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Freshman Kamra King has played a big part in making UTSA’s offense go this season. Through 13 games, she leads the team with 30 steals and ranks second on the squad in scoring (9.5 ppg) and assists (22). King recently took a break from her busy schedule to answer some questions for goUTSA.com.
How has the transition from living in Norman, Okla., to San Antonio been for you?
“It’s been a big change because Norman is more like a small town with not a lot going on and San Antonio is much bigger. I haven’t been all around San Antonio yet, just what is close to campus. It’s a big transition, but I like it so far. I like big cities.”
What are some of the goals you set for yourself this season?
“Being a freshman, I definitely wanted to play and continue to get better. As a point guard, I’m trying to keep the team under control and help make sure we play well together. Academically, I’m focused on doing my best and keep my grades up so I can continue to compete.”
You’ve had a chance to play both guard positions this season. What are some of the differences in those positions with this offense?
“Playing point guard is much harder and very challenging. The two-guard spot isn’t necessarily easier, but as the point guard you call the plays and make sure everyone is under control and in the right spot. There’s more pressure at the point, but it’s a good kind of pressure. Knowing the team is looking at me for what we’re going to do next even though I’m a freshman is cool.”
So far you’ve been one of the top free throw shooters on the team and in the Southland Conference. What’s your secret at the line? Do you have a routine?
“I just line up with the basket, get my feet set and put it up and over the rim. I tell myself, ‘I know I’m going to make this’ and I’m happy that, for the most part, that’s been the case this year.”
Along with your offensive play, we’ve seen you rack up steals and take charges on the defensive end. What’s your mentality on that end of the floor?
“As far as getting steals, a lot of that is just getting into good defensive position and anticipating the next move. Once you anticipate what they’re doing you just have to go get it. It’s the same with taking charges in a way. You have to be in the right place at the right time and set your feet. Taking charges really doesn’t hurt and it doesn’t bother me too much.”
Who is your favorite basketball player and do you try to imitate them in some of the things you do on the floor?
“I like Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns). He’s a really good point guard in that he can score, but he’s a great passer and handles pressure very well. He’s someone I look up to as a point guard.”
Your older sister, Sasha, plays basketball at Alaska-Anchorage. What’s it like to have a sibling playing college basketball, too?
“We can relate with each other because we are both point guards. When we play against each other at home she really pressures me and it helps me get better. Defensively, my hands are a little quicker than hers, so she works on protecting the ball from me. We help each other get better.”
You’re thousands of miles away from each other. Do you talk often and is it about basketball or just whatever is on your mind?
“We talk almost every day and we watch each other’s games on the Internet. We talk about what we did wrong and she’ll straight up tell me, ‘You need to get this together.’ We can talk to each other about anything.”
What was your best game in high school?
“It was probably my junior year in the semifinals of the state tournament. I had 33 points and a bunch of steals and assists. We won the game and moved on to the finals. Hopefully, I can have another game like that. I don’t have to score a lot of points, but I take pride in all those assists and steals.”
How do you relax in your time away from the court and the classroom?
“I like to sleep, chill and watch TV. I don’t really go out that often, but I do like to shop. I really like Law & Order and NCIS. They’re the best shows ever.”
What are you studying and what would you like to do with your degree in the future?
“I’m studying kinesiology and I’d really like to coach someday. It’s a good way to stay involved with the sport. I love basketball and I think coaching high school would be great. I can relate to kids and would like to help them prepare for college and beyond.”