University of Maryland Athletics

Riley Nelson creative

Women's Basketball

Q&A with Riley Nelson

UMTerps.com sat down with Maryland Women's Basketball's Riley Nelson get to know her on and off the court. Check out her answers below as she gears up for the season.

What made you choose Maryland?
I felt it was a family atmosphere. I felt this place cared about my personal development and my player development the most also. I also wanted to continue this legacy and be a contender for a national championship. 

Are you the oldest, youngest, middle, or only child?
I'm the oldest - I have a younger brother. 

When did you start playing basketball, and what was your inspiration for starting?
My dad was an assistant coach at Penn State-Abington. I started playing AAU around third/fourth grade. 

What do you think your biggest strength is as an incoming freshman? What aspect are you hoping to improve on the most in your college career?
I'm willing to do whatever I can to help this team out. I think I can play a lot of different roles - wherever I'm needed. I'm just hoping to get experience here and learn from my teammates through playing. 

What type of music do you listen to before the game? Could you give us a suggestion?
I'm a Lil Baby fan. Sometimes Rod Wave just gets you in that mood also. Sometimes YoungBoy, sometimes Sexyy Red. 
  What is your favorite or most memorable moment from your high school career?
My junior year playing in the Maryland state championship game here [at XFINITY]. We lost the game, but it was just super cool to be in the atmosphere. 

Have you been able to connect with any of your new teammates? 
I'm learning from all of them, even the freshmen. They're all great teammates - they get on you, but they'll support you. We all want what's best, we all want to win the national championship, and we're all going to do whatever it takes to get us there. 

How have you been preparing for the transition from high school basketball to college basketball?
I actually transferred schools to prepare for this. I was at Clarksburg until senior year when I transferred to Bullis.

Are there any professional players that you look up to or try to emulate in your playing style?
I was a big EDD, Elena Della-Donne fan with the Mystics - I really look up to her. I also look up to Marissa Coleman and Alyssa Thomas. 

Outside of basketball, what are your hobbies and interests?
I used to play golf in high school. Also, Hawa and I just started playing NBA 2K, so we're on that 2K grind right now. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions that you follow? Any unusual ones?
I always play music before games to get myself in the right mood. 

Do you have any funny or interesting nicknames that your previous teammates or friends have given you?
Here, they call me Rhino. I have no clue what the reason is or who started calling me that. 

If you had to choose one basketball player, past or present, to be your teammate in a 2-on-2 tournament, who would it be and why?
Jason Williams. Only because there was a season when I was in high school when I just wanted to play like him and have that flair to my game with the elbow pass and behind-the-back passes. 

If you were to organize a team bonding activity or event, what would it be?
Amusement park because I am a big fan of roller coasters. 

Are there any unusual or unique skills or talents you have off the basketball court that people might not know about?
I actually love playing football - it's the first sport I played. I'm kind of good at playing wide receiver. 


 
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Players Mentioned

Riley Nelson

#2 Riley Nelson

G
6' 2"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Riley Nelson

#2 Riley Nelson

6' 2"
Freshman
G