Diversity In Her Game: How Abby Meyers' Offensive Skill Set Has Helped Princeton

Every person who picks up a basketball dreams about hitting the game winning shot.

They practice the play in the driveway or on the basketball court over and over.

For Abby Meyers, that became a reality last week at then-No. 22 Florida Gulf Coast.

With 22 seconds to go, Meyers took the ball from the top of the key, dribbled by a pick to the right baseline and hit a fadeaway jumper that gave Princeton a 57-55 lead.

The Tigers went on to win and earn the program's first victory over a top-25 program in 43 years.

"My shot wasn't really falling in that game, and I have to give credit to Coach (Carla) Berube who gives me the green light (to shoot)," said Meyers. "In the end, I thought I could take that player one on one and that move is something I practice every day. It seems thought-out, but it was an in the moment play."

Meyers is in the 96 percentile among NCAA players in two-point makes according to HerHoopStats.com and in the 73 percentile in two-point shooting percentage.

Her mid-range game is something that has been a part of her repertoire since being a child. When she was younger, she would google players like Kyrie Irving, Michael Jordan, and a variety of players from different levels on the floor. She would then go out in the driveway and replicate the moves until she was successful.

"I think that translates into the diverse game where I can shoot the ball, pull up, attack the basket and take a floater," said Meyers. "I try to be spontaneous when I play and not be a robot which is why I took the ball at the end of the Florida Gulf Coast game. I saw what the defense gave me and made a shot."

The senior captain's mid-range game is just one of her abilities that she showcases for the Princeton Tigers. Meyers is shooting 41.5 percent from beyond the arc on more than five attempts per game.

She knocked down six treys vs. Fordham which was a career high and has hit at least three three-pointers in six of eight games this season.

"I really value the three-point shot because it's so dangerous as it allows another player to drive to the basket because my defender can't dig on them," said Meyers. "You have always to know where the three-pointer shooters are. It's a key part of the game that not many people have consistently. I try and develop my three-point shot as best as I can so I can change the game."

Meyers' scoring comes in a variety of forms and times. Take for example the Fordham game where she dropped in 14 points in the final quarter or the Temple contest where she contributed 11 points over the final 10 minutes.

When she gets hot, she can carry the offense.

How does she explain that ability?

You must have the mind of a goldfish.

"I'm watching Ted Lasso and in the second episode he refers to players having the memory of a goldfish because it only last 10 seconds," said Meyers. "In shooting slumps, you must have a short-term memory especially when the coach gives you the green light and trusts you enough. You have to continue to push your team especially as a captain, not give up and not show mental frustration and to keep on playing 100 percent."

"I've been so pleased with Abby's overall game since the return from our one-year hiatus," said Princeton head coach Carla Berube. "She's dedicated much of her year to getting into the best shape of her life, getting stronger and really expanding her offensive skill set. She's also taken giant steps forward on the defensive side of the ball which I'm really proud of."

Meyers' role as a captain has also been a sight to see this year. For someone who's been with the program for as long as she has and has gone through different role changes being named captain was a tremendous honor.

"It means a lot because it validates my leadership capabilities and the hard work I put into getting the trust and willingness of my teammates to vote for me," said Meyers.

She credits one of her former teammates, Leslie Robinson '18 on helping develop her leadership skills.

"As a freshman I had Leslie who's one of the best leaders I've had in my life and I try to emulate my leadership skills after her," said Meyers. "She was fun sometimes, but other times she was serious, and we knew when to focus because of her behavior on and off the court."

Some of Meyers' leadership skills grew last year as the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meyers spent the first semester at home before living on campus during the second semester.

"I was very lucky to have my resources like trainers and my mom's amazing cooking so I could still be fit and nutritious when I stayed home the first semester. Coming back (to Princeton) was different. It was either live in our room, Jadwin or Firestone. Practices were a very intimate setting so we got to know the coaching staff better than we would have in any other situation. I don't take that for granted at all because I got to know my teammates better and show the coaches that I could be a leader. It was a great time to learn, grow and to compete."

Those practices have certainly show early results this season. Princeton is now No. 18 in the NCAA NET rankings. The Tigers are the second highest non-Power-Five school, trailing only Connecticut (No. 8). Net Rankings is the new formula that the NCAA committee uses in its process to determine the NCAA Tournament teams.

"Abby's leadership has been outstanding," said Berube. "She's connected so well with our newcomers and has shown the entire team what it means to be a Princeton Tiger. She exudes confidence and backs it up with a tireless work ethic. She has shown in the early season that we can rely on her in the clutch and I'm excited to see how the rest of senior campaign unfolds."

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