Originally Posted by
Truth&Justise
Re-posting some of the highlights here (i.e. most of the ones that aren't about video games). He answered A LOT of questions, so I'd recommend checking out the whole thing:
- Why didnt you come out your sophomore year when you hypothetically could have gone top 20? Do you ever regret staying in school only to be overshadowed by some of your younger teammates?
Learning more from Coach K and graduating were the two biggest reasons for staying. I dont regret it because I feel like I learned a lot on and off the court. I also learned how to play with a lot of extremely talented guys which is exactly what Ill have to do in the NBA
- How does it feel to know that you've left plenty of money on the table going back to school one too many times, because of the feeling behind your skill is that now of a second-round prospect?
Theres way more money in staying in the league than just getting to the league as soon as you can. I feel like Im in a better position now to stick and find a spot on a team longterm than I was two years ago.
- I'm a diehard Carolina fan who graduated from UNC in 2017. How much does the Carolina-Duke rivalry mean to you? Did you change your preparation for those games during the week or did you treat it like any other game? (You going off in the last few minutes in the Dean Dome in 2016 will sting forever, btw)
It means a lot because of the history of the rivalry. I played UNC around 10 times in my 4 years and they were always the most fun games. Your mental preparation has to be a little different because the environment is so different than any other game.
- People have drawn comparisons to you and Laettner, being leaders on Duke teams with some questionable in game stuff. My question is has Laettner's handling of this image and his quasi-embracing of "villain" status been an influence on your mentality?
Im an introverted person who is uncomfortable with attention (negative and positive) so it was a little different for me. I had to learn to embrace the "villian" status in my own way. Leadership is also something I had to grow into because it was tough for me to speak up at first.
- What did your daily schedule look like at Duke? How many hours a day did you put into basketball?
Film/ lifting in the morning. Classes would go from around 9-1230ish. We would be at the gym from about 1-5 watching film, doing pre practice work in the training room, practicing, and getting shots up, and then have study hall or a night class after.
- How has meditation helped you in playing basketball? I played basketball in high school and I realized that most of the best games I ever played were when I was "mindless" and wasn't thinking and instead reacting. However, meditation teaches you to be "mindful" and to observe your thoughts. What's your take on that?
For me, mediation helps with staying focused and not letting my mind wander. During games there are so many distractions/ thoughts that could arise like the crowd, a bad play, or a missed shot. Meditation helps me to stay "in the zone" and use basketball instincts instead of getting distracted by different trains of thought.
- How do you think Javin and Marques will adapt to being the senior-type leaders on next year's team? What do you think of next year's team with them as well as Zion, Barrett, Reddish, and Tre?
I think they have a good group of older guys that will be leaders. Javin, Antonio, J Rob, and Marques will all do a great job. I think Marques is going to make a lot of improvement and have a really good year. He has a ton of potential. The freshman are obviously super talented so Im excited to see what they can do.
- What were your first impressions of some of the other Duke players, and did they turn out to be right or wrong?
Jayson was killing people in 1 on 1 from the first day he stepped on campus so we all kinda knew he was going to be really good early on in his NBA career
- Who was the most talented Duke teammate you played with?
Its a tough one because there have been so many, but I have to go with Brandon Ingram from a pure talent/potential standpoint. Jahlil, Jayson, Harry, and Marvin are all up there though
- Who's the best player at Duke during your 4 years there?
Jahlil Okafor
- Who's the toughest opponent you've faced at the college level?
I hated going up against UVA slow pace/ packline defense
- Toughest player you've had to guard?
Its tough to pick one, but the first player that comes to mind is Dennis Smith. When his outside shot is falling hes tough to stop.
- Who was your favorite teammate in your four years at Duke?
Marshall Plumlee. One of the weirdest/ greatest guys Ive met
- Who is your favorite teammate from Duke and why is it Marshall Plumlee?
Marshall Plumlee because Marshall Plumlee
- Which NBA players do you think you are most similar to in terms of play style?
Eric Gordon. Everyone wants to make the JJ comparison though
- What did you do when you found out about the meme between you and Ted Cruz looking alike?
I honestly didnt see it at first, but its impossible to deny now
- If asked to play Ted Cruz in a movie, would you do it?
for sure
Jesus. What happened? Not saying Grayson is wrong, but Grayson played with Ingram, Jayson, and Marvin. And Jahlil was the best?
Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. - Winston Churchill
President of the "Nolan Smith Should Have His Jersey in The Rafters" Club