Reconnaissance Mission

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Reconnaissance Mission: Oregon State Forward, Calvin Hampton

October 10, 2009 in Uncategorized by Themod | No comments

Calvin Hampton interview pic for site copyOregon State only needed to be competent last season (7-11 Pac-10, 18-18 overall, CBI Tournament champs) to shock anyone who’d watched them play the season before when they put up a big goose egg in the Pac-10, going 0-18.

I had a chance to speak with Calvin Hampton, who will be a fifth-year senior during the upcoming season, about the changes he’s seen in the program since Craig Robinson took over. Calvin’s coming into this season healthier than he’s been during his college career, and hopes to compete for big minutes as a senior. His average time on the court dropped last season from 12.7 minutes-per-game during his sophomore season to 5.3.

Montlake Madness: Tell me how things have changed in your time at Oregon State, with Coach Robinson running things now.

Calvin Hampton: It’s been a huge change, like night and day. We are a more disciplined, more focused unit. We actually have a goal this season, as opposed to others in the past.

MM: What do you think is a realistic goal for the Beavers, as far as a Pac-10 finish, post-season, etc?

CH: We actually feel like we have a chance to contend in the conference for a title, or an NCAA touney bid. The NCAA is our goal, but nothing less then the NIT. We have the talent – we just have to live up to the expectations. We have a target on our back now which makes it more of a challenge, but I think we are ready for it.

MM: Tell me about some of the new guys. Who’s made the biggest impression on you so far?

CH: I like the “Aussies.” Rhys Murphy and Angus Brandt are the most impressive. They have very mature games, and they are both dudes I can see starting soon. Dont get me wrong, all of the freshman are good. But, they’ve made the biggest impact so far.

MM: We hear the most about Roberto (Nelson).

CH: He’s a talented shooter. The hoop is like the ocean to him. He’s that good of a shooter.

MM: If you had to guess, which five start on opening night?

CH: Josh Tarver, Seth Tarver, Lathen Wallace, Omari Johnson, and, of course, Roeland Schaftenaar. And, Calvin Haynes is the sixth man.

MM: What about you — what’s your personal goal for this season? Role-wise and stat-wise?

CH: My goal is to bring the grit and toughness off the bench — post defense and presence. Five points and five rebounds per game would be nice. But, staying healthy would be my ultimate goal

MM: What are your post-college goals? I hear you’re a writer.

CH: I want to play a few years overseas, not too long. Then, come back and get my masters in New Media Communications. I do like creative writing.

MM: What kind of stuff do you write?

CH: I’m working on writing a story about my family history. I really like horror stories.

MM: Can you give me a quick scouting report on the Huskies?

CH: They are tough. They have become a big rival of ours over the past few seasons. They lost Jon Brockman, but they are still tough.

MM: There was some off-the-court stuff a couple years ago. Does any of that carry over to this time period?

CH: Naw, not really. I’ts in the past. I’m good friends with Justin Dentmon and we never even spoke about it. (laughs) Stuff like that happens all the time. It’s just the first time it was publicized.

MM: What doesn’t the average fan know about the life of a college baller?

CH: Time management is very important. You have to maximize your time in a day or your screwed. We get up at 4 am. By noon, we have done more than the average person. It gets rough, but it’s all worth it when you get positive results.

MM: Describe the experience playing for the president’s brother in law. Does coach ever bring up the president when he’s talking to you guys?

CH: Never. Not one time. Not even when he was elected. Hard to believe, but that’s how he is.

MM: And, players don’t ever mention it to him?

CH: No. It’s funny, but it’s almost like he’s blind to it. Or, he’s just really cool about it.

MM: Anything else you want to add or mention?

CH: Expect big things from us this season. We are gonna try and contend for the Pac-10 title.

Thanks for coming!

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Reconnaissance Mission: UCLA Junior Guard, Spencer Soo

September 26, 2009 in Uncategorized by Themod | 3 comments

Spencer Soo interview pic for site copyFor the next in our series of opposing player interviews, called “Reconnaissance Mission,” I had the opportunity to speak with Spencer Soo, a 5’8″ guard from UCLA. Soo will be starting his junior season this year, playing again as a walk-on. Soo only appeared in six games last season, but is a fan favorite at Pauley Pavilion, in part at least for his ridiculous ability to do things like this.

Montlake Madness: UCLA has had a lot of guys leave in the last couple of years for the NBA. Explain how this season’s team will have a different makeup than last year’s squad.

Spencer Soo: Besides youth, there really isn’t any change in the team’s makeup. Our coaches do a great job recruiting all around great guys. The team is still the same UCLA players as far as hustle, toughness, heart, and passion.

MM: Who are the two or three guys that need to have big years for UCLA to compete for the Pac-10 title?

SS: As you already know, it’s going to take team effort to capture the Pac-10 title. Leadership from our seniors Roll, Keefe, and Dragovic is a must considering we are a young team. But I am expecting great things out of sophomore Malcolm Lee and freshman Mike Moser.

MM: Who’s been the freshman to impress you the most so far when you’ve played together this off-season?

SS: I actually just got back from a trip to Seattle this past summer. I visited my friend Quincy Pondexter and I got to play with a lot of previous Huskies.

I am impressed with them all (our freshmen). They all have an intense passion for the game and are very competitive. However, I am most impressed with Moser and Reeves Nelson.

MM: Malcolm Lee is a guy who didn’t put up big numbers last season, but is becoming a trendy pick to challenge for a spot on the all-conference team. Explain why his potential is so great.

SS: Malcolm is a special player. He kind of reminds me of another Russell Westbrook. Russ didn’t put up the best numbers or even minutes his first year, and look what happened after his second. Malcolm has worked hard over the summer in the weight room and in the gym, and it is paying off. He will be an explosive player for us.

MM: You’ve got ridiculous hops for a shorter guard. I know your playing time was limited during your first two seasons, but have you gotten a chance to throw down in a game yet?

SS: I have not yet tried to throw one down. To me, two points is two points. Although, I feel if I were to dunk in a game, it would end up on Sportscenter: “5’8″ walk-on dunks.” I am not really worried about getting one though, I’m just excited to be on the floor representing UCLA.

MM: I would imagine that every player wants to earn more time on the floor. You may have an opportunity to play a little more just by virtue of what some feel is a lack of depth at the PG position. What do you need to do personally to earn more time on the floor?

SS: I have to keep working hard. It’s simple. But for the most part, my role the past couple of years has been to make my teammates better in practice.

MM: Do you have aspirations to make basketball a career after school?

SS: Actually, I do. I do feel my height has its major disadvantages, and to play in the NBA would be awesome, but it’s not very realistic for me. After college, I will look into the Asian leagues. I just want to play basketball as long as I can — I love it. I will graduate with a degree from UCLA, and I understand the nine-to-five job will always be there; my athleticism won’t.

MM: There’s a lot of guys out there around 5’8″ who would love to be able to dunk — if for no other reason than to impress the ladies! — As someone who can, what can they do to increase their chances?

SS: I believe I can jump high due to all the stretching I’ve done in my life. I had 10 years under my belt with Tae Kwon Do, and I am very flexible.

So, my advice to anyone that wants to jump higher is to set attainable goals, stretch as often as possible, and practice jumping (play as much ball as possible).

MM: Tell me about playing for Ben Howland. Best thing? Worst thing?

SS: The best: He knows what he’s talking about, and has a passion for the game. His attention to detail is another thing that I admire.

The worst: His attention to detail points out our mistakes, but it’s only to make us better.

MM: Finally, do you guys currently on the team pay much attention to the recruiting stuff? For instance, UCLA and UW are duking it out for Josh Smith, a guy from up here near UW. Is that even on your radar, or do you just wait it out and see who your teammates will be when guys commit?

SS: We let the coaches handle the recruiting. We focus on the team that we do have, and build on the relationships that are in front of us.

MM: So, no awareness at all of the HS landscape?

SS: Not really.

Hey, thanks for coming!

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Reconnaissance Mission: Oregon Point Guard, Malcolm Armstead

September 20, 2009 in Uncategorized by Themod | 2 comments

Malcolm Armstead interview pic for site copyThanks for coming by for another installment of “Reconnaissance Mission,” a feature in which we speak to one of our Pac-10 opponents and learn more about some of the guys on the other side of the floor.

I was thrilled recently to catch up with Malcolm Armstead, an Oregon sophomore who will debut with the team this season after playing at Chipola College in Florida, where he put up a lofty 3.3 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Armstead is expected to compete for the starting point guard spot, which would mean he’d share the backcourt with one of the Pac-10′s top returning players, Tajuan Porter. Hoping to improve on last season’s dismal showing, it’s very likely Armstead’s play will have a lot to do with the team’s fate.

Montlake Madness: Tell me a little about Malcolm Armstead.

Malcolm Armstead: I’m a point guard from Alabama. Went to Chipola Junior College last season.

MM: I know you haven’t started the season, but how are you adjusting to life at Oregon so far?

MA: It’s going well.

MM: What parts of your game are you working on to help make sure you’re successful jumping from junior college to the Pac-10?

MA: I’m not really worried about anything on the court at all. I just want to improve my conditioning.

MM: Have you played with your new teammates much yet?

MA: A little bit. Everyone is really cool.

MM: Do you see yourself competing for a starting role this season? (Last year, Garrett Sim started 26 games in the backcourt and Tajuan Porter is one of the top returning scorers in the Pac-10.)

MA: Yes, I do.

MM: Obviously, last year was a tough year for Oregon basketball. Do you feel as if you’re playing for Ernie Kent’s job this season?

MA: Not at all. I’m playing to win, and if that means he keeps his job, then i guess I am. I love Coach Kent. He really has a good understanding for the game.

MM: How much do you know about the players on UW?

MA: I played against Isaiah Thomas in AAU ball when he played with Friends of Hoop at the Nike Memorial Day Classic.

MM: Did you guard each other?

MA: Just on a few plays.

MM: How did you fare against him?

MA: He got game! (laughs). He’s a lefty. What more can i say?

MM: If you had to guess, what’s the Oregon starting five on opening night?

MA: Me, Tajaun Porter, Jeremy Jacob, Mike Dunigan, and I don’t know the other spot. (laughs) (FYI – Armstead and Jacob were teammates in junior college.)

MM: How many Pac-10 wins would you expect from Oregon?

MA: More than two! (laughs) At least six or seven.

MM: What kind of statistics for you would you consider a personal success?

MA: 10 points per game, three steals, four rebounds, eight assists.

MM: Wow. That’s ambitious! I don’t think anyone averaged eight dimes last year. Or three steals.

MA: I’m serious. Well that’s a lot of work, but I’m gonna try to make those stats happen.

MM: Tell me something I wouldn’t know about being a college basketball player? What don’t the fans get to see?

MA: It’s crazy. . .Signing autographs. . . I love to be around people, but not all that attention off the court.

MM: Have you encountered any CRAZY fans?

MA: Yeah. It’s weird when someone says something real strange, like I’m like a God to them, or that I saved Oregon’s basketball program. (laughs)

Hey, thanks for coming!

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Reconnaissance Mission: Arizona Freshman Forward, Derrick Williams

August 29, 2009 in Uncategorized by Themod | 10 comments

derrick williams interview pic for site copyHere’s the first installment of our new feature: Reconnaissance Mission. You can read the intro to the feature here.

This year’s freshman class at Arizona is kind of like the cast of “Bring it On 3” — they (Hayden Panettiere, Solange Knowles) don’t remotely resemble the original (Gabrielle Union, Kirsten Dunst), and maybe they’re not quite as hot, but still, they’re not half bad.

Once he left Xavier and took over for the Lute Olson/Kevin O’Neill combo, Coach Sean Miller put the whole recruiting class together in, like, 11 minutes after several crushing decommitments (including Abdul Gaddy, thank you) left him scrambling. Despite the group being thrown together as quickly as the Michael Jackson commemorative sparkling glove set, all five recruits were ranked in the top 25 at their position, and suddenly the ‘Cats look like a team that will be able to scratch their way up the Pac-10 standings within a couple of years.

Derrick Williams is one of the members of Miller’s Easy-Bake Oven recruiting class, having decommitted from the only school that went through more flux this off-season than Arizona: USC. I caught up with the 6’8″ forward from La Mirada, California, this week and we discussed his change of heart and a lot more.

Montlake Madness: So, tell us a little bit about Derrick Williams. Who’s the player your game most resembles?

Derrick Williams: I would say I play like Sam Young from Pitt last year. I can shoot it, dribble, post up — a little bit of everything.

MM: So, Arizona brings in one of the youngest teams in the Pac-10, but every freshman is ranked pretty high for their position. What do you think would qualify as a “good season” for the Wildcats this year?

DW: Yeah, we are real young this year, but I think that making the tournament for the 26th year in a row would be great for this year’s team.

MM: What made you choose Arizona?

DW: The opportunity to play as a freshman, and just the class that we brought in this year. I know in the next couple years we will be doing damage.

MM: Tell me about Coach Miller. What do you expect he’ll do differently from Coach O’Neill and before him, Coach Olson?

DW: I think he will bring a faster pace offensively, and just more intensity on both defense and offense – a more open style of play.

MM: So, you decommitted from USC. Tell me what led to that decision.

DW: I just didn’t feel comfortable being there anymore. Even though it was my dream school to go to since i was little, the situation just didn’t feel right.

MM: Was it Coach Floyd leaving that clinched it? Or the suspicion of potential recruiting violations at USC?

DW: I would say a little of everything. The potential violations was what capped it off.

MM: So, are you on campus now, or still at home?

DW: Yeah, I’m at campus now. We started school already.

MM: Have you been working out with teammates? As a Husky fan, Nic Wise scares me. He can really fill it up.

DW: Yeah, we’ve been working out. Nic, yeah he is real good. Seeing him on TV, and then in real life, is a lot different. He is way faster in real life.

MM: Which guy has impressed you the most in practice?

DW: i would have to say (Wildcat shooting guard) Kyle Fogg.

MM: How so?

DW: I saw him play in high school, and seeing him now, he got a lot better. Overall, he just improved a lot.

MM: What’s something a fan wouldn’t know about life as a highly sought-after recruit? I mean, that can’t be the same life as an average HS senior.

DW: Yeah, it’s real hard just finding out who is telling the truth. Because, really you’re constantly getting lied to and just have to find out who is trustworthy.

MM: Can you give me an example of being lied to? You can leave out names if you prefer.

DW: Just like promising you starting positions. Just stuff that you shouldn’t guarantee players.

MM: Is that fairly common, coaches guaranteeing starting spots to recruits?

DW: Yeah, well most of them.

MM: That’s crazy. Not cool to do that. Last question for you: I’m not sure how well you know the team, but give me a short scouting report on the Washington Huskies from your perspective.

DW: Umm… Really talented and really good 3′s and 4′s along with a couple of good point guards.

MM: Anything else you want to say?

DW: That the Wildcats are taking the Pac-10 title.

MM: Alright. Best of luck with that…

And, hey, thanks for coming!

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This Dawg is Going on a “Reconnaissance Mission”

August 28, 2009 in Uncategorized by Themod | 8 comments

recon column intro copyWe’ll be introducing a new feature on Montlake Madness in the next 24 hours and I’m excited. Let me tell you about it.

Your response to Husky player interviews has been tremendous, which led me to two thoughts regarding this site:

1. I should do more player interviews with current and former Husky ballers. Got it. That’s clear to me, and it’s really a matter of coordinating schedules, and getting in touch with players willing to spend a little time talking to Montlake Madness. I’m working on setting things up, and you’ll see the results as they happen.

2. There’s only 12 players on the Huskies, so, even if we aim to speak to everyone on the team, and a few of the fan favorites of the past, that’s still not a hell of a lot of interviews. If you like interviews, I want to give you interviews.

So, we’ll be introducing a new feature on the site this weekend called “Reconnaissance Mission,” in which we’ll talk to an opposing Pac-10 player about their own team, their thoughts on the Huskies, and their experience as a college ballplayer.

Here’s why I’m psyched about this: We know so much about our guys, and we should. If you’re a die-hard like me, you’re going to watch the Huskies play about 30 times this season and it’d be impossible not to learn about our guys, and form impressions of them based on what you see, right or wrong. But, how much do you know about, say, Oregon, other than their top two or three guys? You’re going to spend at least four hours of your life this year watching, say, ASU or Stanford during their two games with the Dawgs. But, unless you’ve got the time to seek out all the Pac-10 coverage out there, you’re really only going to be super-familiar with their guys who earn national attention. Also, FSN broadcasts a lot of non-Dawg Pac-10 games. I enjoy those games, but think we’d all enjoy them even more if we knew something about the guys on the court.

In short: know thy enemy.

So, we’re going to try to get some insight into some of our opponents. If you’re not interested, read anyway. These kids work hard on the court, and they all have their story. I’m going to try to get to the bottom of it. Or, at least, find out what they think about the Dawgs. Stay tuned…

Hey, thanks for coming!

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