1) Thanks for your time Will. You grew up in Bedford, VA,
and played ball at Liberty H.S. How successful was your high
school hoops career, how was the local competition?
The years before I played Varsity, we went to the State Final 4
four years in a row, and won 2 back-to-back state championships,
that included Raymond "Peanut" Arrington, the AA State player of
the year 2 years, and a full ride to Radford University along
with an All-State point guard, Robert Carson, that played
football at James Madison. When I was put on Varsity my
sophomore year, there were great expectations because of our
greatness in the past. There was always great competition in
the Central Virginia area. We won the district my sophomore and
junior year, and my senior year, we came in 2nd. Overall, my
high school career was a great experienced and I improved every
year. I wasn't the best athlete in the conference, not even my
team, but I felt as if I made up for it because of how much I
loved the game and what I was willing to do to help our team
succeed.
2) Were there any other schools you considered besides E&H?
Are you satisfied with the decision you made?
Being a 6'3 post guy in high school is something you can get
away with, but in college its a hard thing to do. So, I wasn't
getting any big time looks. I was recruited by a few D-3
schools around Virginia and North Carolina. But my Coach, Derek
Elmore played for E&H and was an All-Conference player there,
and he was definitely a big reason why I wanted to go there.
E&H has produced some very successful coaches after their
playing days, and I want to be a Coach, so I felt I would learn
a lot from Coach Johnson(E&H Coach) and hopefully one day become
a great coach.
3) You play in the tough Old Dominion Athletic Conference,
which features some quality D3 programs. Is there any one
school you consider to be your biggest rival, or do you guys get
up equally for every game?
Of course we get up for every game, but then again, there are
some teams who really get you pumped up to play. When we faced
Randolph-Macon at their place last year, they were ranked #1 in
the nation. We had a great week of practice, and when the game
started, we just totally controlled the game. We were 9-10
from 3 point land in the 1st half and 5-10 in the 2nd. I
believe we lead the whole game, and after we won, it was the
best feeling I have ever had on a basketball court. Another
team we get up for big time is Hampden-Sydney, a team that has
been to the Final 4 numerous times. There is a lot of hate
between our teams and that always makes for an interesting game.
4) The team loses 2nd leading scorer and leading rebounder
Kenny Carver to graduation, but returns the majority of the team
intact. Do you think there's a good chance you'll improve on
the team's 14-13 overall record this season? Is there any
specific goal the team has set to achieve?
The goal every year is to win the ODAC. Losing Kenny is
something that we'll have to really make up for. He was someone
we could always count on making the big shot at the right time
and getting a big rebound. We had the first winning season in a
couple years, and I think it is because we changed the way we
played. We are a full fledge running team that takes lots of
shots and the score is always going to be high. We have some
great players, and in the end it's going to come down to if we
can stop the other teams from scoring. Coach stresses defense
more than any asset of the game.
5) Along with fellow classmate Brandon Stanley, you were the
only freshmen in the regular playing rotation, and appeared in
all 27 games for the Wasps. How much playing time are you
hoping for this season? Have you set any statistical goals for
yourself?
Playing in every game and only being a freshman is something I
didn't expect at all. We have some guys coming in this year
that are going to be challenging for my spot. I don't set
statistical goals for myself. I just want the team to win, cause
when we win, it's a lot more fun. I am working my tail off to
get better everyday, and I really think everyone on the team
knows that I will do anything to help us win.
6) What would you consider your best game at E&H? I noticed
you scored 15 early on in a game vs. Maryville. Was that your
best, or is their another one that sticks out?
That was my best statistical game, but we lost that game, so I
got to play a little more than usual. The game that really
sticks out was when we played Guilford at home before Christmas
break. I hit 2 3's that game at some crucial times when they
were making a run to get back into the game. And after the
game, when my teammates were congratulating me, that was my the
1st point I started to really fit in and become a college
basketball player.
7) Last year, the team went to Barbados for winter break.
What type of experience was that? Is there anything special
planned for this year?
That trip was unbelievable The weather was perfect. We split
up into 2 teams and we played 1 game a day along with a practice
every morning. We played against the Junior National team, West
Indes College, and a club team. They were very athletic and run
up and down just like we do. It was a trip none of us will ever
forget. You cant go out of the country for a basketball trip
but once every 3 years, so we will be planning another trip to
somewhere for my senior year.
8) Do you know anything about this year's incoming class? Do
you think any of them will be major contributors this year?
We have a pretty good point guard from South Carolina coming, 2
big men from West Virginia, and I think another big man from
Connecticut. They have came up and played with us a little bit
last spring and they will be pushing for some playing time this
year. It will be interesting.
