Time for another installment of Auburn Women's Basketball Q&A Friday! In our second edition of "Meet the Newcomers," we check in with junior Kira Lowery. Kira is from Memphis, Tenn., and played two years of junior college ball at Dyersburg State CC in Dyersburg, Tenn., where she was named a third-team All-American in 2020, averaging 23.3 points and 4.0 steals per game to rank in the top three nationally in both categories.
What are you planning to major in?
Psychology with a minor in studio arts. I like taking pictures of people, the moon, the sky and all of that, I've got a good feel for it. I want to make it another passion.
Why did you choose Auburn?
They gave me an opportunity. I feel like how I play and how they want to play, I feel like we kind of just tied in together. I feel like I made the right choice. I feel like we are like a family already, and I just met them not too long ago. I'm comfortable here.
What was the recruiting process like this year?
It was up and down but when you know, you know. I knew that this was going to be the right school to push me to be my best at all times, academically and athletically. I feel like I made the right choice.
How/where do you see yourself fitting into the team this year?
I am a fast guard, I know they want to play fast, so I want to be able to push the ball and make the right plays for my teammates. If I'm not playing, I know I am going to be a good cheerleader for my teammates. I can see myself in any situation, I just want to bring in the right energy, the right attitude, and have a good season this year.
Any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I just have to listen to music. If I don't listen to music then I just feel off. Usually rap but maybe a little bit of R&B.
What's something people don't know about you?
I'm really funny. I come off quiet because I'm an introvert, but once you get to know me I'm really funny and chill. People probably don't see a lot of expression out of me yet because I am new here, but when we get to be around each other more, I feel like they'll see a lot of goofiness out of me.
How are you adjusting to being on the team and getting to know your teammates despite the circumstances?
We chat amongst ourselves before practice or after practice in the locker room. I think we click really well, we have a great group of young women, I love them.
When did you start playing basketball?
I picked up the ball when I was 4 but I starting playing when I was 6.
What sport would you play if you weren't playing basketball?
Softball. I played softball growing up, I was a pitcher for two-and-a-half years. My arm was always hurting from pitching, I didn't like that so I had to give that up.
What's the biggest basketball highlight of your career?
I won offensive player of the year at my junior college this past season. I was also named third-team All-American.
Is there a player you model your game after?
I would say Dwayne Wade. He was the mid-range king, I feel like now in basketball you have to be able to make the 3, but he was so good at the mid-range it didn't even really matter. I am kind of like that too, I really don't care for 3's. I'll take it, but I would rather be mid-range.
What was it about Coach Flo, her staff and her style of basketball that was appealing to you?
She is really defense-oriented, and I love playing defense, so that's how I fell in love with her by how she wants to play. The coaching staff brings a lot of energy, I love that, they're always positive. Of course they're going to get on us, but I know it's only love.
How do you feel your junior college background will benefit you this year?
Experience. I come from a losing background and winning. When I say losing, I don't mean I am going to come here and help them lose, but I know how to get over that hump. I feel like that will help.
Quick hits:
Favorite movie: After
Favorite food: Seafood & pancakes – not together though
What are you listening to on repeat right now? Anything Toosii.
What did you binge-watch during quarantine? Bates Motel. Unique (Thompson) put me on that.