Baylor’s Brittney Griner culminated her stellar collegiate career this past week not only being selected as the number one draft pick for the WNBA Phoenix Mercury, while also fielding the consideration of an NBA draft slot when Mavericks owner Mark Cuban spoke of the possibility. Griner is known for her tremendous mental game of basketball as well as her amazing dunking ability setting the NCAA record of 18 in 2013. The overall #1 WNBA choice came as no surprise even though Brittney relished the significance and basketball mental toughness required for success at the professional level.
“It’s humbling, it’s a true honor to be a part of this league,” Griner allowed. “It’s a dream come true. I feel like a little kid in Disney World for the first time. I definitely felt like I was going to have a heart attack.” She was also considered the #1 high school recruit when she came out of Houston in 2009 to play for the Lady Bears of Baylor.
Griner’s understanding of basketball psychology aided her tremendous athletic ability, and she constantly speaks of pushing herself with new challenges or goals. When asked about the possibility of playing in the NBA, Griner’s mental toughness and competitive attitude never waivers, “I’m not going to back down; I’m going to push the envelope. There would be a lot of scrutiny, I know that. Just after Mark Cuban saying he’d give me a shot and me saying I would do it, I’ve heard a lot of hurtful things, things I won’t repeat.”
Learning to deal with hurtful scrutiny is nothing new for the 6’ 8” Griner who spoke of feeling bullied as a child for her height and shoe size. The ability to eliminate negative distractors while maintaining a positive mindset is crucial to the mental game of basketball, and Griner epitomizes a player looking at the overall bigger picture, her impact on the sport, and also on those younger players who look to her as a role model.
Recently, she came out publicly as being gay, which may have shocked some, yet Griner continued to turn the situation into a positive opportunity. “It really wasn’t too difficult. I wouldn’t say I was hiding or anything like that. I’ve always been open about who I am and my sexuality. So it wasn’t hard at all. If I can show that I’m out, and I’m fine and everything’s OK, then hopefully the younger generation will definitely feel the same way.”
In the next couple months before the NBA draft in June, Griner will maintain focus on her role with the Mercury. Her mental preparation for the game continues to grow as well as finding her new role on the team. Expectations are extremely high on her overall impact to the game of basketball. Former WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes offered this in her assessment of Griner, “I think what Brittney Griner alone can bring has never been done in women’s sports”. There is no doubt that she is determined to find success on the hardwood, but also takes her legacy seriously when comprehending the influence she has over younger players.
When asked about hearing of Cuban’s interest in her, Griner responded, “First, when I saw it, I was like, ‘Yeah, let’s go! I’m there!’ But first thing’s first – WBNA. I just want to make that clear, that’s priority, that’s first. If I get a chance to go and try out with the big boys, hey, I’m going to do it. I’ve never shied away from a challenge. I’ve always been the girl to push the envelope. I remember my mom dressing me up in a dress and I’m going outside climbing trees… But if somebody doesn’t push it, who will? We’ll be stuck, just right here in the same spot. That’s what I want to do. I want to push the envelope and open up doors for the younger girls to be able to have the same opportunities and be able to do things and not get criticized for doing it and for not being ‘the girl.’ I don’t understand what ‘the girl’ is”.
Make no doubt that Brittney Griner will find success in professional basketball. Her athleticism, integrity, and overall mental toughness speak volumes about her abilities, both on and off the court.
