Collegehoops.net Interviews

▪ College Basketball Tickets - 200% Guarantee

NAVIGATION
▪ Ranking & Predictions ▪ Division Two & Three ▪ Awards / Features ▪ Marketplace	▪ Message Board ▪ Coaching ▪ Fantasy ▪ Basketball History
CHN INFORMATION
▪ About CHN ▪ Write for CHN ▪ Advertising ▪ Links	▪ Site Map ▪ Teams List
VISIT OUR SPONSOR

80 INTERVIEWS, 80 TEAMS, 80 DAYS

Return to the 2005-06 Preseason Interviews List

Interview #9: Hassan Adams

Arizona Shooting Guard

By Shawn Siegel

If most schools lost the likes of a Channing Frye or Salim Stoudamire, expectations would be quite low. But such is not the case at Arizona, where both fans and players expect nothing short of greatness. Perhaps the biggest reason for such lofty thinking is the return of senior Hassan Adams. Adams is Lute Olson's leading returning scorer and rebounder, and also the team's emotional leader. Adams sees no reason why Arizona can't dream big, "A national championship... that's what we are trying to get."

1) You’re often considered a hard-working, hustle type player. Do you like this kind of label? Do you feel like its your job to set the tone for the rest of your teammates?

Oh yeah, definitely. I've always approached it that way. No one should be able to tell you to do it. You have to go out and do it yourself.

2) Now that Channing Frye and Salim Stoudamire have moved on to the NBA, you are the teams highest returning scorer. Do you think the team will struggle scoring the ball this year? Who will have to take on more of the scoring load?

No. I don't think so. We're going to win games, regardless, because we play together. The scoring will come. We haven't had trouble scoring for as long as I've been here. As long as we play "D," the points are going to come. Mustafa (Shakur), Jawann (McClellan) is coming around, Ivan (Radenovic). Now that Channing is gone, Isaiah has gotten better. The scoring is going to come from everybody. It won't be one or two people. Everyone will contribute.

3) The team lost a memorable game to Illinois in the NCAA Tournament, despite your 21 points and 8 rebounds. How hard was it getting over that tough loss?

It was real hard to get over. Two teams played and there is only one winner. Illinois came out on top. That one got us for about a week. You win some and you lose some. We just tried to put it behind us. It's not the end of the world.

4) Have you had much of a chance to play ball and spend time with the incoming freshmen? How important do you think there contributions will be for this team to reach its highest potential?

From what I've seen in playing with them and talking to them, they are open to everything. They are trying to learn so much and fit in, which is perfect. I try to tell them that it's about doing your job and contributing in their own way. They will be ready.

5) Both you and Washington lose a lot of talent from last year. Who do you think are the teams to beat in the Pac-10 this year?

UCLA is back. UW will always be there. Stanford's top three (guys) are back, so they will make some noise. Those three are pretty strong.

6) Do you follow the NBA much? Are there any particular players in the NBA whose game you look up to?

Baron (Davis) and Paul (Pierce) just coming from L.A. and watching them play in high school. I'm a fan of D. Wade. I like the way he goes about the game. Lebron (James), and of course 'Dre (Iguodala). I love watching him on SportsCenter. You try to model your game after a lot of players. You see how hard they work and you just try to get there yourself.