4SHOT Sports

Street Talk - "L.A."
Street Talk / Jasmine Duffy
By "L.A." - Street Talk
Jan 10, 2006, 06:32 EST

L.A. “Keeping It Real” with Jasmine Duffy

A few years ago a 6-5 freshman hit the halls of Jonesboro High School and stirred up a buzz that could be heard around the state. Now that freshman is a 6-7 senior High School All-American that college recruiters around the country want to get their hands on,,,her name Jasmine Duffy and Steet Talk caught up with her between classes at Jonesboro High School.

L.A.: Jasmine, it’s good to meet you. I just want to let you know that I went all the way to Colorado Springs to the USA Women’s Youth Festival expecting to see you there since your name was on the roster.

Jasmine: (smile) “I know I wanted to be there but I had not been medically released to play at that time.”

L.A.: How did it make you feel when you were invited to participate in the festival against some of the top players in the country?

Jasmine: ”I was shocked!”

L.A.: “Really, why you are one of the top 10 seniors ranked by 4SHOT Hoops and widely considered one of the best players in the country?”

Jasmine: “I’ve been to other places to play but I never thought I would be invited to something like the USA Festival.”

L.A.: “Well with your talent and potential don’t be surprised by those types of invites if anything look forward to them and be eager to and show off your skills. So how did you feel about it?”

Jasmine: “I was really excited, I guess I really didn’t mean that I was shocked but something I wanted to happen.”

L.A.: “I understand that you played AAU ball with the Georgia Metros (which included Maya Moore, Kelly Cain and Amber Hout just to name a few) and they could have used you at the Nike Nationals especially in the semi-finals against the family and their H.S. All-American 6-5 Amber Harris who has committed to Purdue.”
Jasmine: “Yes, I know”

L.A.: “Who have been some of the most influential people in your life”?

Jasmine: “My family, some of my friends, teachers and some of my coaches.”

L.A.: “How long have you actually been playing basketball?”

Jasmine: “Since I was about 3 or 4 years old?”

L.A. “Because you were so dominated in Middle School when you came to Jonesboro the expectations were so high, people were expecting you all to win regional and state championships right away. Have you felt that pressure?”

Jasmine: “Somewhat, because I’ve been here 3 years and have yet to get a state championship ring. I really didn’t want to come to Jonesboro at first. The first thing I told Coach was that I was coming here to win a state championship and I want to leave with one.”

L.A.: “What other schools were you thinking about going to?”

Jasmine: “Morrow High School. I played at Morrow Middle School and thought that I would be going to high school there.”

L.A.: “Your freshman and sophomore year’s you all had really good teams, what happened, why didn’t you all get it done?”

Jasmine: “We were good both of those years. My sophomore year we went undefeated the whole season and lost in the playoffs.”

6-7 Jasmine and 6-5 Jawana give Jonesboro a dynamic pair of Twin Towers.

L.A: “Now when you got here the expectations where high and now that your little sister (6-4 sophomore, Jawana), excuse me at 6-4, I mean your younger sister who was also highly regarded out of middle school is here did the pressure increase to get a state championship and how does the team look this year?”

Jasmine: “There is no way we shouldn’t win that championship this year. I have confidence that we can get it done this year. It’s my last year so we have to do it.”

L.A.: “What has been one of the most disappointing moments or times so far in your career?

Jasmine: “My surgery, having to sit out most of last year and during the summer was real disappointing.”

L.A.: “What about some of the high points in your career so far?
Jasmine: “Last year we had a winners takes all game against North Atlanta, the game decided who would make it to the state playoffs. During the year we split our 2 games each of us won at home. Everyone stepped up and we won the game.”

L.A.: “What do you think you need to do to get yourself ready for the next level of basketball?”

Jasmine: “Weights”, I think that’s going to hurt me at the next level. I’m not really use to them, I mean I lift weights but talking to college coaches I know I don’t lift them the way they do in college.”

L.A.: “You have been playing the center position all of the time in high school but you move around like you could be a forward at the college level. Have the college recruiters talked to you about the positions you would be playing?”

Jasmine: “A lot of them don’t really want me under the basket because they see I can put the ball on the floor and can shoot the ok.”

L.A.: “What position would you like to play?”

Jasmine: (laughing) “Anywhere, just put me on the floor.”

L.A.: “Jasmine, Thank you for your time, your not as quite as I thought you were.”

Jasmine: (laughing)” Your welcome.”

If you want to “Keep it Real" on Street Talk …holla at me

This is Larry “L.A.” Williams …PEACE!