Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

[chosenone58]

Preciate it fam, trying to be like you

It's a new era in Philly, hopefully

Summer league just the prequel to the sequel

[kibaxx7]

Get that contract!

[The JZA]

Get that contract!

We need that big one

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

ONE ON ONE WITH KHYRI BLU

It was just a year ago, the young star from the University of Southern California was returning to basketball for her senior year campaign. Juggling paperwork, spending majority of her free time practicing, Khyri Blu went from second string point guard Trojan to a Seattle Storm champion in less than a year. "If you had told me that I would be in the WNBA right now as a proud champion, I'd call you crazy".

But it wasn't all that crazy. With Cheryl Ford (2003) and Maya Moore (2011), Khyri Blu adds her name to a exclusive list in the WNBA, being the third player to win the Rookie of the Year award in a championship season. If that wasn't good enough, she takes it a step further, winning the Sixth Woman of the Year, netting her-self two individual awards and a ring. Not only that, she found her-self breaking and tying franchise and league records of old and recent. It's nearly unheard of that a WNBA player earned this much success in one year. But whatever happens in the remaineder of her career, it's safe to say that Khyri left her mark.

USA TODAY Sports caught up with the star rookie-now sophomore as she soaks in her first year in the WNBA.

You are 22 years young, and have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. Usually, the first year is the year for adjustments. How did you ease your-self in so well into the Storm's system and being able to accomplish all you have?

Blu: Oh, wow, truth be told, I really don't know how it all worked out this way. Everything just happened so quickly, things fell into place one after another. I mean, I still feel like I'm dreaming all of this. It's like, one day, I was in school, just making the starting line-up, next day, I'm here with amazing people surrounding me, all of us, crowned as champions.

You're journey to the WNBA had a lot of trial and errors. You didn't get selected in the draft, how did you end up with Seattle?

Blu: That was a roller coaster of wild emotions, sweat, and hardwork. But I give a lot credit to my agent for keeping at it for me. It was basically a phone, go here, try out there, and me and a friend of mine, Hi Clinton [waves], we just set out on road trips, going everywhere I can get a try-out. But, a lot of them passed up on me and Seattle, by a thread of time left in the off-season, they gave me a chance. I'm just happy I was able to show them I'm worth nickel and dime. If you had told me that I would be in the WNBA right now as a proud champion, I'd call you crazy.

To which of that, you had a one-year contract with the Seattle Storm. You come in, win Rookie of the Year, Sixth Woman of the Year, and a WNBA championship. Do you see your-self continuing your career in Seattle?

Blu: Well, I'm not obliged to discuss that to media per say, but lets just say that I am all smiles in my current situation.

September 3rd, against the Connecticut Sun, you posted 53 points, tying Liz Cambage for most points in a single game. What was your reaction to finding that out?

Blu: To be honest, that still haven't hit me yet. Like, it's so crazy. You got greats like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Sylvia Fowls, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Elena Delle Donne, Nneka Ogwumike, Courtney Vandersloot and Candance Parker still crushing the league. And you got these new stars on the rise, Liz Cambage, A'Ja Wilson, Natasha Cloud, Jonquel Jones, Arike Ogunbowale, Sabrina Ionescu and more. Like, I was just watching these people on a TV screen and now I'm sharing the floor with them. But to be out there making records with [Liz], that's honestly incredible. Like, anyone that I mentioned could've easily done that and way more, but me? It's mind boggling right now. Sorry for the excessive name drops! [laughs].

It's clear as day that you don't play like any other WNBA player. Some say you're a small bundle of grit and tenacity on the court. How did you come to be this aggressive in your playstyle?

Blu: Let's just say I know a 2x All-American who helped me in my fundamentals, keyword being "mental".

Some say you pattern some of your game from Dirk Nowitzki, with his signature leg extension.

Blu: Oh yeah, definitely! That's a near flawless technique, you really don't see many pull off the shots he did in his days. That's a shot you gotta respect.

Your favorite WNBA player, current or legend?

Blu: Gosh, putting me on the spot aren't you today [laughs]. I gotta say Sue Bird. And no, I'm not just saying that cause I teamed with her, which is still mind blowing for me! I think that'll be my most favorite highlight of my career. But Sue Bird has been my idol since forever. With that champion's pedigree, her accomplishments she did for her-self and the WNBA. She's a bomb mentor I like to add. She's my MJ of the WNBA. Like, it's been such a honor playing with her and even more amazing that we won a championship together. I'll never forget that moment.

So, it's the start of the off-season for the WNBA, what's next for Khyri Blu?

Blu: I don't know really. Most likely going to return home and spend time with my family and friends. Stay in the gym, do some things with the community, enjoy life for a bit.

What about playing overseas? Is that ruled out?

Blu: Noooo, it's just so much going on for me in the WNBA, I just want to settle everything down, soak it in, realize my dream. I still got some loose ends that needs tailored, so I'ma stick around and handle those businesses. But there's always next season! So be ready international teams!

[Captain Canada]

Damn. I JUST caught up and you're doing THIS bro. Keep this shit up. Easily my favorite project of yours.

[The JZA]

Damn. I JUST caught up and you're doing THIS bro. Keep this shit up. Easily my favorite project of yours.

Do it for the fam

[The JZA]

[The JZA]