Recently named a Naismith finalist (which honors the best women's basketball player in the country), University of Florida guard Brandi McCain is one of the quickest players on the college courts this season. She also has the confidence to challenge any player in front of her.

After an injury-plagued season last year, she has been wowing fans and opponents for the past four months. Average 19.8 points per game, she has twice been named leads the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week this season. She is also averaging 4.4 assists per game this year.

She played high school ball for Coach Kim Albers at Silsbee High School in Texas, where she was named Gatorade Player of the Year for the state (in 1998). She also graduated in the top 10 percent of her class and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Gball: How did you get your start playing basketball?
McCain: I came home from school one day when I was in fourth grade and asked my mom if I could play. At first, she said, "No." She wanted me to stay with dancing. But soon, she changed her mind, and I started playing with the Little Dribblers, a team of all boys.

When did you think you had a chance to be good?
I made the all-star team of the league, and I was the only girl on the team. That's when I decided that I didn't just want to play, I wanted to be good.

How difficult was it for you to make it through your injuries last year, when you had a fractured fibula?
It was very frustrating for me. I had to go through a lot to get back onto the court and knock the rust off. But I never gave up on my dreams. I kept after it.

How difficult is it to play in the Southeastern Conference, where the competition is so good every night?
It's where I wanted to play from day one. You have to be ready every night. Hopefully, I'll play professional basketball and playing in the SEC prepares you for that, because you have to be ready every night.

Last week's Q&A was with Kelly Komara, who said you were the toughest player she's ever had to guard, because of your quickness. Have you always been that way?
Some people say I'm short (5-3), but I'm quick. I'm versatile. If you back off me, I'll hit the three, and if you come up on me, I'll go around you.

Your dorm room walls are filled with posters. Whom do you have up there?
I like small guards, and I take something from all of their games. I have Allen Iverson and Gary Payton for defense. I also really like Dawn Staley.

Has your height ever been a disadvantage for you?
My height is an advantage for me. The average ballplayer now is about six-feet, and you don't run across many people my height who can do what I do. I like to play against taller players, because I can get up under them on defense.

As a member of the USA Select team, in September you played against the US Olympic team in Hawaii to help them prepare for the Olympics. What was that experience like?
I like playing for USA Basketball. I want to play in the Olympics some day, and I know I have to pay my dues by playing on teams now. I learned from the Olympians when we played them--like how I have to put aside some (non-basketball) things to get better.

What brought you to Florida?
I wanted to play in the SEC, and of the options I had in that league, Florida was the best situation. I knew I could come in as a freshman and play a lot of minutes, because they were losing their guards. There's nothing better than that.

How do you balance academics and athletics?
At Florida, it's harder than in high school, because basketball is such a high priority. It's tough to balance it, but we have a lot of help. I have to keep my priorities straight. I have to put a lot of time into it and be careful to take care of business in both.

You're majoring in Visual Arts Studies. What's that about?
I originally wanted to do graphic design, but that would have been difficult with basketball. With Visual Arts, I can take a lot of different art classes and find out what I like. Right now, I'm thinking I'd like to work in photo computer art, maybe designing shoes for Nike or working for a magazine.

What are your post-collegiate goals?
I'm working toward the WNBA. It's nice that women have a chance to play professionally in this country. I could also see myself spending some time playing overseas, too, since most overseas seasons don't overlap with the WNBA.

What did it mean to be chosen a team captain as a sophomore?
When I was chosen captain, I decided I was going to lead by example. I think that says a lot. A lot of people talk, talk, talk, but others don't see you get it done. I was honored to be chosen captain, but you don't have to be a captain to go out and play hard.

What does it mean to be chosen as a Naismith finalist?
It means a lot, especially after my injuries last year. It shows that I didn't give up on my dream and that it has worked out.

Interview conducted by Michael Bradley.


Check out last year's q&a's by clicking here