Myisha Bannister: Dealing With Adversity

Feb. 21, 2007

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Myisha Bannister looked like she was on her way to becoming an important part of the Michigan State women's basketball team in the fall of 2005. The 6-3 forward was a welcome compliment to two-time All-American Liz Shimek in the post and as a junior, a player with two years of experience in the Big Ten to draw on.

She earned a slot in the starting lineup three games into the season and started six of the next seven games, helping the Spartans to a 5-1 record during her starts. On Dec. 21, the Spartans faced off against No. 16 Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. She hit a layup against All-American Courtney Paris. Then, with 6:58 left in the game, her ACL tore in her right knee.

For the next 10 months, Bannister worked to make it back to the floor. She did, getting three points and three rebounds against Bucknell in the 2006-07 season opener. Over the course of the next two months, Bannister assumed her role as a critical post player coming off the bench, allowing the chance for head coach Joanne P. McCallie to rest Aisha Jefferson and Allyssa DeHaan.

Then, on Jan. 14, Bannister was given her first to chance to start since her injury. She excelled, leading the Spartans to an 83-63 win over Iowa, scoring 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds, as well as blocking four shots and coming up with three steals.

After the game, McCallie glowed when talking about the Cleveland native. "There's no one more deserving than Myisha Bannister," she said. "We had great confidence in her and it was just a good time to switch up a little bit. She took advantage of the opportunity. I thought she was demoralizing on defense. I'm just proud of her because she's been through so much. Everyone knows about her knee injury at Oklahoma, she was starting for us. It's just great to see her come back as a strong senior."

Earlier this week, Bannister sat down to talk about her time in the Green and White as time winds down toward her final regular-season home game on Sunday against Minnesota.

Q: As the winningest class in MSU history, what impact does this class have on the program?
A: This senior has been through tons of adversity and we stuck together. I think that shows other classes if you stick together anything is possible.

Q: Have you seen a difference in the expectations of the team since you were a freshman?
A: Before we came in no one knew who we were, but now we have targets on our backs. Now, we have something to uphold. New Spartans come into the program knowing they have to play at a certain level.

Q: Have you felt that responsibility to tell the younger players what it is all about?
A: Occasionally. I just let them know how things work around here, but they get the hang of it rather quickly.

Q: What is your favorite memory at MSU?
A: Going to Final Four was the best experience of my life. I felt like a celebrity. It was nice. I really enjoyed it and I want to get back there because it's in Cleveland this year.

Q: What was the best part of the Final Four?
A: It was the whole atmosphere and the 16-point comeback against Tennessee. It was another trial that we overcame and I was proud of that.

Q: How does feel to be starting this year, after working really hard due to injury?
A: As long as I'm doing what's necessary to help the team out, then I am happy. I just want to do the best I can while I am on the court.

Q: Explain how you felt after playing two of your best games back to back, against Iowa and Michigan?
A: I was really focused. I had the mindset that I really wanted to rebound and the offense will come. Well, offense came. I just want to get back to that though.

Q: Have you and Katrina Grantham talked with one another since you are both coming off of injuries that took away much of your junior years?
A: She is a little ahead of the game because my injury was a little more severe. We did work through it, together, though. She made me stronger and I made her stronger.

On Thursday, MSUSpartans.com will bring you a Q&A with senior Katrina Grantham.

- Compiled by Sports Information Staff Joe Guistina, Ryan McMillian and Ben Phlegar.