Catching Up with Naz Hillmon
7/24/2018 5:55:00 PM | Women's Basketball, Features
Freshman Naz Hillmon was on campus to work youth camp before heading back out to Colorado to start training camp for the USA Basketball U18 team. After just missing out on making the U16 team two years ago, Hillmon grabbed a spot on the U18 team during tryouts back in May. Hillmon talks about what she expects during her USA Basketball experience, why she picked Michigan and her possible future in the medical profession.
Q: Let's travel back to May when you were first out at USA Basketball. How did you find out you made the team and what was your immediate reaction?
A: When it was time to find out who made the team, they took all thirty-something of us into a room. They talked about how well we did and how thankful they were that we came out there because no one has to go to the tryout. They start telling us who made the team in alphabetical order by last names. They are getting close to the H's and I started getting really nervous because I remembered this feeling from two years ago not getting called. They said "Naz" and finished my name; it was super exciting. Just to know after two years since the last time I was out there, I worked harder and they saw that. They think I can contribute to this team and make a difference. It was an amazing feeling.
Q: What is your schedule with USA Basketball?
A: For a week, we are going to practice and train out there. They will bring in some practice players and we will scrimmage, too. We will have a team event so we can get to know each other. Then we will head down to Mexico for a week. We are going to Mexico City and will have a scrimmage against Canada for sure, maybe a few other ones. We will then start the tournament, play a few games, have a day off and then the playoffs.
Q: How excited are you for the opportunity to represent your country?
A: I am super excited; I can't really even put it into words. At this point, it still doesn't feel real. I have never been in this position before, playing with the best players from all over the country. I know it will help me for when I get to Michigan after it is over. Â
Q: What is your focus heading to training camp and playing for USA Basketball?
A: I just want to take everything in. I am trying to not be too rattled about it. I made this team for a reason and know the coaches that we have are excellent. My teammates are great, too, just from seeing them at the tryout. I want to relax and take it one step at a time.
Q: How would you describe your game?
A: I would say I am a post player not quite the size of Hallie Thome, but I make up for it with my motor. I try to do a lot of rebounding, both offensive and defensive. I am still developing my jumper but it is coming along.
Q: Why did you pick Michigan?
A: There are a lot of reasons. Michigan has great academics, and I came from a high academic high school. There is a great feeling of "home" here. I am a big family person and every time I came here, the coaches and players make you feel like family. I could see how close the girls are with the coaches and with each other. It is also only three hours away from home, which is always a plus!
Q: You won a state championship in high school and left as your school's all-time leading scorer. What were you most proud of during your high school career?
A: I think just leaving a legacy there. A lot of times when people talk about Gilmour, I am associated with it. That is an awesome feeling. Even outside of basketball, knowing that I had a positive impact on that school is amazing.
Q: You have not really been able to be in Ann Arbor much this summer, but have come up a few times. What are your first impressions of the team and coaches?
A: Everyone is so awesome. I love to laugh and this is a hilarious group. It is awesome to see the senior leadership on this team, especially Nicole (Munger). She is meeting us halfway all the time to pick us up and make sure everyone is where they are supposed to be. She is always in the gym, even when she doesn't have to be. Knowing that we have people, not just the coaches, who are willing to step up and lead us somewhere is great to have. We talk about being Big Ten champions every practice and it is good to have someone leading the charge.
Q: Do you have any idea what you want to do after you graduate from Michigan?
A: I am not positive. I am thinking about something in medicine at the moment, like a dermatologist or a pediatrician. That may change but for right now, I am thinking something in the medical field.
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