From the killer crossover to the up-tempo playing style, Shanae Baker-Brice models her game after NBA superstar Allen Iverson. She even wears his No. 3 jersey.
Radio announcers often make the comparison, simply because of the Towson University guard?s playing style. But Iverson is Baker-Brice?s favorite player.
“The first thing that jumps off the table to you is her athleticism,” Towson coach Joe Mathews said. “It?s kind of like the old adage ? speed kills. She?s extremely quick.”
Baker-Brice has been non-stop as a freshman for Towson, leading the Tigers to a 16-6 record heading into Sunday?s game with Georgia State. With a few additions and a much healthier team, this year?s Tigers are turning the program around.
“We?re more up-tempo,” Mathews said. “A lot of that is generated by Shanae. Our makeup has changed dramatically in the last several years.”
Baker-Brice, who was heavily recruited out of Theodore Roosevelt High in Washington, D.C., entered Towson with the understand that she would redshirt her first year to get adjusted to college life.
“It was real hard ? really hard,” Baker-Brice said. “I love the game of basketball, but to sit on the bench was really hard. I think I did cry a lot because I couldn?t play.”
Now she?s putting that emotion into the game. She leads the Tigers in scoring at 15.4 points per game and tops the team in three-point shooting percentage at 30 percent. She?s also second on the team in steals and assists.
“The more you watch her play, her heart is what jumps out at you,” Mathews said. “She?s just so competitive. When the game?s on the line, she wants the basketball. She wants the chance to take her team to another level.”
The team is approaching a 23-year-old program record of 19 wins. With six regular-season games remaining, the record is within reach.
“I think it would mean a lot,” Baker-Brice said.
So too, would a Colonial Athletic Association rookie of the year award. But, like any freshman, she?s quick to thank her teammates.
“I?d be real happy about it,” Baker-Brice said. “But I couldn?t do it without my team.”
BAKER-BRICE FILE
» Age: 19
» Height: 5-foot-6
» Hometown: Washington, D.C.
» Did you know? Baker-Brice had her jersey retired at Theodore Roosevelt High ? Led the Rough Riders to a city championship in her senior season ? Averaged 24 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and six steals per game in her senior year.
