Former Stanford star Chiney Ogwumike spends her offseason traveling the country and meeting new student-athletes as a television analyst. But, the former No. 1 2014 WNBA pick has a special relationship with Oregon’s Jillian Alleyne. Alleyne broke Ogwumike’s Pac-12 career rebounding record this season and her Pac-12 record for double-doubles.

The Emerald talked with Ogwumike of the Pac-12 Networks this week to learn more about their relationship. On Friday, the Ducks announced Alleyne’s career is over after tearing her ACL during Tuesday’s practice.

I know you have a close relationship with Jillian, so what does Jillian Alleyne mean to the Pac-12 and women’s basketball nationally?

I got to know Jillian, I played against her, as a freshman. She was instantly someone who was really nice. We stayed in touch throughout Pac-12 and my career. Now that it’s her career, I’m on the other side as an anaylst. I think really, truly, she’s the player that I can truly talk about in a way that I truly know. Just because her game reminds me so much of my game and she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves.

What about her game has improved the most in your eyes?

I think the obvious thing is rebounding. As freshmen — both Jillian and I — we figured out that the key way to play and be successful is rebound. … She has the opportunity to play at the next level and I saw myself too after my big sister. You start slowing getting out of your comfort zone. She’s worked on her outside shot and she’s improved her ball handling. Most importantly, she passes to her teammates when she’s double teamed. Those are all signs of maturity in her game.

Do you remember where you were when she broke your Pac-12 rebounding career record?

No, I don’t remember where I was, sorry (chuckling). I do remember that I got a notice from the Pac-12 Networks. They said ‘Hey, Jill broke your record.’ It was bound to happen, obviously. I was actually covering the Civil War and I was hoping she would do it then so I could see it, but the Pac-12 Networks asked me to send her a message. I think they aired it the next game after. Oftentimes people don’t want their records to be broken, they want them to stand. But in the case of Jillian, she’s such a remarkable human being, you can’t do anything but root for her. I thought it was such a cool thing.

Obviously at Stanford you were successful through and through, but at Oregon it’s been different. Do you feel like it’s more gratifying seeing the success the Ducks have had this year?

Absolutely. I think in the west, people don’t really take notice of what we’re doing because we’re past everyone’s bedtimes. Transitioning from coaches is hard, but she’s never lost stride. She’s been a constant and she’s been that type of player since a freshman. I think it’s so important for her to finally get recognized nationally. … I think they sleep on the Pac-12. Oregon and a lot of these teams out west should have more games nationally covered so that people can see our culture in the Pac-12.

Where do you project Jillian at the next level?

I do think any post that can rebound, run and finish has the opportunity to be successful in the WNBA. I have no qualm about her. Whether she’s a starter or the last one off the bench, she will earn her way to playing a lot in the league because of her innate skill-set. I think the league will be so happy to have her. She deserves everything and more just personally knowing what she’s meant to her community. I’m so happy to call her a friend now — and not a foe — two or three times a year.

Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne