We are still a couple of months away from the tip-off of the college basketball season, which means that we have plenty of time to prepare for the action ahead. We will do so via a series of season previews featuring the best players/coaches in the country. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage with Vermont G Emma Utterback, who talked about facing UConn in the NCAA tourney last March and her expectations for this season.
In 2020 you made the conference all-rookie team: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? For me it was the confidence that my coaches instilled in me to take over the program and turn it around: that really allowed my game to soar. My teammates trusted me with the ball, which can be difficult for a freshman.
Last year you were top-5 in the conference in both PPG/APG: what is the secret to being a good PG? I just want to make plays, be it for myself or others. My ability to get downhill has helped me do that and when defenders collapse I just find the open shooters around me. Getting those extra reps and building team chemistry has helped me get my assists up, but I can also create for myself.
Take me through the 2023 postseason:
In the America East tourney title game you scored 18 PTS in a 38-36 win over Albany en route to being named conference tourney MVP: was the game as ugly as the final score sounds, and what did it mean to you to win a title? It was not the prettiest game to be honest but it showed how great our defense was. We were able to mess up their offense and as long as you can score 1 more point than your opponent then you did what you needed to do. Defense is our bread and butter.
In the NCAA tourney you scored 13 PTS in a loss to UConn: what is it like to face Geno Auriemma in Storrs in March? It was surreal to face the Huskies and I was star-struck for about 5 seconds but then focused on trying to beat them. UConn is such a talented team with players like Azzi Fudd who I have looked up to for awhile.
A few days after that loss you and Delaney Richason announced that you would both be using your 5th years of eligibility: how close have you 2 become since 1st becoming teammates as kids in Indiana? We grew up about 40 minutes from each other and have been AAU teammates since 5th grade. We get along and know each other’s games very well. We have great chemistry on and off the floor and she is my best friend.
You were co-captain last year: what is the key to being a good leader? My role is to create interpersonal relationships: if you do not build that bond 1st then whatever you say will go in 1 ear and out the other. I try to take the underclassmen to lunch and get to know them so that they understand if I get on them during practice it is coming from a place of love.
Your schedule includes games against Providence/North Carolina: which of these games do you feel will present your biggest test? I am very excited for UNC because they have a historically good program. We are not expected to win but we can put everything out on the floor because we have nothing to lose. Providence will be a tough game and Quinnipiac also has a good program…but we have gotten a lot better and we will be prepared.
You already have your degree in Public Communication with a specialization in Media and Journalism and are now getting a Masters in Public Administration: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? This is the 2nd year of my Masters program so I got a taste of the schedule last year. It involves doing a lot of work on your own so it has taught me the importance of time management. It was not as difficult as I thought it would be last year but I am very excited to get my degree this spring.
You have tens of thousands of followers on social media: what impact has NIL had on your life either on or off the court? NIL has been a very cool experience for me. I did not start out by actively searching for deals but I have coached an AAU team for the past 2 years and have helped train young girls of all ages from kindergarten through high school. Former Vermont star Ernie Duncan has a program called “Duncan Hoops” and he recruited me to help him train the younger athletes, who have paid it forward by coming to some of my games. I love taking what I have learned and giving it to others and am very thankful for all of the opportunities I have received.
Your father played college football and your sister plays college basketball: who is the best athlete in the family? It depends who you ask! My dad was a freak athlete who also ran indoor track.
What are your goals for this season, and what are your expectations for this season? The main goal is to make it back to the NCAA tourney but it starts with trying to get better in any way that I can. I want to improve my perimeter shooting and have some other personal goals that I keep private. Last year we had some stuff that did not go our way, but if we are more prepared this year I think we have a chance to get a higher seed if we can win some of our big non-conference games. The baby steps to get there are important.