August 20th, 2014Wright on Time - Checking in with Emily Wright

BBC spoke recently with Assistant Coach of the Simon Fraser University Women's Basketball Team, Emily Wright. Emily was also Head Coach of the U15 Girls Team at National's that finished 4th.

BBC: Emily, welcome and thanks very much for your time.

EW: You're very welcome.

BBC: Let's start off with the ever important question of, what is your hometown?

EW: Well I was born in L.A. actually, but grew up in Eugene, Oregon. Now I live in Coquitlam.

BBC: What is your favourite aspect of the game?

EW: I feel that Basketball is different than all other sports. Teams will not have success unless they synergistically work together. All players on the floor have to be in tune with each other, work together and be on the same page to experience success. In other sports, that isn't really the case. It's pretty cool when coaching and playing to experience that happen.

BBC: What was your most memorable moment from the recent National's in Edmonton?

EW: Definitly beating Nova Scotia in the quarter finals. We were down pretty big in the first quarter and ended up winning by ten and making the semi-finals.

BBC: What characteristics do you look for in a player?

EW: Someone who works hard and is a good listener. They have to be able to take in constructive criticism, apply it to their game, learn and get better.

BBC: What advice would you give young players?

EW: Just be open to learning. Not only from coaches, but other players as well. Constantly treat the game as a learning experience. You really can learn something from everyone. Everyone you come in contact with, you can pick something up from - you just have to be willing to learn.

BBC: Do you have a favourite sports book?

EW: I think it would have to be Toughness by Jay Bilas. It's more the article at the end of the book I feel every athlete should read.

BBC: Favourite NBA or College Athlete?

EW: Magic Johnson for sure.

BBC: Favourite NBA or College Team?

EW: I pay more attention to individual players but it would be the Golden State Warriors.

BBC: Favourite pre-game meal?

EW: Not really. I eat a lot of salads! I'm a pescatarian meaning I am a vegetarian that eats some fish.

BBC: Song you listen to on the way to games.

EW: No Diggity by Blackstreet, it's kind of embarassing.

BBC: No way! I love that song. Ok and finally, favourite inspirational quote?

EW: A basketball team is like the five fingers on your hand. If you can get them all together, you have a fist. That's how I want you to play. - Mike Krzyzewski