University of Georgia Athletics
Dog Notes: Engram Shines On And Off Court
December 23, 2015 | Women's Basketball
By John Frierson
UGAAA Staff Writer
Mackenzie Engram is usually all over the place at most Georgia women's basketball games: scoring, rebounding and doing whatever needs doing. And the sophomore forward's presence isn't just felt on the court at Stegeman Coliseum.
During Wednesday afternoon's 60-42 win over Cincinnati, Engram did her usual thing on the court: 11 points and six rebounds, in just 21 minutes of action. But as active as she is when she plays, she's also a regular on Georgia's big video board.
Engram is often the star of the Lady Bulldogs' taped skits and interviews, which are usually featured during every break in the action. It was "Star Wars" day at the game Wednesday, as well as tacky sweater day, and during one timeout you could see Engram make an impressive backhanded swing with a lightsaber.
"Sometimes it's maybe a little too much," the Powder Springs, Ga., native said with a laugh. "It's actually a lot of fun. ... I just try to take advantage of the opportunities they provide us with here and make the most of them.
"I'm such an outgoing person that doesn't really care what people think, so I just act crazy, have fun and it's a cool thing."
An Entertainment and Media Services major -- she'd like to be an analyst on ESPN one day -- the 6-foot-2 Engram will interview her teammates, maybe theatrically lip-sync a song (this may be, performing alongside senior forward Merritt Hempe, her finest moment yet: Engram and Hempe do "Frozen" song) or anything else that amuses her.
Engram said she really liked doing the music video pieces, as well as the "Mac'd Up" segments in which she does interviews.
"It's really fun, and it's something I can use on my resume," she said.
She could be Georgia's most entertaining student-athlete. If not, the line in front of her isn't long.
Georgia coach Joni Taylor said Engram wanted to be involved in things like the videos and part of the program's role is to create as many opportunities as possible for the student-athletes.
"What we've done with Mac ... we've put her in a position to do those things. That's what we do for all of our players," the first-year coach said after Georgia's 10th consecutive win. "We just see Mac on display because this is her element. There's things we did for Tiara (Griffin) and Shacobia (Barbee) this summer in terms of internships.
That's the other part of our (player) development. Shame on us if all we do is talk to them about basketball. We knew that's what she wanted to do and we went to marketing and promotions and said, we've got to have a segment where it's `Mac'd Up.' We let her pick the name, we let her pick what she wanted to do, and it's been a lot of fun.
Taylor said Engram is the most extroverted player on the team in public, but behind closed doors "there are two or three others that would give her a run for her money." Along with the former SEC All-Freshman team player's continual solid play on the court, Taylor said Engram brings consistency off it, as well.
"You know what you're going to get from her every single day," Taylor said. "From a personality standpoint, she's a happy, happy kid, and she brings that every single day."
Seperation Second
Georgia led the Bearcats 14-12 after the first quarter. The Lady Dogs had pushed ahead to a 12-6 lead, but the second half of the quarter turned a bit sloppy and inefficient.
The second, however, was much better -- and blew the game open for good. Georgia outscored Cincinatti 14-4 and took a 28-16 lead into halftime. In an interesting turn of events, the Lady Dogs' six field goals in the second quarter were scored by six different players.
Here's how it went: Griffin layup, Majorie Butler 3-pointer, Engram layup, Barbee jumper, Halle Washington jumper and a Pachis Roberts 3-pointer.
"I think it just speaks to the unselfishness of our team, No. 1," Taylor said. "The ability for them to make the extra pass and know what we're looking for in transition or out of our offense."
10 And Not Counting
After the game, Engram and Barbee were aware that the Lady Dogs have won a lot of games in a row. It's 10 now, which isn't too shabby, but neither seemed to give the streak much thought or importance.
"Just go with it game by game," said Barbee, who finished with a game-high 12 points.
Winning 10 straight sure beats not winning 10 straight, but that first win in the streak had little to do with what happened Tuesday. And the start of SEC play is right around the corner, beginning Jan. 3 at Texas A&M, so there is much important work to be done.
"We don't really think about it, or we try not to," Engram said. "It's a big accomplishment, but we just try to take it game by game, celebrate this one tonight and move on."
What's Next
Georgia's players will head home for Christmas and then reconvene in Athens this weekend before the Lady Dogs host Tennessee Tech on Monday. Georgia is 10-0 all-time against the Golden Eagles, including a 71-54 win on the road last season.
John Frierson is the staff writer for the UGA Athletic Association and curator of the ITA Men's Tennis Hall of Fame. You can find his work at: Frierson Files. He's also on Twitter: @FriersonFiles and @ITAHallofFame.
