University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Meet the Bulldogs: Junior Ja'Da Brayboy
11.09.2015 | Women's Basketball
The UNC Asheville women's basketball team tips off its 2015-16 season at East Tennessee State Friday, Nov. 13. As an opportunity to “Meet the Bulldogs,” one student-athlete will be highlighted each day leading up to the start of the season. Today's featured Bulldog women's basketball player is junior Ja'Da Brayboy.
A 5-6 guard, Brayboy has played in all 62 games in her Bulldog career. Her career high of 21 points came against Bluefield (Nov. 26, 2013).
UNCABulldogs.com recently sat down with Brayboy.
Junior
Charlotte, N.C.
Major: “Health and wellness and minor in psychology.”
What nicknames do you have? “J, my family calls me BB, team calls me Jeezy Hoops.”
What is your favorite part about UNC Asheville? “I like the intimate relationships, the team is very close. The scenery is real nice and I like the homey feel of it too.”
Why did you choose Asheville? “I liked the campus definitely, it was nice and small. I like the classroom size and you can definitely get a one on one with the professors. Of course the coaches, the coaches were amazing and the team was awesome too.”
What are you most looking forward to this season? “Everything. I'm just ready to get started.”
How long have you been playing basketball? “I started off doing gymnastics and ballet. I didn't really start playing basketball seriously until I was probably about 10. I'm 20 now, so 10 years.”
Who has been your biggest basketball influence? “I would have to say my brother. He's the reason why I started playing basketball. I used to always go to his basketball tournaments and I would shoot at halftime. One day his coach was like 'you really should start playing basketball' and it went from there. I dropped gymnastics and ballet for basketball.”
Do you have a favorite saying from Coach Mock? “There's a lot, it's hard to choose. 'Oh hell's bells.'”
All-time starting five, who would you want on your team? “LeBron, LeBron, LeBron, me, and me. Three LeBrons, two mes.”
What are three things you can't live without? “Food is number one, I love food. Number two would be my family, God included. Number three would be ESPN.”
What's your favorite food? “Japanese, any kind of Japanese.”
If you could max out your credit card at one store, what store would it be? “Can I choose like five? One store would have to be Nike.”
Do you have a favorite class you've taken here? “Functional anatomy with Dr. Rhode.”
When I'm not on the basketball court, I am… “I am probably watching ESPN, or Food Network or taking a nap.”
Do you like to cook then? “I don't like to cook. I just like to watch food.”
What's something most people may not know about you? “That I did ballet for 10 years and gymnastics, hip-hop and jazz dance.”
Are you a good dancer then? “I would say so.”
Are you the best on the team? “Mmm I'm probably top three.”
When's the last time you took a selfie? “I don't really take selfies. My phone is full of selfies from teammates though, that is for sure.”
