Who reps that ill nasty forward game one moment, yet models high fashion beauty the next? Yup, Monique Billings is that girl, up in the air trying to dunk in a game this past season. Cuz she can.
What can't be done to Monique though: she can't be put in a box. Her energy on court is intense, her desire to be a “foodie" off the court irrepressible. Mo, as her friends call her, she steps on the smoky remains of society’s box...she refuses to be defined.
Yup, chillin at Santa Monica CC last Sunday, great competition of dudes who ball in the Drew League. Cats like Houston Rockets Bobby Brown, Cuttino Mobley, and Baron Davis are regulars.
I stood witness to Mo, at 6-4 is straight "beastin" dudes all morning, folks on the sidelines dropping their jaws at her play. All dudes are gathering around and shaking heads on "how she do", everyone clapping her up saying she the most skilled "nig*** " out there.
Mo popping that fluttery jumper from 20, inside dipsy do-lay ups et all. # real talk
Talk to Mo long enough, it's less convo as much as angelic pipes you hear. You feel uplifted after rapping with her, cuz Mo is peppy, confident, almost bubbly. She reminds me of her idol, Tyra Banks, this girl a conversationalist and needs her own talk show, 100.
I ask Mo what is her mission in life, she says, "I feel like a free spirit, I'm on this journey to inspire young women, empower them."
I asked how she's does that, to which she explained, "A sweet young fan of our Bruin team, Mary, her mom reached out to me on social media to call her daughter and pray for her going into surgery. I was proud to do so."
#real one to all
https://www.instagram.com/monique.billings/
Where does all that caring for others come from in Mo? She explains "My parents Jane and Chuck inspired me. They supported me and my sister to be a giver, yet a fighter in this world. I often think of the Bible verse they taught us: 2nd Timothy 1:7, 'For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.'"
That’s what's up. That's Mo. She is fantastically articulate off the court yet ultra driven and intense in the game, going from zero on the court to "Kobe death stare" in 2.5 seconds.
This humble girl from the Inland Empire region of California (Santiago HS) headed to the USA Olympic team tryouts this week and she made the 2017 USA Women's U23 National Team. No doubt!
Who planted the seed of determination in this special player? Mo's dad Chuck. He's that 51 year old cool brother who loved the hoop purity of the 70s and 80s. He showed his daughter VHS tapes of Hakeem Olajuwon, taught her how to replicate the dream shake, reminded Mo that being classy and soaring through the air like Dr. J was a possibility.
Chuck says, "Once I realized Monique's potential I encouraged her to strive beyond just being adequate. I'm proud of her for recognizing that to whom much is given, much is expected - and accepting the assignment."
#dope dad
What impresses most about Mo: this girl eats up life. She'll munch a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich before games to power herself, as she listens to a little jazz that settles her mentality.
Mo always calls her dad before each game and her fam is there to watch all her home games. They're her "best-ies." Ride or die peoples, as Mo pursues that goal of raising a 1st ever national chip banner. "I'm working hard to make a name for myself and UCLA. I always tell the incoming freshmen don't wait for your turn, be about the now, seize the moment, live in the now."
Mo is Alicia Keys, both these girl are on fire. 100.
This illest of college forwards looks up to WNBA stars like Candice Parker and Olympic Champ Allyson Felix for inspiration. Mo last season pulled down a school record 25 rebounds and says she’ll bring down 40 boards if that's what's needed.
Her trainer is Cali legend Olin Simplis, who believes in Mo so much he says, "Mo is one of the most athletic and versatile forwards in college basketball. She steps into every workout giving maximum effort and attention to detail. I expect Mo to be in consideration for Pac12 POY and defensive POY honors."
Big expectations and pressure fosho on Mo, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Why? Cuz Mo is the embodiment of her fav movie: Savages. She identifies with the movie. "I'm like that movie because of the fast pace, hustler lifestyle. I'm working on my game when no one’s around."
How dope is that?
Mo is that girl, loves being in front of the camera while ballin on the court as she explains, "Modeling and basketball are both the same for me, trying to be an artist, creating, going for it all the time."
It's super easy to cheer for Mo, hope to see her dreams come true. Mo is to me like her fav superhero Spider-Man. She's that energy-packed heroine on the scene. Never met anyone like her, she's just the epitome of fierce savage beauty in motion. 100.
