July 31, 2009
Amy Beggin
UNM Media Relations
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — When Lobo fans see Jourdan Erskine play, they may be reminded a little of former Lobo Abby Letz. Erskine is one of those players that can guard the opposing teams best shooting guard, then when a sub is made she can guard the opposing teams best post player. She is one of those players that can give you points down low and also step out and hit the three point shot. Erskine brings athleticism, she brings strength and she brings versatility, all of which could be vital to the Lobos success this year.
Who: Jourdan Erskine
Height: 6-0
Position: Guard
Hometown: Saginaw, Michigan
High School: Saginaw Heritage High School
Trivia: Favorite movie: Remember the Titans; Would love to travel to: Berlin, Germany; Classes taken this summer: Music Appreciation and Public Speaking
When Erskine was in kindergarten, she would wait out on her driveway for the bus to come to take her to school just like all the other kids her age. But unlike the other kindergarteners who waited and played with chalk or played in the grass, Erskine would shoot baskets. She said her grandma would tell her to shoot 100 freethrows before the bus came, and Erskine did it every morning.
Although she is much taller and stronger now then she was in kindergarten, Erskine carries a lot in her lunch box. She brings a sweet stroke, strength down low, versatility and a team-first attitude.
“When people see me play I want them to say I am a hard worker, I am unselfish and I am a team player” states Erskine. “It doesn’t matter if I am a star, I just want to work together and win.”
That says a lot about Erskine’s character and the type of person she is. She is an 18 year old kid, just removed from high school, thrown into new surroundings, new workouts and a new culture, and all she talks about is her teammates. That’s special. But special could just be the type of player Erskine becomes.
With her athleticism and strength she is bound to cause a lot of headaches for opposing teams. She can guard a smaller player and match their quickness and she can guard a taller player and stay with them strength wise. On the offense end, she has a sweet stroke from deep, and she has some nice moves down low.
“Whatever this team needs, I am willing to do,” says Erskine. “If they need a rebounder, a versatile player, whatever is needed to be done, I am willing to do it.”
Erskine also carries that character with her off the court. She is someone who makes you feel good when you are around her. Someone who makes you laugh, someone who does things the right way, and someone who is an excellent role model.
She said when she’s not playing basketball, she likes to go up to North Michigan, and hang out with friends and family. Erskine is enjoying her summer at home, but said she is looking forward to starting her Lobo career in the fall.
“I am excited in having the coaches get me to the player I can be, getting to know all of my teammates and hopefully winning,” states Erskine.
Of course, when you have players like Erskine on your team, winning becomes a lot easier.
Continue to check www.golobos.com for more on the UNM women’s basketball team.