FAMILY TRADITION

Natasha Brackett grew up watching her parents play basketball. Apparently, they set a pretty good example since taking up the sport at age 8, the 5'9" guard has elevated her game from the backyard to the competitive Southeast Conference, at Auburn University.

"I tried other things but basketball was always my first priority," Brackett said. "One of the main reasons I played was my parents. I watched them play when I was younger and I wanted to follow in their footsteps."

Last year Brackett, an exercise science major, helped the Tigers advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, earning All-SEC (second team) honors for the second time. The junior averaged 12.3 points per game this season.

"I would say I'm an unselfish player. I like to penetrate and get to the hole," she said.

Brackett dished out 71 assists during the regular season and grabbed 3.7 rebounds per game. She shot 75.3 percent from the line and hit 32-of-115 shots from 3-point range.

Starting at an early age, Brackett played with boys, which helped develop her skills and athletic ability. Today her game is built around penetration and getting to the basket.

"I used to play rec league with all the guys up until middle school. I guess that is where I got that mentality from," said Brackett. "A lot of the girls aren't used to the physical style. [Playing with guys] made me tougher and a lot quicker."

"Tougher" and "quicker" are two attributes required to play in the SEC.

"When you take it to the hole, you have to take it strong," she said.

One of Brackett's main goals is to win an NCAA championship while she's at Auburn. She has another year to get it done, and plans to do her part in the off-season by improving her jump shot. - Tony Burns

Copyright Ashton International Media, Inc. Jun 2004
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved