It's time for another Q&A Friday with Auburn women's basketball! Today we check in with junior Keya Patton, a transfer from Wabash Valley CC in Illinois. Patton, a native of Indianapolis, was a two-time All-American at Wabash Valley, and she averaged 20.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.9 steals as a sophomore.
Where are you from, and what's your major?
I am from Indianapolis, Indiana. I am a junior majoring in psychology. I want to change my major to business because I want to have my own business. I am really in to food and food channels, so I want to have my own restaurant.
What kind of restaurant?
I don't want it to be one thing, like of course you have the classic American, Soul food, etc. but I want there to be different things.
Why did you choose Auburn?
My connection with the coaches. They sold me on the education and the [Auburn] experience.
Can you talk about the decision to transfer to Auburn?
It was definitely a huge decision. Being here is definitely different and it has been a whole new experience. Definitely a great opportunity so I knew this would be my best choice in terms of transferring. The school I transferred from was a two-year institution, so I had to transfer either way. I had a lot of schools to pick from, but Auburn was the best fit for me.
What was it about Coach Flo and staff and program that appealed to you?
I talked to Coach Ty (Evans) every day before he left. Again, they sold me on the family feel and the education. They painted the perfect picture.
So far, has your experience lived up to the picture the staff painted when you were looking at the program?
Oh yeah. It's harder than I thought it would be, but it is exactly like they said it would be.
How do you see yourself impacting this team? What do you see your role being?
I feel like I am going to have to step into a leadership role as an upperclassman, although being a transfer. I feel as though coach expects me to come in and not really take charge but help her out on the back end. I'm a point guard so our relationship is going to be important so that I am able to lead the team how she wants me to.
What are you looking forward to most about your Auburn experience?
Definitely basketball. I really can't wait for the season to start. I am excited to see other sports too. We weren't able to go to the first football game, but I'm looking forward to going to those, too.
How did you get started playing basketball? How long have you been playing basketball?
I started playing in sixth grade. It is hard to say years because it kind of just happened. I just picked it up because my brothers played, and it stuck with me.
When did it become serious? When did you know you were going to do this in college?
Middle School. I started training every day and I changed my diet. As a seventh grader, I had a really intense workout plan. And I thought, if I can stick with this then I could actually make something out of it. I played on an AAU team and played up with older girls, so I didn't really get to play but I got to see and experience all the games and stuff. We were a good team but never won anything. We won games but not championships. It's okay to win games but if you don't win championships then it's just like 'eh'. They ended up breaking the two teams apart and my team started to take it seriously. When we got our own teams, we could decide what goes on instead of sitting in the back room with upperclassman or high schoolers that couldn't do it. We ended up doing really well and sadly lost in the championship, but we made it and they never ended up making it.
Is there a player or athlete that you look up to?
Maya Moore. I think she is hands down one of the best players that has ever played the game. And she just recently left to help people get out of jail. She actually helps people and is more than just a basketball player to me. And then I love LeBron James, too.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
I used to have to eat Wirheads before every game. I don't know, it was a mind thing. I would only eat the blue ones though. I would have to take a nap before every game and then workout 30-45 minutes prior to us getting out on the floor and warming up just so I can wake up.
What are some of your favorite movies or TV shows?
Friends is my favorite TV show. I've watched it like four times. And then my favorite movie is probably White Chicks.
What is your biggest goal ahead of this year? For yourself and for the team?
For me, I want to make a name for myself. It is my junior year, so I want to get in. For the team, the SEC championship. I know this is a really, really tough conference. And then of course the NCAA championship, but we have to take steps.
What is your post Auburn goal (with basketball and/or your major)?
I don't know. Going to the league would be something fun to do but sometimes I think I have played so long maybe I should get into the normal world. If that opportunity came along, I would definitely take it, but I'm not going to be too caught up if I didn't make it. I also want to do things for my community. I am interested in putting in or creating a safer area for the community to give them more opportunity. I have seen lots of kids my age die or get hurt from gun violence, so if we could reform our area, space it out and give people new opportunities and living areas it would be better.
If you could sit down and have dinner with any Auburn Legend who would it be and why?
DeWanna Bonner. She played at Auburn and she plays in the league now for the Connecticut Sun. I would want to know how to get to the league. She has been there for quite some time so I think she could help me out with a few things.