Kemp tickled by invite

By Ryan Wood     Mar 30, 2006

An invitation to the WNBA pre-draft camp was huge news to Kansas University senior Crystal Kemp.

So, naturally, she held off telling her biggest fan – her own mother.

“I kind of kept it from her for a while,” Kemp said with a smile. “I knew she’d be asking me about it all the time, and it was one of those things I was trying to train for, but (keep) in the back of my mind. I’m trying not to get too amped up and go down there and completely blow it.”

Mom knows now. And despite attempts to control her emotions, Kemp admits the butterflies have paid a visit.

The former Jayhawk standout will be at Emmanuel College in Boston on Monday for the camp, which will feature 40 of the best women’s basketball seniors in the country.

Kemp didn’t expect such an opportunity heading into her senior year. But averaging 18.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game – often while being double-teamed – allowed her to get closer to touching her dream.

Now, she’s busy doing individual workouts with KU coaches, keeping in shape and even playing pickup ball at the Student Recreation Center – which usually features five-on-five full-court games with about 99 percent men.

“It’s kind of surprising, because I’ll step out and shoot it, then I’ll go in and post up,” Kemp said. “They’re just kind of confused about it. Yesterday, they started doubling me at the Rec.”

Kemp hopes Monday’s camp will be more one-on-one, which would allow her more freedom and more opportunities to show her skills. Often automatic close to the basket, Kemp actually was a proven outside shooter at Topeka High, though those skills weren’t used as much at KU.

It can’t hurt to flaunt in front of the pro scouts, though, so Kemp will pack the jump shot in her bag bound for Boston. She hopes she can return with optimism regarding her stock, with the draft to be held Wednesday.

“I’ve always had the potential, but I was able to put it together this year, thanks to my teammates and hard work,” Kemp said. “Hopefully I can go down there and improve my game and show them I’m capable.”

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