Northwestern University Athletics
Welcoming Wildcats: Jasmine McWilliams
11/6/2020 12:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Get to know Jasmine McWilliams, one of our three first-year Wildcats! NUsports.com sat down for a Q and A with the guard from Indianapolis, Ind.
Q: What was the best game you ever played and why was it your best game?
Jasmine McWilliams: The best game I ever played was probably my junior year of high school. It was the Hall of Fame Classic, which is played in one of the biggest gyms in Indiana. We played Homestead and I had my first triple double ever. We ended up winning and the team played super well together. It was a really great experience, we got to be in the local newspaper and take a trophy home.
Q: What made you choose Northwestern?
JM: I felt that Northwestern had the best of both worlds. When I committed they hadn't won the Big Ten yet, but I could really see the potential in their team. Everyone was super nice and I really like the coaching staff. Plus the academics here will set me up for a great future. A mix of the team aspect, because honestly we're really good, and the great academics made Northwestern the best option for me.
Q: What are the biggest challenges adjusting to college level basketball?
JM: Probably the pace. In high school we don't have shot clocks, so you have a lot of time to decide what play you want to run or back things out and start over. In college you don't have that, so being able to get that one shot that we want and then making sure we get a rebound to get another shot was super stressful at first. That was definitely a big adjustment.
Q: What are you most excited about for this upcoming season, besides just being able to play?
JM: I'm really excited for the experiences. When you're in high school everyone talks about college, "you get to travel and see other campuses and really cool gyms." We didn't get to go to Spain this summer but I was really excited for that. Just to travel, go on a plane, be in other gyms and other states; I can't wait for that.
Q: Is there anything you're nervous about?
JM: I'm nervous about playing. I mean, I'm really excited and hopefully I do get to play, but if I do get in a game I actually get quite nervous. I've been playing for years and I know that I have to get in there and do what I do, but the first game and possibly being on TV, being in the spotlight, is kind of scaring me.
Q: What's the best thing about being a Wildcat?
JM: The overall family aspect of it. The team is really close and the coaches are very supportive. I just think that's a great thing to come from; to be able to say "I'm a Wildcat, I go here, I have these opportunities."
Q: Who is your funniest teammate?
JM: I think Jordan, she's hilarious.
Q: Goofs off the most at practice?
JM: … Jordan.
Q: Has the best tik tok account?
JM: Laya.
Q: What was the best game you ever played and why was it your best game?
Jasmine McWilliams: The best game I ever played was probably my junior year of high school. It was the Hall of Fame Classic, which is played in one of the biggest gyms in Indiana. We played Homestead and I had my first triple double ever. We ended up winning and the team played super well together. It was a really great experience, we got to be in the local newspaper and take a trophy home.
Q: What made you choose Northwestern?
JM: I felt that Northwestern had the best of both worlds. When I committed they hadn't won the Big Ten yet, but I could really see the potential in their team. Everyone was super nice and I really like the coaching staff. Plus the academics here will set me up for a great future. A mix of the team aspect, because honestly we're really good, and the great academics made Northwestern the best option for me.
Q: What are the biggest challenges adjusting to college level basketball?
JM: Probably the pace. In high school we don't have shot clocks, so you have a lot of time to decide what play you want to run or back things out and start over. In college you don't have that, so being able to get that one shot that we want and then making sure we get a rebound to get another shot was super stressful at first. That was definitely a big adjustment.
Q: What are you most excited about for this upcoming season, besides just being able to play?
JM: I'm really excited for the experiences. When you're in high school everyone talks about college, "you get to travel and see other campuses and really cool gyms." We didn't get to go to Spain this summer but I was really excited for that. Just to travel, go on a plane, be in other gyms and other states; I can't wait for that.
Q: Is there anything you're nervous about?
JM: I'm nervous about playing. I mean, I'm really excited and hopefully I do get to play, but if I do get in a game I actually get quite nervous. I've been playing for years and I know that I have to get in there and do what I do, but the first game and possibly being on TV, being in the spotlight, is kind of scaring me.
Q: What's the best thing about being a Wildcat?
JM: The overall family aspect of it. The team is really close and the coaches are very supportive. I just think that's a great thing to come from; to be able to say "I'm a Wildcat, I go here, I have these opportunities."
Q: Who is your funniest teammate?
JM: I think Jordan, she's hilarious.
Q: Goofs off the most at practice?
JM: … Jordan.
Q: Has the best tik tok account?
JM: Laya.
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
Players Mentioned
G
/ Women's BasketballFull Conversation: Carla Berube 1-on-1 Interview with Dave Eanet
Thursday, April 02
Women's Basketball - Carla Berube Introductory Press Conference (3/31/26)
Tuesday, March 31
Women's Basketball - Joe McKeown Postgame Recognition (3/1/26)
Monday, March 02
Women's Basketball - Purdue Postgame Press Conference
Monday, March 02
