Brandi Brown is a name Youngstown State Basketball fans better get used to hearing.  The Lady Penguin is a Freshman, already has four double-doubles on the season, and has established herself as a force underneath.  Expect Brown to receive Horizon League honors at the end of the season.  The remarkable efforts of Brown deserve praise and the league would be foolish to snub her based on her experience or the lack of team wins.  Brown has a birthday coming up January 10th, and if you asked her, helping the team win a game would be the greatest present in the world.

Paneech:  What is it like having a birthday so close to the holiday season?

Brown:  It’s really close to the holidays, I like that because I can get more gifts.  I wish I was closer to my family, but I know they are going to be happy for me.

Paneech:  Tell me the story of how you were recruited to Youngstown State.

Brown:  I was not sure what I was going to do after high school.  They [Coach Bernard Scott] were in California recruiting Maryum [Jenkins].  My team was playing against her team and I played really well and the recruiting process took off from there.  It is nice to know someone from California, common interests and all that stuff.

Paneech:  Explain the pressure of only dressing seven players knowing that you are going to have to put in solid minutes night in and night out.

Brown:  It is really mentally stressing but we have to stay positive.  Positive practices, positive time at the game, positive no matter what. 

Paneech:  You are developing into a great post player.  What has made you better?

Brown:  The coaching staff and support from all of my teammates.  I am really happy that I have so much support and people that want to help me.

Paneech:  Do you ever have nightmares of getting into foul trouble and the consequences it could create if you are unable to come back into a game?

Brown:  (Laughs)  I just try not to think about it.  I just try to play my game.  You can get a foul here or there and that is ok, but you have got to play smart.

Paneech:  Talk about Coach Martin.

Brown:  Coach Martin has taught me alot about myself and how to be strong through whatever is thrown at me on the court or off, like in the classroom.  Coach B [Meredith Baugher] is my post coach and she has really pushed me to go harder.  She played the game and it is nice to have her showing me things that I might not have seen.

Paneech:  Talk about the future of this program.

Brown:  I see alot of success.  It may not seem bright right now, but I think we as a team and the fans and community can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Paneech:  Being from California, have you adapted to all of this lovely snow yet?

Brown:  No, I am not used to it.  I don’t like it.  I live here now, so I have to wear the big jackets and gloves and mittens and all of that good stuff. 

Paneech:  Walk me through a typical day – start to finish – during the season when school is in session.

Brown:  I wake up early and go get something to eat.  I like bagels and cream cheese.  I go to class.  After class I might have some down time, but if I don’t I come straight to the locker room and maybe watch TV for a little bit.  I go to practice, maybe do some study table hours here and there.  I go back to the dorm and do some more studying.  College is so different from high school.  You have to be disciplined and you really can’t just cram at night for a test. 

One Word Answers

Favorite Soft Drink:  Sprite.

Favorite TV Show:  The Game.

Favorite Fast Food:  Chipotle.

Biggest Phobia:  Crickets.  When you try to kill them they just keep making that noise and you can’t find them.

Worst Habit:  I used to bite my nails, now I don’t return phone calls.

Favorite WNBA or NBA Player:  I don’t have a favorite player or team.

Best Movie:  Poetic Justice.

Favorite Toy As A Child:  Barney.

Toppings On A Pizza:  Just cheese.

Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?  Hopefully a college graduate and back home with my family for a little bit.