Ineivi Plata is on the verge of breaking the Saint Francis women’s basketball freshman single-season assist record. Troubadour Sports Editor Alex Crocco recently sat down for a conversation with the first-year point guard from White Plains, New York:
Q: Why did you pick Saint Francis?
A: I wanted to be in a different area than I was from. I found SFU a really interesting campus and I fell in love with it. I loved the way that they treated me when I came for my visit.
Q: What was it like playing in the New York high school basketball scene?
A: It was so much fun. There’s a lot of talent and everyone is really good – they know how to play basketball and how to read defenses.
Q: Saint Francis has already passed last season’s win total with four regular-season games to play. Even though you weren’t on the team last year, how meaningful is it for you to come in and see the team improve?
A: Our main goal is to go to a championship and win a championship. It’s just a part of the process.
Q: What are your personal and team goals for the rest of the season?
A: I just said it. My main goal is to get to the (NEC) championship. Personally, I don’t know, I guess to get more assists and to break the record.
Q: As a freshman, how important is it for you to get advice from the upper-class players, especially for a position as complicated as point guard?
A: I was prepared for this. I was just the next player to come in and do my job. I’m prepared for anything. I’m already used to pressure. I just want to do my part to get us into the (NEC) championship.
Q: You mentioned the freshman assist record earlier. What would it mean to break that record and go down in Saint Francis history?
A: It’s (passing the ball) my main job as the point guard. It would also give the message that I’m not a selfish player, that I’m looking for my shooters and any player that’s open. I’m not just looking out for myself. I’m looking for my teammates.
Q: Are there any players you try to model your game after?
A: No, not really. I’m trying to focus on the game and do what I can to get the win.
Q: So you don’t watch the WNBA or anything?
A: I do, but not that much. Actually, I’ll give you someone. I love how Paige Bueckers plays.
Q: What do you think about the Saint Francis home court advantage?
A: I think we have really good energy. It’s just a different environment. I love our band, the energy, everyone cheering for us.
