We are still about 6 weeks away from the tip-off of a new college basketball season, which means that we have plenty of time to start preparing 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 Utah SO F Reese Ross, who talked about joining a new conference and her expectations for this season.
You were born/raised in South Dakota, where you were named 2023 Gatorade state POY: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It was such a cool honor because it is nationally recognized, so I do not take it for granted. Some of the most profound athletes in all different sports have won that award in the past so I am so grateful for it.
What made you choose Utah for college? So many things. We were originally in the “Conference of Champions” and the chance to play against the best of the best is not something you get to do every day. Being around Mount Rushmore back home means that being outside is important to me, as is having a social life and getting to do things outside of basketball. I also like having coaches who know what they want out of a player. There is a great support staff here, the media is awesome, and we have great sports psychologists: it is like a family and no matter what you need you can find it.
You play for Coach Lynne Roberts: what makes her such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from her so far? She is awesome! She is very balanced: she tells you what you need to hear but always has the best intentions at heart. She is such a unique coach because she cares. We have had some players transfer in and it is interesting to her what coaches at other schools are like: she is amazing.
You played in 31 games as a freshman: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? I have a tenacious ability to do the dirty work. If I can get a couple of offensive REB/defensive stops then it is not about me but about something more. My high school coach taught me that basketball is played best when you play for each other.
Last November you had a pair of double-doubles against Alaska-Anchorage/Merrimack: how were you able to be so productive despite playing fewer than 20 minutes/game? Just going out there and competing. I never try to get 10 PTS or 10 REB or any other individual stats: I just try to play hard. My teammates and I bring out the best playing styles in each other because we have unique skill sets. If you play hard and do the little things right…then the stats will come along with it.
Last December you scored 2 PTS in a 9-PT loss to eventual NCAA champion South Carolina: where does that undefeated Gamecocks team rank among the greatest that you have ever seen? It was pretty dang cool to get to play such a high-level opponent so early in the season. It really shows that we are a high-level program who can compete with anyone in the country: it is not like we got blown out by 40 PTS. We were underestimated in a way because we have so much potential: it really helped us see what we can do if we ride that train together.
In the 2024 NCAA tourney you had a win over South Dakota State before losing to Gonzaga: what did you learn from that tourney run that you think will help you this year? That is what separates you from other athletes: having experience in pressure moments. Our team has an extra year of experience so that will make us more comfortable this year going into big moments. We can make it back to the NCAA tourney this year…and then try to go a little bit further.
You finished the season by shooting 51.1 FG%/40.5 3P%: what is the key to being a great shooter? Repetition. Our coaches do an amazing job at player development: I was not the most skilled player when I arrived here, but the staff does a great job of bringing out the best in each player. Whether I am working on my shot from beyond the arc or my footwork down low, there is always a chance to get better. Those high shooting percentages helped get me onto the court, and the chance to play with teammates who put up crazy-good numbers of their own made me want to do the same.
Your school joined the Big 12 during the offseason: any thoughts on conference realignment? It is exciting. Being from South Dakota it will be nice to play at Iowa State this winter so that my family/friends can come see me. We want to play the best of the best and we have a unique style of basketball that will carry over to the Big 12, which will broaden our horizons. There is no doubt in my mind that we will prove to the entire conference that we are here to compete.
What are your goals for the upcoming season, and what are your expectations for the upcoming season? We want to make a statement in our new conference and prove that we can overcome any adversity. Everyone’s goal is to win a national title, but it starts with winning our preseason games and getting better. As much as people do not talk about going out and getting wins, it will all come together when you play as a team.