CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Former NBA star Allen Iverson infamously ranted about his detest for practice, while George Washington High's newest basketball addition embraces the preparation.
Adrian Cunningham loves practice. That's because the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Board of Directors ruled Cunningham eligible to compete for the girls basketball program.
Cunningham, a senior, transferred more than three weeks ago to GW from Poca, where the basketball team folded three games into the season.
"I am thrilled," Cunningham said of the board's decision. "Happy is an understatement. Very excited."
Since the Poca team folded, Cunningham said it has been a turbulent ride. Now, that it appears over, Cunningham said she's learned a valuable lesson, and she's ready to take that education to the basketball court.
"Just the whole experience has shown me you can't take things for granted," Cunningham said. "Some people hate practice. I've never been so excited for practice in my life. It's just a really good feeling that I can practice again."
Now, for three-time Class AA All-State second-team selection Cunningham, the next task is meshing with the rest of the squad.
"They've been very accepting," Cunningham said. "They're a very good group of girls. I like them. They just really help me out with everything. They're definitely being very helpful."
Cunningham, a Daily Mail All-Kanawha Valley first-team pick in 2010-11, brings plenty of offensive and defensive firepower.
Last season, Cunningham averaged 20 points, six rebounds and three assists per game.
GW Coach Jamie LaMaster said he had not seen Cunningham play in a game situation before joining the Patriots (9-5), but that doesn't mean he's unaware of the former Dot's reputation on the court.
"I know that she was an all-state selection at Poca High School," LaMaster said. "How she'll fit in with us, I think she'll be a great addition to our guard play."
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Former NBA star Allen Iverson infamously ranted about his detest for practice, while George Washington High's newest basketball addition embraces the preparation.
Adrian Cunningham loves practice. That's because the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Board of Directors ruled Cunningham eligible to compete for the girls basketball program.
Cunningham, a senior, transferred more than three weeks ago to GW from Poca, where the basketball team folded three games into the season.
"I am thrilled," Cunningham said of the board's decision. "Happy is an understatement. Very excited."
Since the Poca team folded, Cunningham said it has been a turbulent ride. Now, that it appears over, Cunningham said she's learned a valuable lesson, and she's ready to take that education to the basketball court.
"Just the whole experience has shown me you can't take things for granted," Cunningham said. "Some people hate practice. I've never been so excited for practice in my life. It's just a really good feeling that I can practice again."
Now, for three-time Class AA All-State second-team selection Cunningham, the next task is meshing with the rest of the squad.
"They've been very accepting," Cunningham said. "They're a very good group of girls. I like them. They just really help me out with everything. They're definitely being very helpful."
Cunningham, a Daily Mail All-Kanawha Valley first-team pick in 2010-11, brings plenty of offensive and defensive firepower.
Last season, Cunningham averaged 20 points, six rebounds and three assists per game.
GW Coach Jamie LaMaster said he had not seen Cunningham play in a game situation before joining the Patriots (9-5), but that doesn't mean he's unaware of the former Dot's reputation on the court.
"I know that she was an all-state selection at Poca High School," LaMaster said. "How she'll fit in with us, I think she'll be a great addition to our guard play."
At 5 feet 10, Cunningham boasts the size of a post player, but the dexterity and speed of a guard.
"I run track, so I like to run the floor," Cunningham said.
Cunningham's presence certainly provides more punch to an already formidable squad, LaMaster said.
"It makes me more versatile, makes me harder to guard, makes me deeper is what it does," he said.
LaMaster added he's not sure how the lineup and rotation will change with Cunningham's addition, but she'll certainly be featured.
"To be honest, I haven't really decided on what I'm going to do yet," he said. "Obviously, she's going to play, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."
Cunningham is slated to make her GW debut against South Charleston at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Charleston Civic Center. Time will tell how Cunningham's presence affects the rest of the Patriots' season.
"I know that my practices have become immediately a lot more competitive," LaMaster said. "What I've seen briefly is one thing she does is she makes players around her better. I've seen that."
Whatever her role, Cunningham said she's simply happy to practice.
"I hope I can help them," she said.
