Ayoka Lee — one of two Kansas State players brought to Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Days — had the opportunity to speak during the beginning “round table” discussion with other Big 12 athletes.
The conversation opened with questions surrounding the Redbull 3X Nationals tournament where Lee and three other teammates played in the three-on-three games in Springfield, Massachusetts.
#KStateWBB players @ranke_12 @cgoodrich02 @Yokie50 & @emileeebert6 will rep the purple & white in Springfield, Massachusetts, this weekend at the Red Bull 3X Nationals.
Details -> https://t.co/L6SQ1NCA2z pic.twitter.com/MZ0pdgo9uT
— K-State Women's Basketball (@KStateWBB) June 8, 2021
“It was a great experience just to be able to go to the Naismith Hall of Fame,” Lee said. “It was awesome just getting to do that and getting to compete against so many different talented people.”
Not only was the opportunity a great experience for her and her teammates, but Lee also said the tournament helped improve her game.
“The team three-on-three is something that we played all throughout the summer, all throughout the fall that we continue to play,” Lee said. “I think just continuing to develop my motor to look for shots and continue to score, just continuing to be active on the floor when there is so much more room, was something that definitely developed in my game.”
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Lee finished the past two seasons earning All Big-12 First-Team honors while averaging 30.1 points-per-game and 10.1 rebounds-per-game throughout her Wildcat career.
“This whole offseason has been about me getting more comfortable outside of the paint,” Lee said. “That has been kind of an emphasis not only on me but all of our bigs. Just adding that to our game in a way that feels more natural.”
The moderator also talked about Lee’s mindset for graduating in three years while continuing her education towards a master’s degree in couple and family therapy.
“I just really have a heart for being an athlete,” Lee said. “But also for the mental health side of it.”
Lee was also credited for her baking skills.
“Banana bread, yeah, I get a lot of requests,” Lee said. “One of my teammate’s birthdays is this week, so I’ll be making her some banana bread.”
With more content still to come, check back on The Collegian website for more updates surrounding the Big 12 Basketball Media Days.
