Minnesota Stars

Kansas State University

#2 Brittany Chambers

Played for Stars Borowicz 2009

Position:
        Guard 
Height:
         5'8"
Year:
        Sophomore
Hometown:
        Jordan, Minn.
High School:
        Jordan H.S

Explain what differences you have found between the college game and high school?

Its completely different: The speed of the game increases the most. Also, one on one defense becomes way more important because every player can beat you in some way whether it is off the dribble or shooting and you can’t show as much help because all 5 players can score usually. Also, the attention to detail is way more critical.. if you don’t do the little things perfect like closing out with your hands high.. or having the right foot up on defense or making girls use screens.. then you wont be able to play at a high level because you will get exposed.

Explain the caliber of athlete between High School/ AAU / College?

High School athletes are no comparison in general to college… most High school athletes are very raw and even when they are good they still have weaknesses that can be exposed.. AAU also has unbelievable athletes that are usually not at the level that college requires.. college basketball is not just about being athletic its about taking you natural skill set and being able to increase your weakness to a level that opponents cannot pick on. College athletes are athletic and smart and it makes the game that much harder.

Explain the differences in the preparation for games between high school and college?

In college we prepare for each team with a full scouting report.. we watch film, have notes, and dedicate the practices before to learning the ins and outs of the upcoming team we play. In high school I didn’t do very much scouting. In college you know what each individual players tendencies are and learn how to guard not only the team but each individual person.

You have taken a big step this year so explain what the differences are for you between your first year and this year. Is it knowledge, maturity, comfort, or something else that has allowed you to excel?

The biggest step I have taken is maturity. In college, experience is everything. The more time you get to play on the court and get used to the feel and speed of the game the more chance you have of getting better in the college setting. Practice is huge don’t get me wrong but experience on the court is what builds confidence knowledge and maturity. The biggest step I took was in the knowledge of the “college” game. Instead of just going out and playing I really started to understand what my team needed from me in any given situation or game and being able to have the maturity on the court to provide the needs for the team. Some nights my team didn’t need me to score so instead I helped my team with boards or assists. Last year I wasn’t able to recognize what each game required of me and I really just focused on scoring and less on leadership.

What is the biggest adjustment you have had to make to your game in college?

DEFENSE! I still have a long ways to go but in high school I didn’t put much thought into defense and in college it doesn’t matter if you can score 20 points a game if you can’t defend you wont play. So I learned to be able to guard girls that are quicker than me, and really just focus more on the defense side of the game.

What advice would you give to a senior preparing to go to college to be ready for basketball/ college life?

Get in top shape. When you first get to college the last thing you want to do is be behind physically so that you cant keep up. If you come into college in good shape you don’t need to waste a month or two just trying to catch up. You can start at the same spot physically as the rest of the team and that really puts you in a position to succeed.

You have been named a unanimous selection All Big 12. Tell us what it means to you?

It means a ton especially because I am only a sophomore. I definitely never thought I would receive this award so early, but I was blessed with the opportunity to step onto the court so early in my career. Its really nice to get recognition from the other coaches in the big 12. Also, the big 12 has some of the most amazing athletes in it so this honor really means a lot.

Explain your approach to the game. Do you spend a lot of time preparing yourself for games mentally? How do you view the other team during the game? Are you a player that sees the game as a battle?

I try to not think too much about the game. I know that each game my coaches have prepared us enough that we know what we are doing. Every team we play is our enemy though. You almost have to develop a hatred for your opponent almost, and view each game as war. How much of your game success has to do with confidence? Years of practice/training? Game knowledge? Coaching? My success has a lot to do with confidence. You cant really succeed at this level and not have confidence. You need to play with confidence and show the opponent that you are not willing to back down for them. The biggest thing in college basketball is repetition and experience. The more time you have on the court the more knowledge you gain about the style of d1 basketball and you learn how to play in all situations and how to succeed in any given situation.

How much time do you spend in basketball related activities during the summer?

During the summer We spend 2 hours a day with the team. But usually I put in at least another hour in by myself working on my shot or something else in the gym. So between 3-4 hours a day with the team and or by myself

How much time do you spend in basketball related activities in the preseason?

Pre-season we spend around 3 hours a day practicing and an hour of weights, and then also though out the week I find time to come in by myself to put up some extra shots.

How much time do you spend in basketball related activities during the season?

During season I spend about the same time in the gym. I usually don’t get into the gym as much by myself. I use off-days to rest my body just because we are doing so much throughout the week, resting is really important.

Explain a typical day/week in the life a college basketball player during the season?

Usually I get up around 7:30 for classes. Class usually goes till 12ish and then practice with the team 1-4 p.m. and then usually weights right after that. After weights we go straight to team dinner, and then 6p.m. to the end of the night is homework or free time. Like I said I like to get into the gym by myself so this is usually the time I use to go in and shoot.

Do you or have you had study table? If so explain its importance to you at a student athlete?

Study Table is required for students who are struggling or not meeting standards in the classroom. IF your grades are where they are suppose to be, you don’t have required study hours so its motivation to do well because then you have extra free time. Grades are everything in college if you cant keep your grades high enough you don’t play.

Explain what traveling is like for you? Do you find it more difficult to play after a long trip?

Traveling for me isn’t really that bad we usually leave the day before the game after classes and we fly practically everywhere so it really isn’t that bad. After the game the next day we hop on the plane and get back really late so sometimes school the next morning can get tough.

Are college coaches different in how they approach the game? If so explain?

I cant talk about all college coaches but my coaches definitely have a more business feel when it comes to court stuff and they should. College scholarships are an enormous amount of money and you need to meet standards on and off the court to keep your scholarship. Off the court though our coaches are like our parent figures here at college. They really care about us and our life on the court and off.

Share the highlight of your high school career?

We made it to state 3 years in a row we finished 2nd 3rd and 4th. All-State and All Tournament team for 3 years All conference MVP 2 years and All Conference 4 years Hold MN state tournament record for most points in a state game 48 (tied with Taylor Hill)

Share your most memorable basketball moment?

Beating 5th ranked Texas A&M this year and making it to the NCAA tournament

Do you keep in contact with any of your former Stars teammates and if so who? Expand if you can?

Yes I talk to all of them every now and then whether it is on Facebook or texting. Leah Dietel is my best friend in the entire world so we talk all the time.

Do you play against any former teammates? It must be fun, are you more motivated?

I played Leah Dietel and Megan Waytashek at South Dakota State this year and that was really fun

Do your parents and friends get to see you play much? Explain how important or not that is and if it affected your college choice?

My parents came to a ton of games this year, a lot more then I expected. Its like a 9 hour drive but they make the haul. I definitely didn’t make my choice based on distance away from home. I was willing to go wherever to find the right college for me

How important are your teammates to your success and advice for future college players in dealing with teammates?

My teammates are my best friends here at college. It is really important to mesh well with your coaches and teammates because you will be with them 24/7. Always have your teammates backs and make sure you keep the neg. competition for the other teams

Is it difficult at times rooming with a teammate? Stories?

Advice for younger girls playing basketball to have them in a good position to play college ball?

Get in the gym a ton!! Never stop working because there is always going to be someone better then you, so strive to be the best you can be, not just the best in your town or team but the best you can be personally, no ceiling.

Would you do anything different along your long basketball career?

Tell us about an influential coach you have had at any level and how they have changed your career/ life?

Coach Borowicz from the MN stars coached me for 8 years I think my entire AAU career and he really never let me settle for anything then the best. He pushed me my entire career. Also, my dad was a huge person in my career. He used to be a women’s coach and he really was the reason I was the player I was. And got to where I am today, and then of course Deb Patterson and Kami Ethridge are my college coaches and they have completely made me escalade my game to the next level. They have made every part of my game better and my college success is solely because of what they have taught me in college

Tell us about the most important person(s) in your life and what they mean to you?

My parents, they have never been easy on me, and always expect me to be the best person and player I can be. They have molded me into the person and Player I am. And instilled the competitiveness and heart for the game I possess.

How did you decide or pick your college? What was most important to you and would you have different standards if you had to do it again? Like perhaps distance? Major? Weather? ...

I picked Kansas State because I loved the coaches. They have the same morals I have and I knew they would make me the best player that I could be. I also loved the campus and the pride that Kansas State fans have in their hearts. Manhattan bleeds purple and really supports all athletics here. Our fan base for women’s basketball is amazing

What shocked you most about college/basketball?

The speed. Theres not one second you can take off when on the court. You have to be focused for 40 min.

Do you think people on campus treat you any differently because you’re an athlete? If so do you like it or not? Explain?

To be honest, yes people do treat you different. Kids and adults will stop you and congratulate you after a big win, and the support is amazing. Also people to tend to be more willing to come up and talk to athletes. They take a lot of interest in what you do with your life.

You made the choice to choose college basketball over volleyball and both were very important to you, How do you feel about your choice now and how did you come to your decision?

I really am happy with my decision. I made the decision to play basketball for the right reasons.

Explain your first impressions as you entered your college / basketball life?

I didn’t know how I was going to make it. The first week or two of workouts were the hardest thing I had ever done and I was overwhelmed but you get used to it, and you will be surprised how much your body can handle.

Do you have any free time during the basketball season?

Yes, not a ton but there are off days every now and then

What parts of the country or world have you been able to see because you played basketball? Share any good memories?

I have been all over the united states, I spend New Year’s Eve in Boston this year and Thanksgiving in South Carolina. I spend Thanksgiving last year in Utah and went to a tournament in Las Vegas, Also we have gone to California and Texas a million times.

How was your experience playing with the Minnesota Stars?

My experience with the Minnesota Stars was unbelievable. I learned a ton and got great exposure and I got the offers I did because of the work my coaches put in to put my name out there and put me in tournaments to showcase my talents.