Game Changer- A person who radically changes a situation or industry. An athlete that suddenly and dramatically changes the course, strategy and outcome of a game.
Ashley Owusu is a game changer.
Owusu has the IT factor. She can play any pace. In the open court, she attacks with relentless aggression. In the half court, she can set up your offense or create something out of nothing. She’s the definition of a playmaker. It’s no surprise that countless colleges were courting her.
During the first session of the GEYBL, we sat down with Ashley to discuss Paul VI, why the DMV has the best basketball in America, marketing in the WNBA, Why Maryland is the place to be and more. -Christian Mordi @thedribbledrop
TheDribbleDrop: You play at Paul VI, which is one of the best high school programs in America. Why is it the best fit for you?
Ashley Owusu: I knew it was the right place for me. When I went in for a “Student for a day” visit I felt at home. I loved the classrooms and everyone treated me nice.
I love my coach also. He pushes me to be the best player I can be everyday. I knew he was someone I would want to play for.
TheDribbleDrop: One word to describe Paul VI Basketball?
Ashley Owusu: Family. All of us are really close. We all get along on and off the court.
TheDribbleDrop: You guys have one three straight state titles. USA Today ranked 6th overall in the U.S. What do attribute to the success of the program?
Ashley Owusu: I personally take pride in making the players around me better. I think that has caught the attention of my teammates and it has spread across the program. We play together.
TheDribbleDrop: You guys play a rigorous schedule in the DMV, but you also take on national talent. Since you have played top tier talent across the United States, do you think the DMV has the best basketball in America?
Ashley Owusu: Yes, I feel like the DMV has the best basketball in America. I’ve played kids from all over and it’s nothing like a DMV ball player. We all also get together and play. We push each other to get better.
TheDribbleDrop: You play with the AAU basketball with Boo Williams. Tell me why that is an ideal fit for you and your style of play.
Ashley Owusu: I love Boo Williams. It’s a great program. A lot of the kids who play within the program also go pro, so they have a track record of success. I knew they would help me get to the next level of where I wanted to go.
TheDribbleDrop: You guys are on the GEYBL circuit. For those who don't know, tell us a bit about that? How is the level of competition?
Ashley Owusu: This is my 3rd year playing EYBL. It’s way different than playing regular EYBL. You see kids that are way bigger, faster and stronger on the EYBL than anywhere else. I love it. I love the rivalries and competition. One of my favorite teams to play is the Fairfax Stars, which is also from the DMV area. I also enjoy playing Team Takeover.
TheDribbleDrop: What is your favorite session date of the GEYBL?
Ashley Owusu: Nationals. I feel like by that point all teams have been together for awhile and they have gotten better. The last session is the most competitive.
TheDribbleDrop: Your ranked #8 in the class of 2019. Many would consider you a player with WNBA potential. Adam Silver recently talked about ways to improve viewership, for example extending the season deeper into the fall.
As a kid with professional aspirations, do you think the game is marketed well enough?
Ashley Owusu: I love watching the WNBA. My favorite player is Maya Moore. With that being said, I feel like they could put the players out there more. Sometimes I feel like people pull more for the boys side because they can dunk. I think the game has come a long way on the girls side and we should be behind it and appreciate the game.
TheDribbleDrop: If you were to highlight one facet of you game that makes you stand out what would it be and why?
Ashley Owusu: I think my ability to create my own shot. A lot of players are good within structure, but when it comes to creating something, they struggle.
TheDribbleDrop: Today you played in the 1st EYBL session at Boo Williams. Describe the pace of the game and how you guys played.
Ashley Owusu: It was amazing. We had a couple good matchups. My favorite game we played was against Pro Skills. The game went into double overtime. It was a good game.
TheDribbleDrop: You are committed to Maryland. Tell me why it was an ideal fit for you?
Ashley Owusu: I loved Maryland since day one. I loved the coaches and the campus. I knew it was a great fit. I love their style of play and I knew it would be a great fit. I didn’t want to wait and lead anyone on. I knew where I wanted to go.
TheDribbleDrop: So far Maryland has a class of 2019 that boasts yourself, Zoe Young, Diamond Miller and Faith Masonius. Do you think you guys have the best recruiting class in the nation?
Ashley Owusu: Yes! We’re coming.