Welcome to SZN Opener, the dynamic podcast series that spotlights Black college athletes, exploring their triumphs and challenges along their sports journeys.
For episode three, Rutgers University freshman Zachara Perkins sat down with SZN Opener host Rodney Rikai to reflect on her rookie season with the Rutgers women’s basketball program, and to share her unique upbringing as the daughter of a WNBA champion.
The Scarlet Knights forward was a highly recruited player coming out of Summer Creek High School in Houston, Texas, Rikai noted. A consistent double-double player and rising star within the program, Perkins’ first coach was her mom, WNBA All-Star DeMya Walker-Wheatfall.
Growing up, Perkins traveled the world as Walker-Wheatfall played overseas during the offseason. The 14-season veteran won a WNBA Championship in 2005 with the Sacramento Monarchs, famously taking 13 charges in the finals while pregnant with Perkins. She told NJ.com, “I figure that is why she is so tough.”
From a young age, Perkins was surrounded by WNBA greats, and she’s now following in her mother’s footsteps. “I remember always being around it. I got to sit at the end of the bench at WNBA games, watching all the players that I look up to now and also who I call family,” she said.
Perkins’ mom had a big impact on her game
“I’ve watched a lot of her film, a lot of her games,” said the Rutgers forward. “Her footwork has been instilled in my game that she’s been teaching me how to use since the beginning, and I even use it now. It’s been helping me a lot in the games that we’ve been playing recently.”
“She was very versatile,” Perkins added. “She was able to play on the wing but she could be a back-to-the-rim player, so I think I adopted all that.”
The transition from high school to college
During her 2022-2023 season at Summer Creek High School, Perkins was integral in her team winning both Area and Bi-District Championships, and also led the Lady Bulldogs to the Region 3 Finals. As a high school senior, she was named as a 2024 McDonald’s All-American nominee.
Coming into college in her mom’s home state of New Jersey, the transition from high school to college basketball was fairly smooth for the decorated rookie. “My biggest adjustment was definitely confidence — bringing over that confidence I had in high school into the college game,” said Perkins. “Being that younger player, I knew the things that I could bring on day one. I made sure to start with that, and it’s just progressed since then.”
Perkins addressed the rising popularity of women’s basketball
“I do think some people overlook the fact that this game was here before everybody started jumping on the train,” she said. “Although, yes, we needed this publicity, I do think that we as a sport were already competing at a high level. We’re doing the same things, it’s just now people are watching versus they weren’t before. I do think that the media and publicity is very good, but there is also a lot of negativity that I see.”
She shared her approach to Name, Image and Likeness
While profiting from NIL (name, image and likeness) opportunities wasn’t Perkins’ top priority when considering which school to attend, Rutgers ended up being a great choice, she said. “There’s a lot of things that we do behind the scenes that’s good for NIL, good for getting our names out there, so that definitely helped,” she told Rikai.
With there being great energy around the Rutgers basketball program right now, as Rikai noted, the key ingredient has been the support and guidance of the coaching staff. “The coaching staff is so supportive,” Perkins said. “They really study your game.”
Also in this episode of the SZN Opener podcast, Perkins discussed her favorite WNBA players and why Texas produces the best hoopers.
Catch the full conversation with Zachara Perkins above. Listen to this episode of SZN Opener on the Urban One Podcast Network or your favorite podcast streaming platform. Or check out the visual podcast on the Cassius Life YouTube channel.
About the ‘SZN Opener’ podcast
SZN Opener returns with brand-new episodes in season 3, showcasing the brightest up-and-coming Black college athletes in college sports today. Hosted by dynamic on-air personality Rodney Rikai, this podcast features in-depth interviews where athletes share their stories of hard work, character, and excellence both on and off the playing field. As they navigate demanding schedules and plan for careers beyond graduation, these athletes demonstrate focus and dedication in every aspect of their lives. Tune in to SZN Opener and discover more on CassiusLife.com.
