Q-and-A With Jenee Graham

Jan. 16, 2005

hawkeyesports.com visited recently with freshman guard/forward Jenee Graham from Bolingbrook, IL. Here’s a piece of that conversation.

Do you have any pre-game rituals, and if so what are they? “I try to listen to music before every game, but it’s more of just something that helps me relax. I also chew gum during warm-ups.”

What is your personal and team highlight thus far as a Hawkeye? “I can’t think of a personal highlight, but for a team highlight I would have to say winning the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas. We had so much fun together and it was such a bonus to win.”

What’s the most difficult aspect about playing basketball at this level? “The competition is tougher day-in and day-out rather than just every once in a while.”

You started your first collegiate game at Michigan State. Did you view the start as any added pressure or just another game? “I attempted to view it as just another game, but I did have some added nerves.”

What is something people might not know about you? “My first name is Alytha, but I have always gone by my middle name which is Jeneé.”

Do you have any phobias, if so which one(s)? “I have an arachnophobia. I hate spiders of any type. They just look creepy and why do they have to have so many legs? I also have glossophobia, which is a fear of speaking in front of people.”

Is there any significance to your uniform number? “Since the seventh grade I was number 12, so I figured since I couldn’t have that I was just be 2 times 12.”

If you could be a guest star on any TV Show (past or present), which would it be and why? “I would say Martin because it is such a funny show. Or I would do Wheel of Fortune with my mom as a partner just because we are so good at it.”

What activities/hobbies do you do in your spare time or in the off-season? “I like to read and shop.”

What song would you sing to win a karaoke contest? “I think to win a karaoke contest I would sing a lullaby or something of that sort just because everyone likes lullabies.”

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? “I think I would pick Brazil because in pictures it looks so beautiful.”

What is the most bizarre food you have ever eaten? “Crocodile, frog legs, and conch. I like to try different types of foods.”