No. 25 Arkansas at Alabama
When: 7 p.m., Thursday
Where: Coleman Coliseum
Records: Alabama 12-8, 2-5 SEC; Arkansas 16-4, 4-3 SEC
TV: SEC Network+
Radio: 1230 AM, 100.1 FM
By Nadia Isaac
Special to Tidesports
Becoming a college basketball player is every high school player’s dream, and with a family of athletes leading the way, Megan Abrams had exactly what she needed to reach that goal.
Abrams has four cousins who were collegiate athletes. Darnell Lazare played basketball at LSU, Kerrilyn Lazare played volleyball at Louisiana, Braylon Lazare played basketball at Louisiana, and Cameron Lazare played football at Northwestern State. Abrams’ decision to play basketball was hugely influenced by her cousins’ success.
“My family is a basketball family. I have a lot of cousins that play college basketball at LSU and UL back at home in Louisiana,” Abrams said. “I think following them and wanting to follow in their footsteps is what led me to play basketball.”
Abrams and the Crimson Tide take on Arkansas on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Coleman Coliseum.
With a huge influence coming from her family, she also looked to famous NBA players to shape her game. NBA star Derrick Rose is one of Abram’s biggest influences and helps shape how she practices and plays the game.
“I grew up watching Derrick Rose,” Abrams said. “His intensity and drive is something I always looked at growing up. Watching Derrick Rose finish is where I got my slasher mentality from.”
Watching Rose play helped Abrams gain a skill set that helps her to be a successful college player. Alabama head coach Kristy Curry praised Abrams for her intangibles and her ability to lead the team.
“Megan is amazing with just the basketball IQ and she is extremely smart. She understands both sides of the ball, free throws, inbounds, special situations. It is just he basketball IQ that sets her apart,” Curry said. “She’s a great leader for us because not one day does she not come to work. She practices like she plays, extremely hard.”
Abrams’ IQ isn’t limited to the court. Last year she was a part of the 2019 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll.
“She’s got nearly straight A’s in finance and is amazing off and on the floor with just her ability to adapt quickly,” Curry said.
