Exactly what she wanted

TAMPA, Fla. – Angie Bjorklund started every game except Senior Night in the first 31 games for the storied Tennessee women’s basketball team.

Cool.

The 6-foot freshman wing has come off the bench for the last six games.

Cool.

“No matter what my role, I need to help the best way I can,” she said. “Bird (Alberta Auguste) definitely earned (a starting spot). I have been inconsistent, especially defensively.”

Bjorklund doesn’t sound any different than her no-nonsense, team-first approach to basketball despite her individual accomplishments during her four years at University High School.

Well, maybe a little.

In less than a year she has picked up more than a hint of a southern drawl, which is part of the charm she has discovered in Knoxville.

“It definitely is an adjustment,” she said Saturday afternoon prior to the Lady Vols’ Final Four practice at the St. Pete Times Forum. “I feel like it’s a whole different world. I love it. The people are great, the southern hospitality you hear people talk about, I’ve been able to experience it first hand. People are so friendly and welcoming.”

To be ending her first season at the Final Four is what Bjorklund has prepared for in her single-minded pursuit of playing basketball at the highest level.

“I think all year I’ve been mentally prepared for this moment,” she said. “The coaches and upperclassmen know this situation so well, so there’s really no pressure. We have such a great team, we just have to come ready to play every second.”

Bjorklund enters tonight’s national semifinal of the NCAA tournament with Southeastern Conference rival Louisiana State averaging 8.8 points in 24.3 minutes in a season of adjustments.

She had a career-high 29 points against Arkansas but has been blanked twice. Three times she tied the school record with seven 3-pointers in a game but is only averaging 1.9 makes a game.

“It’s been kind of rough for me personally,” Bjorklund said. “I’ve had my good games and bad games. Hopefully, by next year I’ll get that consistency down as a scorer. That’s the great thing about this team, especially this year – someone steps up. That’s what makes us a great team. We’re so well rounded, everyone has their own their roles.

“I’ve learned a lot as a player and a person. Overall, it’s been a good experience.”

Bjorklund is also in the record book, tied for sixth with 68 3-pointers this season – 11 shy of second – and her 184 attempts is second. But when her shot disappeared in the SEC tournament, going 1 for 8 behind the arc, she had 10 assists and 14 rebounds. Then in her first NCAA tournament experience against Oral Roberts, she had a game-high 16 points, hitting four 3-pointers.

“I think Angie has had a really strong freshman year,” Tennessee coach Pat Summitt said. “Obviously, we’ve relied on her to stretch the defense and make some shots for us. We are a better team when Angie’s knocking down shots.”

As for Bjorklund’s defense, which earned her a seat on the bench, Summitt added, “I thought in our (regional final) Texas A&M game that was the best defensive segment she has played for us. As soon as Angie went in, they started running isolations and clearing out. I think that inspired her more than anything I’ve said to her all year. She took that as a challenge.”

When Bjorklund heard that she gave a fist pump.

“College basketball is a whole new level, especially defensively,” she said. “I always thought of myself as a decent defender, but I’m below average. I found that out right at the start. That was definitely a challenge for me. Something I really need to improve on. I’m still working on it, but I think I’m getting there. Texas A&M gave me a lot of confidence defensively.”

Another downside was superstar teammate Candace Parker ratting out Bjorklund on her nickname, Slowski, after the turtle family in a television commercial.

“They haven’t called me that in a long time,” Bjorklund protested.

“Angie has done a great job,” Parker said. “She’s a phenomenal player. She’s worked hard to grow her game. I feel like she’s done a great job settling into her role on this team. She’s very open, very accepting of criticism and positive remarks. She’s going to be a great player.”

Still, she’s living the dream she’s had since she first picked up a basketball.

“You’re still a little dreamy not knowing what is going on but as a freshman, no matter where you go, player or not a player, you’re kind of always lost,” she said. “At first it was a little struggle getting used to things. When the season started, playing with some of the best players in the country is amazing. Playing for Coach Summitt is everything I expected. It’s been pretty fun.”