I wanted to help out. But eventually I started realizing that there was an advantage to being able to sit and watch the game so I eventually got over it. Actually, I used it as motivation for this year."
Did you learn a lot by watching and observing?
"Yes, by watching how Coach P runs her program. I never was able to sit out and just watch a game before, because I was always playing. It was different being able to just watch and see how different Big Ten teams played."
What were you expecting out of yourself this season?
"Just to play hard, go all out and be a team player. Just to do all the dirty work basically."
Since you are from Lansing, did you grow up as a Michigan State fan?
"Actually, in football I was. For basketball, at first I was, I was part of the Junior Spartan program when I was little, but then when I started high school I was completed interested, but I was again later when Coach P started recruiting me."
What are the positives and negatives about going to college in your hometown?
"It's more positive, but the negative would be seeing the same area all the time and not experiencing anything different. The positive would be seeing my family and friends whenever I want to."
What do you do off the court to unwind or have fun?
"I like to draw, write music and rap."
Do you wear number 34 for any special reason?
"No, actually I just ended up with it when I played junior pro, and then I asked for it in high school and it has just carried over."
Is there a particular player you think your game is similar to?
"I liked Cynthia Cooper when she played. I liked her style. She kind of penetrated a lot, but she was a better shooter than me. I'll have to work on that."
