Q&A with Asia Strong
12/6/2022 1:04:00 PM | Women's Basketball
​​​​​​As the Syracuse Orange prepare to host Coppin State in the JMA Wireless Dome on Thursday, Dec. 8 (7p.m., ACCNX), we continue our Q&A series to help you get to know your Orange! In this edition we talk with graduate student Asia Strong.
Why did you choose Syracuse for grad year?
AS: I chose Syracuse because of Coach Jack. I have never been to New York before, so it was a new experience for me. Syracuse is a big school, and I heard of it growing up. Knowing that Carmelo Anthony played here was motivational for me.
How would you describe your game to someone that has never seen you play?
AS: I would say that my game is versatile. I can run the floor well and as a big, I rebound and play in the post. I can also handle the ball down the court and shoot threes as a spot up shooter or on the wing. I can do it all.
What is one word that you would use to describe coach Jack?
AS: I have two; energetic and passionate.
Can you name one place you would like to travel to?
AS: I have never been out of the country before, so I want to go to Bora Bora, but I am a poor college student. If I go to Bora Bora, I'm going to be Pora Pora.
What is the best trip you have been on?
AS: I would say the best trip was traveling with AAU when I was playing. I was able to see a lot of places and getting that experience as a young athlete in high school was great for me.
Who inspired you to play basketball?
AS: I would say it was everyone. My family played basketball and my AAU coach was a huge influence on me. I think that it is my life journey to play basketball. Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan where also inspirations to me growing up.
If you could challenge any WNBA player one-vs.-one, who would you call up? Are you winning?
AS: Ya I am winning. I would call A'ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces.
Why A'ja Wilson?
AS: I look up to herand I try to mirror my game from her. She is a left-handed shooter from mid-range, she likes to drive, and shoot the three, as well as develop the shot. She is aggressive and the MVP. So, I am going to challenge the best player and I am going to win.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
AS: My favorite place on campus is the Barnes Center because I go there to swim, lift extra weights if I want, and get shots up. If I want to be active on a given day, it is the perfect place to be. The smoothies from Otto's Juice Bar are also the best on campus.
What are your goals for the season and what about goals for the team?
AS: Team goals are to show everyone what we are working with, show the ACC that Syracuse is back like we never left. We want to fight for all the rebounds, keep other opponents under 50 points a game and come every day and grind, with passion, and energy. Personally, for me my goals are to be an impact player. I don't have to score, but I want to be a good defensive player, be able to rebound, dive on the ground for the ball. I would love to be on the ACC All-Conference Team, Newcomer of the Year and just Player of the Week - any type of reward. I have big goals for myself, and I hope that I can accomplish them.
What team are you looking forward to playing the most in the ACC?
AS: I would have to say Notre Dame. I am from South Bend, Ind., about five minutes way from Notre Dame's stadium. I have a lot of family that goes to the Notre Dame games. I was a Notre Dame fan growing up, but now I am a big Orange fan. My family is also going to be there, which is super special. It will be great to play there since I have been able to work at the games and watch from the sidelines there my entire life.
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Why did you choose Syracuse for grad year?
AS: I chose Syracuse because of Coach Jack. I have never been to New York before, so it was a new experience for me. Syracuse is a big school, and I heard of it growing up. Knowing that Carmelo Anthony played here was motivational for me.
How would you describe your game to someone that has never seen you play?
AS: I would say that my game is versatile. I can run the floor well and as a big, I rebound and play in the post. I can also handle the ball down the court and shoot threes as a spot up shooter or on the wing. I can do it all.
What is one word that you would use to describe coach Jack?
AS: I have two; energetic and passionate.
Can you name one place you would like to travel to?
AS: I have never been out of the country before, so I want to go to Bora Bora, but I am a poor college student. If I go to Bora Bora, I'm going to be Pora Pora.
What is the best trip you have been on?
AS: I would say the best trip was traveling with AAU when I was playing. I was able to see a lot of places and getting that experience as a young athlete in high school was great for me.
Who inspired you to play basketball?
AS: I would say it was everyone. My family played basketball and my AAU coach was a huge influence on me. I think that it is my life journey to play basketball. Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan where also inspirations to me growing up.
If you could challenge any WNBA player one-vs.-one, who would you call up? Are you winning?
AS: Ya I am winning. I would call A'ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces.
Why A'ja Wilson?
AS: I look up to herand I try to mirror my game from her. She is a left-handed shooter from mid-range, she likes to drive, and shoot the three, as well as develop the shot. She is aggressive and the MVP. So, I am going to challenge the best player and I am going to win.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
AS: My favorite place on campus is the Barnes Center because I go there to swim, lift extra weights if I want, and get shots up. If I want to be active on a given day, it is the perfect place to be. The smoothies from Otto's Juice Bar are also the best on campus.
What are your goals for the season and what about goals for the team?
AS: Team goals are to show everyone what we are working with, show the ACC that Syracuse is back like we never left. We want to fight for all the rebounds, keep other opponents under 50 points a game and come every day and grind, with passion, and energy. Personally, for me my goals are to be an impact player. I don't have to score, but I want to be a good defensive player, be able to rebound, dive on the ground for the ball. I would love to be on the ACC All-Conference Team, Newcomer of the Year and just Player of the Week - any type of reward. I have big goals for myself, and I hope that I can accomplish them.
What team are you looking forward to playing the most in the ACC?
AS: I would have to say Notre Dame. I am from South Bend, Ind., about five minutes way from Notre Dame's stadium. I have a lot of family that goes to the Notre Dame games. I was a Notre Dame fan growing up, but now I am a big Orange fan. My family is also going to be there, which is super special. It will be great to play there since I have been able to work at the games and watch from the sidelines there my entire life.
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Players Mentioned
F
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