For those of you who cannot wait to see the next generation of college basketball players, you are in luck. USA Basketball announced the roster for its U-17 women’s national team last weekend, which includes many high school stars such as Caroline Bradley (the 1st 5-star recruit in the Class of 2027 who committed to a college), Micah Ojo (4-time Virginia Class 5 state champ), and Ivanna Wilson Manyacka (2-time Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year). 1 of the players who has been rocketing up the rankings this year is Eve Long, who was named Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year this season as a junior. Eve is heading to Czechia next week to try to win a gold medal, but earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with her about choosing Notre Dame for college and winning a game by triple-digits.
You attended Breanna Stewart’s basketball camp in the past: what did you learn from 1 of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball history? I learned so much, but 1 of the biggest lessons was the importance of recovery. I had not been prioritizing that as much as I should have, so the fact that 1 of the best players ever focuses on it really opened my eyes.
You grew up in foster care where you were separated from 1 of your 2 older brothers, but you all later reunited and are now part of a group of 8 siblings: what impact has your family had on you either on or off the court? Adoption is a really big part of my story. All my siblings are very different and have their own personatlities, which has helped me on the court because I can connect with my teammates in different ways. It has also helped me become a more independent/responsible person.
Last year on your way to winning a gold medal with Team USA at the FIBA U16 Women’s AmeriCup you scored 11 PTS in a 131-12 win over Panama in the quarterfinals: what was it like to win a game by 119 PTS?! It was so insane! It was a record-breaking game and it was fun/energetic because everyone on our team played so well.
You were born/raised in Kansas and were named state Gatorade POY this year as a junior: what did it mean to receive such an outstanding honor? It meant a lot. It had been a goal of mine since my freshman year and a lot of hard work went into it. They usually give that award in Kansas to a senior so I was really proud of myself to win it as a junior.
Last April on the Adidas 3-Stripes Select Basketball circuit you scored 52 PTS in a loss to 7 Days and Kaleena Smith (who won a gold medal last month at the FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup): was it just 1 of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were “in the zone” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDXLGZap7dU)? I started off slow in the 3 games before that and was frustrated with myself because I am used to performing at a higher level. I knew that I would have to shake off the past games that day and was glad that a lot of my shots went in.
You received scholarship offers from dozens and dozens of colleges: what made you choose Notre Dame last May? It was a really good choice for me because I connected with the coaching staff so well: I felt at peace and was very interested in them. They had several other great players commit to playing there so I wanted to step into a situation with a great team. It is also a great aceademic school that will set me up for life after basketball.
The Irish made the Elite 8 last spring and return 3-time All-American Hannah Hidalgo: how far do you think they will go next season? Their team is insane so I think they will at least make the Final 4 if not win the natty.
You have a weighted GPA that is almost 4.0: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? Just by planning ahead. My parents challenged me to be more responsible, so I want to do it for myself. I also need a high GPA to go to Notre Dame so I try to keep my grades up.
You are listed at 6’3”: what position do you play in high school, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I am a versatile player but I play the 4/5 depending on what team I am on.
Last month you were named to the roster for the Women’s U-17 National Team: what does it mean to you to represent your country, and what would it mean to win a gold medal for the 2nd summer in a row? It means a lot to represent myself: for my state, for God, for my family, and for all the little girls who look up to me. 1 of my goals this year was to win another gold medal, and I really want to win it with this team.
