Whether it’s the glint in her eye or the smile that
stretches across her face, it’s clear to anyone watching UCLA
women’s basketball just how much Nikki Blue loves the
game.
In fact, it’s almost magic.
Blue probably wouldn’t mind the label either. Surely
it’s no coincidence that the freshman guard wears No. 32 on
game days since she watches clips of Lakers legend Earvin
“Magic” Johnson on a nearly daily basis.
“I think he is the greatest player ever,” she said.
“He’s flashy, it’s like Showtime. When I was
younger I used to model my game after him, and I think my game has
a little bit of him in it.”
Blue certainly has the same unmistakable passion and
showmanship, both of which were major reasons the All-Star
Girl’s Report named her the No. 6 prep player in the nation
last year. Considered by some to be the best combo guard in her
senior class, she averaged 29 points a game and was named to the
McDonald’s All-American team.
Everyone who knew Blue knew what she would bring to a college
team.
Not surprisingly, Blue was courted by schools like perennial
NCAA champion University of Connecticut. Nonetheless, she shocked
many by turning down the Huskies to attend UCLA, which is closer to
her home town of Bakersfield.
“Many people think I’m a fool for not going to UConn
but I have no regrets whatsoever,” Blue said. “This
seemed like home to me.”
She sure acts like it. With her performance thus far, Pauley
Pavilion could just as well be the court where she first learned to
play the game.
“She’s played beyond her years,” head coach
Kathy Olivier said. “She’s come in here and done a very
good job for us.”
In last weekend’s game against No. 20 Washington,
Blue’s ability spoke for itself as she netted a career-high
35 points to break UCLA’s school record for freshmen.
Blue has developed into one of the Pac-10’s most dynamic
players, averaging 18.8 points per conference game. She has become
a threat for the Bruins both from the perimeter and in the paint,
and her scoring average is second only to that of senior Michelle
Greco, the Pac-10’s leading scorer.
“I knew I was going to be a major contribution to the
team,” she said. “Honestly I didn’t think I would
be the big go-to player that I am.”
But just like Magic, she brings more to the court than just
strong basketball skills. Her flair brings crowds to their feet
when she sinks baskets or hits teammates in transition with no-look
passes. It’s no surprise that she is one of a handful
candidates in the running for the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year
Award.
“People enjoy watching me play, just like they enjoy
Magic,” she said. “He made crowds come, and
that’s what I’m trying to do here.”
She’s on her way to doing exactly that. Coming off a
disappointing 8-19 overall record last season, the Bruins started
this season with a six-game winning streak and are currently 12-9
overall and 7-5 in conference play.
Part of the fresh blood in this year’s freshmen class,
Blue has surpassed expectations on the court ““ and her
attitude toward the game points to the potential she holds for the
program’s future.
With seniors Michelle Greco and Natalie Nakase graduating after
this season, next year’s squad will be in need of a leader
that can guide the team both on and off the court. Blue appears
ready to take on the challenge.
“Someone’s going to have to step it up … and I
think Nikki will definitely be one (to do so),” Olivier
said.
Driven to succeed, Blue is setting her sights towards not only
leading this team but playing professionally as well.
“I’m just very confident,” she said. “I
think I can do anything and be anything I want to be.”