Catching up with Tiffany Jackson
Aug. 3, 2009 AUSTIN, Texas -- Tiffany Jackson’s impact on the Texas Longhorns was all but immediate. In just her first season, she led UT with 28 double-figure scoring games, and was named National Freshman of the Year by ESPN.com and Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2004. Jackson continued to dominate through the years, and as a senior All-Big 12 player, she led the Longhorns in virtually every statistical category -- scoring, rebounding, steals and minutes played. The New York Liberty then selected Jackson with the fifth overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft. Jackson recently made her first career start with the Liberty, and she took time to talk with TexasSports.com about life at The University of Texas and beyond. What’s the biggest difference in you as a player since you were wearing burnt orange? My game is pretty much the same. I’ve tried to add a little something, like a 15-foot jumper that I now feel comfortable taking. I’m also working on being a lot more physical, and playing pressure defense -- I don’t really have a choice. Did you have to make an adjustment to the pro-style of play? Not really, because I felt that I came in with a good basketball IQ because of what I experienced at Texas. It’s a lot of mental preparation, and I was really ready for that. What does it feel like to be a Texas Ex? I think I have even more pride now that I’m gone. I’m just so proud to be able to say that I went to The University of Texas. You’ve played basketball all over the world, which one is more recognized -- the New York Liberty or The University of Texas? I have to say Texas. Whenever I go places, I tell them I played for the Longhorns, and even if they don’t really speak English, they usually understand “Longhorns.” Now that you’re gone, what do you look back on and appreciate about being a student-athlete at UT? Just the relationships and closeness with my teammates. We enjoyed each other, and that made the whole experience worth it.
As a fan watching from afar, what do you appreciate about this Texas Women’s Basketball team? The pride they have -- they’ve turned things around so quickly. I’m really proud to watch that, and see the energy and intensity. |
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