“I didn’t want to play basketball when I first started out. After I came home from my first rec league practice at 10 years old, my dad and he asked me how it was… I had to admit I loved it.”
Thank you basketball gods for allowing Emma to find joy in her first day on the floor.I guess Emma must’ve really loved the game, as Duerr has emerged as one of the best frontcourt players in the state. Emma is a strong rebounder and versatile offensive player. She has a wide array of moves down low and can consistently hit the mid range shot. Emma has emerged a matchup nightmare against many teams.
Recently we sat down with Emma to talk about her experience at Morris Catholic, new head coach Billy Lovett, her commitment to Tulsa and more. - By Christian Mordi @thedribbledrop on Instagram and Twitter.
TheDribbleDrop: If you were to use one word to describe your playing style, what would it be and why?
Emma Duerr: I’m a team first type of person, so I would like to focus on the team. I would describe our play as unified. I’m always focused on how we all look out there and if I do my part to push us forward in whatever way is needed than I know we will be good to go.
TheDribbleDrop: You play at Morris Catholic, tell us about your experience there.
Emma Duerr: I absolutely loved my time at Morris Catholic. From my freshman year they have welcomed me with open arms. Luckily we have been able to win a lot of big games over the past three years. The upperclassman took me under their wing and showed me how to win. The ups have always outweighs the downs and that’s what it’s all about.
TheDribbleDrop: You have a new head coach in Billy Lovett. Tell me about the dynamic of that relationship.
Emma Duerr: Well our AD asked us to sit in on the meetings and I loved his personality right away. He had a plan and he wanted to come in and help continue to build the legacy here. I clicked right away with him. Coach has done a great job in preparing me to make a successful jump to the next level. His playing style is different, but he’s done a great job of helping us adjust. He does a great job explaining everything. I think we are going in a great direction.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me one facet of your game your worked hard to improve on this off-season that you wanted to take to another level.
Emma Duerr: I have spent the past year and a half on extending my shooting range to the three point line. I know if I can hit the shot consistently I can make opposing players really uncomfortable out there.
TheDribbleDrop: What do you prefer at the point guard spot alongside you: A pure passing point guard that is looking to set guys up and knock down shots, or a pick and roll heavy, ball dominant guard who will hit you in spots to knock down shots?
Emma Duerr: I think I want the best of both worlds, but that is rare. If I had to choose I would say more of the Chris Paul blend.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me a moment when you saw a serious uptick in your recruitment?
Emma Duerr: The summer before my junior year was a really big summer for me. I played really well and that when I started seeing a lot more traction with programs. The spring of my junior year I began to narrow down my choices and then I made my selection.
TheDribbleDrop: You committed to Tulsa. Tell me why Tulsa was an ideal school for you?
Emma Duerr: It was the best fit for me athletically and academically. I took my time looking into all of the schools and I knew that was the one where I belonged.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me a personal and team goal for this year.
Emma Duerr: A personal goal would be to average a double double every game. A team goal is to make a deep run in the states.