Getting to know you...Marita Payne

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What is your favorite book?

“I like to read, however, during school I wasn’t allowed a lot of time for it so during the summer I would read. My favorite book that I just read is James Frey’s A Million Little Pieces. I heard a lot of the controversy surrounding it, but it really grabbed my attention. I like Harry Potter books as well.”

Who is your favorite basketball player?

“Being Australian I should stick with an Aussie and say Michelle Timms. I like the way she used to play. I think now I’d have to say Lauren Jackson. I also got the opportunity to play with Penny Taylor and I really like the way she plays. I love her athletic ability. She’s just a great person as well so those would be my top three. I’ve always looked up to Timmsy and Penny Taylor.”

Is this the first professional team that you’ve played with?

“I’ve only played in the World University games (in Turkey last summer) so I haven’t actually been on an Opals team (the Australian National Team) but I think in the future I would like to get the opportunity to play for the Opals or at least make the squad.”

What was your first impressions of Connecticut?

“Well, I was asleep on my way here. The limo driver woke us up and I saw trees, lots of trees, and not a whole lot after that then there was a massive casino in front of you. It was really beautiful to see the water outside. I really like the view but it’s completely different from what I’m used to seeing in Australia and living in Alabama (at Auburn). It's very flat, not a whole lot view-wise, I guess.”

Who is the player you most look forward to playing against and why?

“Margo Dydek. I’ve never stood next to her and never played against her so I want to see what that’s like. I think she would be incredible for me to get to develop under.”

Who is the player you most look forward to playing with and why?

“Lindsay Whalen. I got to watch her in college. I really enjoyed watching her and Jamie Carey on ESPN during tournament time when they were still playing. I think they’re both really flashy, really good at getting the job done, unselfish guards and I think those two will be awesome to play with.”

What would you be doing if you were not here at Sun training camp?

“Still in school. I wouldn’t have had to stress myself out with graduating. In fact, I have two more assignments that I have to hand in before May 1st. I need to get onto those at some point, if you would like to lend me a laptop...

I really had no idea what I was about to do so I’m glad that something came up because it has always been something that I had in the back of my mind as a goal. I guess I would have just gone back to Australia.

What is one thing you have learned since coming to Connecticut (not basketball related)?

“One thing I was scared of was how the veteran players would treat you when you first came into the locker room and I found it amazing how nice everybody’s been, really friendly girls. I feel like I’m amongst a good group of people. That’s always something that’s been important to me, being able to get along with your teammates. I feel like this is a good atmosphere already.”

Do you have any superstitions/pre-game rituals?

“I have to shave down before a game. I act like I’m a swimmer. Since I have been in America my last two years, I started to wear the long knee-high socks, too.”

What is your favorite basketball moment?

“During my junior year, we played Arkansas and I had a triple-double in the game. The zone that I was in and the excitement surrounding it was definitely a special moment for me. Then in Turkey for the World University Games, winning the bronze medal was amazing. Both of them put the up there on that level.”