Amy Patton, a freshman guard on the NAU women’s basketball team, is one of the most highly touted recruits to play for the Jacks. Patton tallied many high school accolades along with being named Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior. She has already made an impact through her first seven collegiate games, leading the team with 17.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Here, The Lumberjack sits down with her as she talks about having her jersey in the Hall of Fame and her pregame rituals.

Matt Beaty/ The Lumberjack

The Lumberjack: When did you start playing basketball, and why did you start?
Amy Patton: I started when I was 3. My brother and my dad took me out a lot, and I used to just roll the ball because I couldn’t dribble it.

LJ: What factors encouraged you to come to NAU?
AP: It’s two hours away from [Tempe], so it’s close enough to home, but it’s not too far away from home. So if I wanted to go down, I could see my parents. And I like the weather; the weather is really nice.

LJ: So I read that you have your jersey hanging in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame?
AP: Oh I do. In my junior year, I got Gatorade Player of the Year, and they selected me to be in the Hall of Fame, so they have my jersey.

LJ: How does that feel?
AP: When I found out, I thought it was really cool, especially being a junior in high school. I was really excited, and it was really fun to hear that.

LJ: Who was your role model growing up?
AP: My brother, because he pretty much taught me everything I know about basketball.

LJ: On the court, who is your game most like?
AP: People say that I play like Kevin Durant. I don’t know who to compare myself to — they say I play like him.

LJ: What actress would play you in a movie about your life?
AP: Beyonce/Halle Berry because I look like them. Just playing (laughs). They just seem like they would do a good job. Even though they can’t play basketball — it’s okay.

LJ: What song are you currently addicted to?
AP: I always listen to “Be Without You” from Mary J. Blige before every game. It’s one of my favorite songs, and I like anything from Keyshia Cole and Maxwell.

LJ: Do you have any other pregame rituals?
AP: I have a necklace that I always wear when we shoot [pregame], and when we come out, I hold it; and after we do our huddle, I put it away.

LJ: Who would be in your dream starting five on the court, past or present?
AP: Candace Parker, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and Shaq.

Kevin Taylor (from previous JackChat): What did you do last summer?
AP: I went to Paris, France.

LJ: What question would you like to ask the next athlete on JackChat?
AP: If you could pick any other sport, besides the sport you play, which sport would you want to play?