St. John's University Athletics
QUOTES: St. John's Women's Basketball Media Day
St. John’s Women’s Basketball Head Coach Joe Tartamella and the entire roster met with the media Tuesday at Carnesecca Arena
Head Coach Joe Tartamella
Opening statement…
“Thank all of you for being here. Yeah, 13 years. That's even crazy for me to say. 22 overall, and we're actually celebrating our 50-year anniversary as a program, which is a pretty cool moment for us. Also saying that I've almost been here for half of that, which is a little scary, but, we take a lot of pride in what we're doing, so our group's working hard. We’ve got eight players back, six new faces and a lot of work to do still ahead of us. We're probably at practice, I think, number 12 here, as we started the year. We have a much deeper roster, obviously, hopefully being able to stay healthy, in terms of the depth that we have at multiple positions. So we're excited about the way that they've been competing early here in the year. So we've got a game on Monday versus Pace, whose a quality Division II team, but it'll give us a chance to put on the uniforms for the first time and get a feel. So, I’ve got a few new staff members. We've got new players, so we've got a lot of things that we're still synergizing. And a quick look back from last year, obviously a slow start, but was truly proud of the group that we had in terms of how they finished. And this year we'll, we'll be able to be seen, which I think is pretty important for our program. We will be on FOX December 28 against Creighton. You know, we've got four televised games, which is incredible for the promotion of the program as well. I just came out of a meeting about the new facility, which was terrific, we're making progress there in terms of getting that finalized. It's going to be incredible for both programs and I'm excited about the year, you know, I think we've got a really good mixture of experience in youth and the physicality that we like to play with.”
On the team’s newcomers this season…
“The two freshmen, A’riel Little come to us from South Shore [High School]. She's a Brooklyn kid, dynamic offensively, just really trying to get her acclimated as a point guard at the next level. And then Janeya Grant came in injured, but an incredible shooter, another dynamic offensive player who has size at the guard position. And then our transfers, Lashae Dwyer from Miami, you guys are going to really enjoy watching her play. Just brings a lot of experience. Played on NCAA tournament teams, Elite Eight team at Miami, brings us an incredible intensity defensively, and I think she's going to be able to score it at a higher rate than she has. Kylie Lavelle came from Penn State and shores us up front a little bit. Can shoot it from three good inside-out player. Jade Blagrove from Manhattan as a rebounder, communicator, just a great attitude, great player, good leader. Ariana Vanderhoop comes to us from Monmouth, veteran player, she beat us up last year, I’ll tell you that. But good offensive player, really good head about her kind of an old school game to her the way she plays, and her change of pace. [Ariana] is just another great, great addition in terms of experience and playing in high-leverage games.”
On how the team’s experience will help the newcomers…
“I think every year is a retool at this point, in terms of the landscape. So, I think you lean on the core players that you have in terms of what they've done here, like Jailah Donald, Skye Owen, have been here for three years, and Ber'Nyah Mayo, obviously, for two, Phoenix Gedeon for two, Tara Daye for two. So you lean on those players to be able to acclimate them quickly as teammates. And obviously, we've had them since the summer, you know, and so a lot of these players are familiar with how we play.”
On his expectations for Ber’Nyah Mayo this season …
“Ber'Nyah, she was a main reason why we turned it around last year. I mean, we started 2-5, and, you know, we came back from Puerto Rico last year in a bad spot, and we were just able to kind of turn the corner. And Ber'Nyah was a big reason for that, along with Phoenix and Tara. I thought she was one of the best guards in the league by the end of the season, and obviously in the country. You saw what she did in Florida, again at Toledo. In that postseason and the last part of our year in our league, she was as good as anybody.”
On the growth of women’s basketball across the country…
“I think that's the beauty of having the opportunity to play at places like Madison Square Garden. We’ll get a chance to play there again on the 16th of February against Butler. And we're looking at getting multiple games, you know, moving into next year, which I think is a testament to where the women's game is going and has gone already. I think we'll see it in the crowds. If you win, people come. I mean, it's the bottom line. Your product's got to be good. If you're not winning, people aren't going to watch you so we've got to make people care and make people come out and watch us. To be able to be in the postseason, to be able to play in those, those high-leverage games, I think that's what it's all about. So I'm extremely excited.”
Junior forward Kylie Lavelle
On playing at Madison Square Garden…
“That I’m really excited about. That is going to be an experience. I can’t even imagine, when I was younger I dreamt about playing there, so that is going to be a dream too.”
Graduate student guard Ariana Vanderhoop
On the transition to St. John’s…
“I think when I first got here the transition was pretty tough. Getting used to working hard everyday, playing at a higher level, the athleticism is completely different. It’s been smoother since I've been here since the summer. I’m buying into the playstyle and learning every day, asking questions. Everything is just smoother now, so, I’m ready.”
On being able to be a scorer …
“At my previous school, I’ve been in a role where if I wasn’t the main scorer, I was one of the main scorers, so it’s nothing new. Every day in practice [Coach Tartamella] keeps telling me to shoot the ball. I don’t think it will be a huge difference, I’m working on it every day in practice, and I can’t wait to show you guys. I don’t have to create as much for myself because I’m playing with higher-level players. Since they have such a bigger bag, my teammates make me open as well, so I’m getting somewhat easier shots.”
Freshman guard Janeya Grant:
On the biggest transition from high school to college…
“I think time management for sure. We have long days so its just making sure I get my school work done and still have time for practice and to get treatment.”
On having the support of the upperclassmen…
“I just know I have a big support system. I can come to them about anything if I have any questions, I can come to anyone about anything.”
Sophomore guard Jayda Brown
On being a role model for the new faces…
“I told all the freshmen, you can come to me for anything, especially for anything outside of basketball. Coming to college from high school is a big adjustment, so having someone to talk to, I try to be that for them. As far as basketball, I try to tell them things about the coaches, what they don’t like, what they do like, how to move. Just try to guide them in the right direction so they can get a good thing going.”
Junior guard Skye Owen
On being a leader on this team…
“I think being in this program for three years now will certainly help me because I know what is supposed to be done, what plays are supposed to be run and how we run those plays to get certain players shots.”
Graduate student guard Ber’Nyah Mayo:
On her role as a veteran on the team …
“Taking the newcomers and transfers in and helping the freshmen from last year understand the program at a deeper level., That will allow them to help the freshman who just came in. So far, it’s been good, just coming together as a team and understanding a common goal.”
On the motivation of making the NCAA Tournament this season…
“It’s extra motivation. You look around the room, most of us are returners. The motivation is at an all-time high, knowing last year we didn’t make it but this year we don’t want the same result. We want to be there. So the motivation this year, the motivation in practice, every day, just the understanding we have to get after it every day and can’t let any days go.”
Senior forward Phoenix Gedeon
On her mindset going into this season. …
“This year is a whole different team. I really do think I played a good role last year, and I think I’m going to come in trying to do the same thing as last year, but even more and play more into that role. There are places for improvement from everyone and I’m really excited for you all to see us play.”
Junior guard Jailah Donald
On what she looks to do for the team this upcoming season…
“This season, being on the floor, doing what’s best for the team – playing defense, offense, scoring, being able to get a stop. Just doing whatever needs to be done for us to win.”
Junior guard Tara Daye
On what leadership style she brings to the team…
“I like to lead by example, but I also like to know my personnel. I like to get to know all my teammates and I understand how to react to things differently. But because we have the same goal to win, everyone knows that I say something differently or act differently it is because of that passion.”
Opening statement…
“Thank all of you for being here. Yeah, 13 years. That's even crazy for me to say. 22 overall, and we're actually celebrating our 50-year anniversary as a program, which is a pretty cool moment for us. Also saying that I've almost been here for half of that, which is a little scary, but, we take a lot of pride in what we're doing, so our group's working hard. We’ve got eight players back, six new faces and a lot of work to do still ahead of us. We're probably at practice, I think, number 12 here, as we started the year. We have a much deeper roster, obviously, hopefully being able to stay healthy, in terms of the depth that we have at multiple positions. So we're excited about the way that they've been competing early here in the year. So we've got a game on Monday versus Pace, whose a quality Division II team, but it'll give us a chance to put on the uniforms for the first time and get a feel. So, I’ve got a few new staff members. We've got new players, so we've got a lot of things that we're still synergizing. And a quick look back from last year, obviously a slow start, but was truly proud of the group that we had in terms of how they finished. And this year we'll, we'll be able to be seen, which I think is pretty important for our program. We will be on FOX December 28 against Creighton. You know, we've got four televised games, which is incredible for the promotion of the program as well. I just came out of a meeting about the new facility, which was terrific, we're making progress there in terms of getting that finalized. It's going to be incredible for both programs and I'm excited about the year, you know, I think we've got a really good mixture of experience in youth and the physicality that we like to play with.”
On the team’s newcomers this season…
“The two freshmen, A’riel Little come to us from South Shore [High School]. She's a Brooklyn kid, dynamic offensively, just really trying to get her acclimated as a point guard at the next level. And then Janeya Grant came in injured, but an incredible shooter, another dynamic offensive player who has size at the guard position. And then our transfers, Lashae Dwyer from Miami, you guys are going to really enjoy watching her play. Just brings a lot of experience. Played on NCAA tournament teams, Elite Eight team at Miami, brings us an incredible intensity defensively, and I think she's going to be able to score it at a higher rate than she has. Kylie Lavelle came from Penn State and shores us up front a little bit. Can shoot it from three good inside-out player. Jade Blagrove from Manhattan as a rebounder, communicator, just a great attitude, great player, good leader. Ariana Vanderhoop comes to us from Monmouth, veteran player, she beat us up last year, I’ll tell you that. But good offensive player, really good head about her kind of an old school game to her the way she plays, and her change of pace. [Ariana] is just another great, great addition in terms of experience and playing in high-leverage games.”
On how the team’s experience will help the newcomers…
“I think every year is a retool at this point, in terms of the landscape. So, I think you lean on the core players that you have in terms of what they've done here, like Jailah Donald, Skye Owen, have been here for three years, and Ber'Nyah Mayo, obviously, for two, Phoenix Gedeon for two, Tara Daye for two. So you lean on those players to be able to acclimate them quickly as teammates. And obviously, we've had them since the summer, you know, and so a lot of these players are familiar with how we play.”
On his expectations for Ber’Nyah Mayo this season …
“Ber'Nyah, she was a main reason why we turned it around last year. I mean, we started 2-5, and, you know, we came back from Puerto Rico last year in a bad spot, and we were just able to kind of turn the corner. And Ber'Nyah was a big reason for that, along with Phoenix and Tara. I thought she was one of the best guards in the league by the end of the season, and obviously in the country. You saw what she did in Florida, again at Toledo. In that postseason and the last part of our year in our league, she was as good as anybody.”
On the growth of women’s basketball across the country…
“I think that's the beauty of having the opportunity to play at places like Madison Square Garden. We’ll get a chance to play there again on the 16th of February against Butler. And we're looking at getting multiple games, you know, moving into next year, which I think is a testament to where the women's game is going and has gone already. I think we'll see it in the crowds. If you win, people come. I mean, it's the bottom line. Your product's got to be good. If you're not winning, people aren't going to watch you so we've got to make people care and make people come out and watch us. To be able to be in the postseason, to be able to play in those, those high-leverage games, I think that's what it's all about. So I'm extremely excited.”
Junior forward Kylie Lavelle
On playing at Madison Square Garden…
“That I’m really excited about. That is going to be an experience. I can’t even imagine, when I was younger I dreamt about playing there, so that is going to be a dream too.”
Graduate student guard Ariana Vanderhoop
On the transition to St. John’s…
“I think when I first got here the transition was pretty tough. Getting used to working hard everyday, playing at a higher level, the athleticism is completely different. It’s been smoother since I've been here since the summer. I’m buying into the playstyle and learning every day, asking questions. Everything is just smoother now, so, I’m ready.”
On being able to be a scorer …
“At my previous school, I’ve been in a role where if I wasn’t the main scorer, I was one of the main scorers, so it’s nothing new. Every day in practice [Coach Tartamella] keeps telling me to shoot the ball. I don’t think it will be a huge difference, I’m working on it every day in practice, and I can’t wait to show you guys. I don’t have to create as much for myself because I’m playing with higher-level players. Since they have such a bigger bag, my teammates make me open as well, so I’m getting somewhat easier shots.”
Freshman guard Janeya Grant:
On the biggest transition from high school to college…
“I think time management for sure. We have long days so its just making sure I get my school work done and still have time for practice and to get treatment.”
On having the support of the upperclassmen…
“I just know I have a big support system. I can come to them about anything if I have any questions, I can come to anyone about anything.”
Sophomore guard Jayda Brown
On being a role model for the new faces…
“I told all the freshmen, you can come to me for anything, especially for anything outside of basketball. Coming to college from high school is a big adjustment, so having someone to talk to, I try to be that for them. As far as basketball, I try to tell them things about the coaches, what they don’t like, what they do like, how to move. Just try to guide them in the right direction so they can get a good thing going.”
Junior guard Skye Owen
On being a leader on this team…
“I think being in this program for three years now will certainly help me because I know what is supposed to be done, what plays are supposed to be run and how we run those plays to get certain players shots.”
Graduate student guard Ber’Nyah Mayo:
On her role as a veteran on the team …
“Taking the newcomers and transfers in and helping the freshmen from last year understand the program at a deeper level., That will allow them to help the freshman who just came in. So far, it’s been good, just coming together as a team and understanding a common goal.”
On the motivation of making the NCAA Tournament this season…
“It’s extra motivation. You look around the room, most of us are returners. The motivation is at an all-time high, knowing last year we didn’t make it but this year we don’t want the same result. We want to be there. So the motivation this year, the motivation in practice, every day, just the understanding we have to get after it every day and can’t let any days go.”
Senior forward Phoenix Gedeon
On her mindset going into this season. …
“This year is a whole different team. I really do think I played a good role last year, and I think I’m going to come in trying to do the same thing as last year, but even more and play more into that role. There are places for improvement from everyone and I’m really excited for you all to see us play.”
Junior guard Jailah Donald
On what she looks to do for the team this upcoming season…
“This season, being on the floor, doing what’s best for the team – playing defense, offense, scoring, being able to get a stop. Just doing whatever needs to be done for us to win.”
Junior guard Tara Daye
On what leadership style she brings to the team…
“I like to lead by example, but I also like to know my personnel. I like to get to know all my teammates and I understand how to react to things differently. But because we have the same goal to win, everyone knows that I say something differently or act differently it is because of that passion.”