Sophomore forward Nia Irving has become one of the key offensive cogs for the Boston University women’s basketball team over the 2017-18 season. The Fairfield, Maine native currently leads the Terriers (8-12, 3-7 Patriot League) in scoring with 11.5 points per game. The Daily Free Press was able to catch up with Irving, and talk about all things basketball and life at Boston University.
- How would you describe the changes in your game from this season to last season? I am trying to fill in to more of a forward position and score out of both of our offenses. I’m still trying to figure my out with defense too, not only taking charges, but being in the right place at the right time and just knowing all the ins and outs of what we are supposed to be doing.
- Do you have any specific goals for the rest of season? As a team goal, we are looking forward to competing for a Patriot League Championship, and individually I just want to contribute everything I can to help us get there.
- Who is your favorite professional athlete? [Golden State Warriors forward] Draymond Green.
- Who is your closest friend on the team? [Junior guard] Lauren Spearman.
- Where is your favorite place to eat on campus? Blaze Pizza [in West Campus].
- How were you introduced to basketball? Both my sisters have always played basketball, and my mom and my dad were big on basketball, so I had a basketball court built in a barn for me. So from three years old, I have been playing since then.
- Who is your role model in life? I look up to [senior guard] Corrine Williams a lot. As a captain she is such a good leader.
- Who is the most serious player on the team? Probably Corrine [Williams] again.
- What is your order at Chipotle? The chicken burrito bowl.
- If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three items would you bring? I would bring a fishing pole, matches and a phone to call for help.
- If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go? Spain.
- What has been the most memorable moment of your collegiate basketball experience? I think probably our highest moment as a team this year was the overtime win we had over Delaware. Also our first game of Patriot League [play] when we beat Army at their place.
- Who is your favorite musical artist? [Country singer] Chris Stapleton.
- What is your favorite holiday? The Fourth of July.
- If you were to be cast in a movie, who would you want to play you? Jennifer Lawrence.
- What has been your favorite class you have taken at BU? Right now my favorite class is my sexism in the 21st century class.
- Who is the funniest player on the team? Probably [senior forward] Erin Bayram.
- Where is your preferred spot to study on campus? Fourth floor of the library.
- What part of your game do you think you need to work on? Definitely my defense. Probably my on-ball defense and just being able to keep my person in front of me.
- What is it like playing under BU head coach Katy Steding? She just has so much experience as a basketball player and as a coach. She is a great person to learn from. Sometimes she can be hard on you, but she only wants the best for you.
