Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign
[00:00:03] Speaker B: welcome to the Canadian basketball show, your go to spot for the latest news stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. I'm your host, Lee Ban Osmond. I'm joined in studio by a real special guest, someone I consider to be one of the top Canadians in College Basketball. He's a 610 forward and he averaged 12.4 points and 3.9 rebounds and shot over an impressive 42% from three at 6:10. He's gearing up for his junior season at Xavier is Toronto's very own Jovan Lechovic. How you doing, brother?
[00:00:39] Speaker A: I'm good, I'm good. Happy to be here.
[00:00:41] Speaker B: I wanted to have you on because I feel like you're a name people do know, if not should know. Heading into another season of college.
And you have a pretty unique story. When I think about it, growing up in the city, left Canada to play prep school in the States a bit, I would say maybe under recruited at times.
And now one of the top forwards in the Big East. How would you kind of like describe this off season going into your junior year? Kind of a big one coming up and yeah, heading to campus soon.
[00:01:14] Speaker A: I made a lot of obstacles on the road, leaving home early, leaving home at 15 years old to go pursue my dreams to play college basketball. Growing up, Division 1 basketball is always a goal of mine and obviously to get to the NBA.
Off season's big.
Getting a lot of work in with my trainer Phil and just, you know, just working on my craft and hopefully I can get another big jump from sophomore to junior year.
[00:01:40] Speaker B: Yeah, before you even got to the Big East. My guess is, like, you talked about, like many kids growing up had aspirations to play D1, play at the highest level, playing NCAA tournament, which you accomplished in your first year as a freshman.
Um, but before that, was there a moment in high school where you realize I'm a D1 talent? Like, I can play at this level for sure.
[00:02:01] Speaker A: I mean, I left when I was 15 years old.
You go into a Canadian guy coming into America at 15 years old, you're in a team house with all these American guys. And growing up, I mean, everybody used to say Canadians were soft. I didn't really like that.
And a lot of challenges were definitely like. I got put in a lot of challenges when I was over there. But luckily everything went through how it's supposed to. So I'm thankful for that for sure.
[00:02:28] Speaker B: How'd you get into basketball? Tell me about the origin story and walk me through your growth spurt. Six foot ten.
[00:02:34] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:02:34] Speaker B: And like, seeing I'M like, you know, there's some people that, ah, they might be like, you see them, it's like schools, NBA teams, you know, they might list them at that. To me, you look 610, you know, like, tell me about the growth sport. And like, how did you get into basketball?
[00:02:47] Speaker A: Originally, growing up, my best friend, he was always like, on the court playing basketball, and he's like, yo, you should try this out. Because especially I was. I was always taller. There was no time in life where I had like a growth spurt. Like a crazy girl.
I was always taller than everybody in my class. I remember even, like in grade four, I'm taller than my teachers at this point. You know what I mean?
So, yeah, growing up with him and he kind of just.
Everything he learned from his trainer during school, during recess, lunch, he was telling me, like, yo, this what we gotta do. Form shots. Let's go for a run around while guys are playing at lunch, I'm going for runs around the school trying to get in shape. Just. It was just a different grind. It was a different. I had this motivation because I looked up to my best friend. He's a little bit older than me. I said, let me give it. Let me give it a shot. And luckily, with the hard work and dedication, everything turned out well. And I just love basketball. I couldn't do anything without basketball.
[00:03:40] Speaker B: Now, was it easy for you right away, like, because of the height advantage?
[00:03:44] Speaker A: Definitely. But I was big on threes. I love shooting three pointers, so. So growing up, I'm in my driveway shooting from half halfway in the road. I'm shooting deep threes. And I remember vividly going to my first tryout and I'm shooting all these threes, but I'm the biggest guy there. So my. The coach is like, yo, get in the paint. Like, what are you doing out here shooting all these threes? But it's just something I always love doing. And I felt just comfortable and confident every time I shot the ball.
I just. It was, it was. It was easy at that point.
[00:04:12] Speaker B: What was the influence, though, is that, like, you grew up in the generation of Steph Curry, where it's like, you know, guys taking shots like that. And then, like, you look at the league now and it's like, if you can't shoot, you likely can't play. You gotta be able to stretch the floor. How much was that emphasis, too? It was like, hey, like, this is the way the modern league, NBA is going, and I have to kind of adapt and, like, I'm this tall person. And, yeah, I'm going to bang in the paint, but I also got to be able to shoot.
[00:04:36] Speaker A: Sure. You see all these guys in the NBA playing in college that are big, that. That are big guards now. You know, I mean, the games change. You see Victor playing on the perimeter, shooting the rock. So it's like, you see all that stuff, you kind of got to adjust to it. You don't want to be doing your own thing when that's not kind of the way it's supposed to be played. So definitely shooting threes. And I always told myself three is worth more than the two, so I always love shooting more at threes.
[00:05:00] Speaker B: Tell me about. You talked about leaving at 15, how you do. How did that decision come about? Where it's like, hey, maybe you maximized what you felt you could hear in Canada and was like, hey, I might need to move over, go down south and play basketball. How did the opportunity come about?
[00:05:17] Speaker A: So I finished middle school.
I go into grade nine. I went to Green in Green. I went to Richview Collegiate Institute. And after that year, I think I was, like, averaging 30 points in high school, public high school.
And then that was the decision I had to make, was I felt like I accomplished that public high school here.
And everything was in the States. I feel like they had more exposure, like everybody. More eyes in the states, more Division 1 colleges coming to the states to watch those. Those American guys. So I was like, I always wanted to go there.
And after my grade nine year here, I kind of laid everything out. I talked to my parents. I said, I know I'm still young. I'm 15 years old, but I'm trying to go pursue my dreams. And it was a big thing for them, too, because obviously they don't want their kid leaving at 15 years old, leaving the house, not knowing where they're gonna be. You know what I mean? Not knowing what struggles they're gonna go through without them being there.
And I told him, I said, I want to do it.
And then I went with my twin brother. Actually, my twin brother was hooping at the time. He stopped hooping now, but we went together to Dream City Christian in Arizona.
Great spot. I love being in Arizona. I play with some. Some good guys, NBA guys. Shade in. I play with Arthur Kaluma, Sean Phillips, all these big college guys and future NBA players. So it was a great experience. But coming in there at a young age was definitely a little bit difficult, because you're coming from grade nine, being the man on the team, averaging 30, to going to the States where there's already guys that are high major commits, D1 commits, places that you want to be that you look inspired to be one day.
So I was. I was low key, riding the bench a little bit freshman year. When I got there, I was riding the bench a little bit. And then every year, I kind of made a bigger jump. Bigger jump, bigger jump. My confidence got higher, and I felt like I could bang with you. I knew I could bang with these guys. I just wanted the opportunity.
And thankfully, it all came.
[00:07:11] Speaker B: People that know Dream City is a top program in the States, I kind of wind back a little bit. You talked about your parents.
[00:07:16] Speaker A: Yes. I know.
[00:07:17] Speaker B: You're Serbian.
[00:07:18] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:07:19] Speaker B: I come from an immigrant household. I know. It's like, if I told my parents I want to go play basketball at 15, they'll be like, hell, no. Like, you got to focus on this. You got to focus on that. What was the conversation like with them? And I'm guessing they probably started to realize, like, this could be a future for him. Like, this is big time. And what's that? Like, what was I growing up in a Serbian household, too?
[00:07:40] Speaker A: My parents are obviously from former Yugoslavia, Serbia.
They were low key, a little bit iffy with me sliding to Arizona.
Strict, stricter parents, but more like they're very supportive. My family's big on support. We're always there for each other, and we're always supporting each other. Even now. They come to our. My college games. They came to my high school games. They always found a way to. To come support me, so which I really appreciate with them. But when they knew that I told them I wanted to do this, they were kind of. They were like, okay, let's give it a shot. Why not? You know what I mean? And as time started going on and on, they realized like, yo, this could be something serious. Like, you know, this kid really loves basketball. This guy can't do anything without a basketball, you know, like, go chase your dreams, son. You know, I mean, so I really appreciate my family for that and just give me the support. Constantly being there for me and believing in me as well.
Obviously, when stuff isn't going right, you go straight to your family. So they're always there and supporting me and just being there for me and making sure my mental straight, I'm right. I'm doing good.
[00:08:42] Speaker B: Yeah. I'm guessing it made it also easier with your brother there.
[00:08:44] Speaker A: 100%.
[00:08:45] Speaker B: You speak Serbian?
[00:08:46] Speaker A: I do.
[00:08:46] Speaker B: Can you teach me some words? Like, what's the. Like, what's your go to, like, trash talk? When it's like you're on the court or it's like on the court, I
[00:08:52] Speaker A: like speaking in English. English, you know what I mean?
[00:08:54] Speaker B: I want to understand how you say like you're trash or something like that.
[00:08:57] Speaker A: Naval.
[00:08:58] Speaker B: Naval.
[00:08:59] Speaker A: Naval.
[00:08:59] Speaker B: See, like that's another lifetime. My last name is going to be instead like le Band, like Osman or something like that, you know, like something like, you know, like some, some like Serbian last name. But talk about when you get to the States, was there a culture shock? You get there and it's like, this might be completely different from the city of Toronto.
I've been to Arizona. For me, it's just the weather is insane over there. I don't know how people live over there. What was the first few days like over there? Getting adjusted. Was there a moment where you're like, I'm homesick. I want, I want to go back home. And like I go back to, you know, dropping 30 and at Richview, like, what was that like? And then adjusting and then realizing like, I need this to get to where I want to be.
[00:09:48] Speaker A: I mean, definitely a big culture shock when I got there. You're coming from Toronto, then you go to Arizona and you're in a team house with your teammates. You're the youngest one there. You're in a crib with 18 year old, 17, 18 year olds, like high school guys at the time and, and guys from different places, some guys from Chicago, some guys from Milwaukee. So everybody kind of has their different swag, their different style.
Like I told you earlier, Canadians were like that as soft. You know, I didn't like that. Like, I don't like that because even now there's a lot of great Canadian guys, great Canadian Hoopers. And I feel like as the years go on, more and more Canadian guys are going to the league. More and more Canadian guys are playing at these high major Division 1 schools or just Division 1 in general.
So yeah, it was definitely a big culture shock. I got homesick for sure. I remember the first, what was the first couple weeks, I was like, okay, this is smooth. You know, like you go practice, weight room school. The studies were good.
Having my twin brother there was nice, you know what I mean?
But yeah, I was definitely, I definitely got homesick and I was telling my parents I wanted to go home a little bit and wanted to be home. But I, at the end day, it's sacrifice, right? You have to sacrifice and. And I wanted to make it and I still do want to make it, so. So even now I'm still Sacrificing and just keep working hard every day to, to get to league.
[00:11:05] Speaker B: Yeah, a lot of kids want to go south. They want to go play high school basketball on these top teams.
What do you recommend now? Because, like, there's a lot of prep schools here in Canada. I have a discussion with a lot of people. It's like some people say, hey, should stay here. You got these top programs that are also doing things that end up going, playing south and competing at these, these, these grind sessions. Whether it's these top, top, top teams. What's your thoughts on it? What was like, did you feel like it was necessary during your time and like now looking at the landscape in Canada, seeing kids come up, do you feel like it's necessary?
[00:11:42] Speaker A: I do. I feel like America's always going to have a little bit more leverage on Canadian, like, basketball in general.
Leaving 15, leaving out 15 is obviously hard. You know, you don't want to leave home. You'd rather play at a prep school here. But just the exposure over there is a lot bigger. More exposure over there. You got eybl, Under Armour circuits, Adidas circuits, all in the States where these college coaches are coming to watch you play.
My advice would be go to the States for basketball.
A big thing I learned there was the, the speed of the game and the physicality of the game was a lot different.
You're going from Canadian basketball to a little bit older guys, so you feel the more physicality and quicker, but it helps you. It helps you mentally and physically prepare for college better. So I definitely, for the advice for these young Hoopers, I'd say try going to the States. If it's either AAU or, or prep schools in the States, for sure. Go to a sweet just. Just for the exposure so they can get seen.
[00:12:41] Speaker B: Yeah. Do you feel like. Do a lot of kids come up to you and be like, hey, how did you go about it? What was that like for you growing up? And what stuff should they consider? Because, like, some kids might not be, like, as talented as you were coming out. Right. Where it's like, hey, maybe I should go. Like, I. Like you talked about, you went to Richard, you killed at Richview. And then it was like, this is my options now. Is that kind of the requirement that you see?
[00:13:02] Speaker A: I'd say, yeah, I'd agree with that. I'd say, if you feel like you've accomplished what you need to do where you are, always try going somewhere better and somewhere better. And I felt like I accomplished what I needed to do here. It was One year, yes. But my goal was always to go to the States. And I was like, yo, if I get the opportunity, why not do it right? Why back out now?
So definitely.
[00:13:24] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, you play that Junior City Christian. We talked about so much high level talent. What was the daily environment like over there? Because you talked about guys like Arthur Kluma, Shaden Sharp, who just like blew up at that time. What was the daily environment like going
[00:13:39] Speaker A: out every day, I mean, fights and practice, you know, just, just competitiveness. Everybody's trying to compete, everybody's trying to make. It just felt like you were in a, in a dog fight, in a war. And it's like, then it goes down to how bad you really want and how bad. Do you love this game? Right? And I, I always love the game and I always want to compete with these guys. Go. I don't care if you're older than me, I don't care if you have a bigger name than me. I'm trying to go at you, right?
So. So it was definitely a lot of that, A lot of barking and obviously playing with Shade and playing with these guys. Like, you gotta have a guy like Shane Sharp coming from Sunrise Christian, not that known, comes to Dream City for his junior year, kills it, becomes the number one player in the country. So now you're like, you're playing with the number one player in the country, which is great, but you're still trying to go at him. You know what I mean? It just. And it gives you more motivation. Like, if he can make it, why can't. We're in the same spot, why can't I do it? You know what I mean? So I just see all these guys competing and going hard and I'm a big competitor and I never backed down
[00:14:40] Speaker B: from nor what was young shading. Like, do you. Did you like, realize at a moment or like, was there more? You're like, this guy's out of here. He's going to be like, this is.
[00:14:46] Speaker A: Oh, for sure, you. So you knew, you knew he was different. He had his athleticism. His, his bounce was just different, you know, I love playing with him. I learned a lot from him.
He's like a big bro to me at the time. You know, we still talk here and there, but yeah, definitely. It was cool seeing him grow up as well and see like the path he took. I know, I know. He went to Camillus in Kentucky and then just went straight to the league from there. He didn't even play a game in Kentucky, which shows how, how talented he Is right. That was great. It was a great experience for you.
[00:15:20] Speaker B: What part of your game, like, needed the most polishing when you get to prep school? It was like, hey, I need to work on this to make it to the next level. That. Where it's like, hey, now, this is kind of like I dominate in Canada, but, like, this is what I'm holding in on.
[00:15:35] Speaker A: I say a body, like, getting stronger. That was my main focus. Just the weight room getting stronger, being more physical, getting quicker. Like I said, the game's quick over there. Physicality, a lot of physicality in the States. And that was just my main focus, was working on my body to get better. Yeah. Just in the way of my diet, watching what I eat, knowing that what I put in my body is what comes out of my body. The energy I. I burn is from what calories I put in my body. Right. So just taking care of my body and knowing that that also comes with the basketball part, right. With being an athlete is you have to take care of your body. It's not just tie up your shoes and go hoop. And when you're done, you go home. You know, you have to take care of your body, watch what you eat.
That's something I'm still, you know, working and. And trying to, you know, better myself.
[00:16:22] Speaker B: Yeah. First time I think I heard about you was when you're playing for Canada, FIBA U17 World Cup. What do you remember about that experience? I think it was in Spain at the time.
[00:16:31] Speaker A: It was a Malaga.
[00:16:32] Speaker B: What. What was that like?
[00:16:33] Speaker A: That was a great experience. I mean, when you get to representing your country, there's no better feeling. And then you're going against Serbia, too. So it's like, I'm talking smack and Serbian with these guys. And I remember my parents came to the game and they were saying, like, people in the crowds are like, malicha. Like, what's. What's this guy doing on Canada? You know, he should be playing for Serbian team. Right? I actually. Funny story. I actually got for the. That year for the Serbian team to play with them. I just didn't have my dual citizenship yet, so right when I found out, I was like, oh, they can. I could play for them. I got my. Got my right away, just in case they call me again. Right.
But it was a great experience, you playing with the top guys in your class, guys that you grow up playing against, and then you get put on all on one team, all the top Hoopers on one team. It was a great experience. I loved it out there. Obviously, Spain's A great place to be. The atmosphere when we played Spain was insane.
Fans there were crazy. Just a Europe, Europe vibe is different in terms, like, the fan bases and the passion they have for it as well.
[00:17:33] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:17:33] Speaker A: So, yeah, I loved. I love playing out there, and hopefully one day I could play again. The Feebas or. You know, I was gonna ask.
[00:17:39] Speaker B: You talked about, like, doing a dual citizenship. Like, is there interest in, like, playing for Serbia? Because when I think about it, like, it's cool playing for your country, right?
[00:17:47] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:17:48] Speaker B: But, like, it means something maybe to me to play for, like, where your parents were from, you know, like, for sure do, like, what they sacrificed for you to get here and all that kind of stuff. Like, what is there interest in, like, what's that?
[00:17:59] Speaker A: Like, give me Canada and you give me Serbia. If they both come, I'm picking Serbia.
[00:18:03] Speaker B: Serbia.
[00:18:03] Speaker A: I have to pick Serbia.
[00:18:04] Speaker B: I love this.
[00:18:05] Speaker A: I mean, I love Canada. Obviously, I'm born here, but like you said, my parents, that's where they grew up. And it's just in my blood, Right. I have that Serbian blood in me, so I'd love to play for Team Serbia one day. Playing with Yokids, playing with those guys, you know, it'd be. It'd be a blessing for sure. And even if I could just go out there for a camp and learn something from those guys, it'd be amazing, right? So, yeah, yeah. Serbia. I pick Serbia for sure.
[00:18:27] Speaker B: I love to see it. Let's talk about your recruitment process.
You end up committing at University of New Mexico with Richard Pitino, who you're still with at Xavier right now. What do you remember about, like, the recruitment process for you and maybe your first offer when it came? And what was that whole experience, like, juggling, talking to schools and the interest level, and then. Yeah. Tell me about the first offer. What do you remember about that?
[00:18:52] Speaker A: Yeah. So my freshman year at Dream City, it was when I got my first offer, actually, is after a game, and during the grind session, we played. I remember so vividly. We play Phoenix Prep. Okay. After the game, I think I had, like, five threes, but I'm 15 years old at the time, I had, like, five threes in the game.
And we finished the game, and my coach comes up to me. He's like, at the time, they're not allowed to contact me personally because I'm still young. Right. I think it's like sophomore, junior year when you could start talking to coaches. But it was UC Santa Barbara, and that's pretty good school. So I was like, Division One, you Know, I call my parents, I'm happy, you know, my parents. I'm like, you don't got to pay for school for me. You know, I got scholarships already. I'm set. Right? It was. It was amazing feeling, but it just wanted me to get more. I just wanted more and more and more.
Yeah, I'd say, yeah, that was a crazy time. Time when at the time, you know, coming from Canada, it was crazy to get your first division one off.
[00:19:49] Speaker B: What did you know about the recruiting process? Like, how it all works? Because I feel like most people don't know until they're officially, like, in it.
Like, was it stressful for you or was it pretty easy?
[00:20:01] Speaker A: So as more schools came in, I got a little bit stressful because then you're like, I don't want to pick the wrong school, you know, I want to make sure I have the right fit.
New Mexico, Lobos, I felt like, was a great fit for me.
Did I play as much? No, but it was a great learning experience. We had a great team. I mean, we competed. We went to March Madness that year, Beat Marquette in the first round, playing Michigan State, second round. These teams that you're watching growing up on tv, you know, so it was. It was great. But yeah, it was definitely a little nerve wracking because you don't want to pick the wrong spot.
And you got all these coaches, some telling you the same thing, some telling you don't know if you could trust these guys. You don't know what to expect.
I heard lots of stories over where coaches tell you one thing and you get there and it's a completely different.
Different, like, different from what they told you. So I just was worried that, that that would happen to me, and it didn't. So I was very. Thank for it.
Shout out to coach two Coach Patino for. For recruiting me. They recruited me hard in high school.
Every day calling me. They pulled up to Canada. They pulled up here to see my family. Like, oh, they were locked in. I mean, they were locked in, locked in. So I was like, okay. Like, this is a complete different vibe from these other guys.
And it turned out to be like a family for me. Obviously, I've been playing. I'm about to be third year with them. They changed schools. I'm with them. You know what I mean? It's a family thing now. So it was a great experience. And I love going through the recruiting process.
It's nice.
[00:21:24] Speaker B: Yeah.
What other schools are recruiting your heart? Like, tell me about that. And also, I remember hearing Richard talk about like they didn't want anybody to find out about you.
[00:21:33] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:21:33] Speaker B: Which is kind of crazy. It's like, because like, they, they seen the talent. You talked about him, obviously coming to see your family, all that kind of stuff. What was that like, where it was like, hey, you knew the talent. It was. But then they're also like, hey, we don't want these schools to get involved.
[00:21:45] Speaker A: Yeah, I'll say. After my 16U year in EYBL, that's kind of when the offer started rolling in. A lot of like high major schools, Oregon, ucla, Oklahoma State. These high major schools were calling at the time. And then towards junior and senior year, you're like, okay, these are the ones that are very serious about you. Who's the ones calling you when you're finishing high school?
[00:22:05] Speaker B: After a game.
[00:22:06] Speaker A: Yeah, after a game. And New Mexico was.
The coaches. I heard the coaches, they were talking and everybody was like, yo, you're going to New Mexico in New Mexico before I even commit.
So I'm like, I don't know what's going on behind the scenes, but it was funny. But yeah, I was definitely locked in with them from the start. And they know that.
[00:22:27] Speaker B: What was the selling point? What was like, okay, this is. Dr. Obviously the family stuff, how serious they were. Was there like a selling point was like, hey, because you talked about. Some coaches can lie, they can say, this is what we expect from you. I'm guessing they were probably just like, hey, this is what we, we envisioned for you. It might not be like a one year thing. Yeah, obviously at Xavier now, it's like you make that jump to your sophomore season. It's like, this is kind of the trajectory they kind of envisioned for, you
[00:22:52] Speaker A: know, I mean, they never, I feel like they didn't lie to me at all throughout my years with them. And they could have been like, yo, you're gonna come in here as a freshman and average 30 points and you know what I mean, do this and this and this.
They kept it real. They said, yo, you're gonna come in here, it's gonna be a little tougher for you to play. There's a senior in my position, you know, I mean, been with them already for two years, so he's kind of was in that same phase I am, I'm in now.
Yeah. They always just kept a rule with me. They told me what it is and they, they laid out the plans that they had for me and I liked it. And the team, they just won the Mountain west tournament before that went to the tournament.
So I Was like, I want to always grow. When I grown up, I always wanted to play March Madness.
And yeah, I was like, yeah, this, this is going to be a spot. And obviously when a coach from the States is coming, there's one coach from the season coming to Canada, a whole nother country, to see your family and be with them. Yo, they really rock with me, you know what I mean? So I was, I was very. That kind of sold me right there when, when they did all that.
[00:23:50] Speaker B: Yeah, they're going through customs just to come see you. That's. That's a different type of, you know, for sure.
You talked about it too. When you get there, what's kind of like your impressions of New Mexico, the school itself and tell me about that. Like when you get there, what's your. Was there like a shock when I
[00:24:08] Speaker A: got this, it just felt like this is where I wanted to be my whole life, you know, facilities, 24 hour gym. What more can you ask for? You know, you have the gym. You can go in the gym whenever you want, lift whenever you want, food everywhere. You know what I mean? Take care of your. Take care of, like where our living situations. And luckily when I went to New Mexico, I was with another Serbian guy there. Shout out Philly Bo, my dogs with you.
[00:24:33] Speaker B: And Xavier.
[00:24:34] Speaker A: Yeah, he's with me at Xavier too. So definitely having like another Serbian there with me was, was, was cool. We lived together and then this past year we lived together as well.
So yeah, I was definitely like, yo, I'm, I'm here. You know, I mean, now let's keep working. Now it's next level. I'm just keep checking off boxes and my final one's the league. So.
[00:24:54] Speaker B: Yeah, you get there. We kind of talked about it. So I kind of want to go back for a sec because you mentioned programs. Tell you a dream. What's some stuff that like maybe some players coming up should be careful. Like, hey, maybe listen to this podcast right now where it's like, if they're saying this to me, I show this is not going to happen. Like, this is like in your first year as a freshman. What are maybe the expectations that was like given to you and it was like this came true and like, maybe you should be careful or like a little like, you can't be promising all this, especially with the transfer portal, like you might get, you might sign on to the program. November, in April they got another guy that they can bring in, right?
[00:25:33] Speaker A: I'll say for me, just when you speak to them, don't be afraid to ask them questions. At the end of the day, you know you're the one near the prize, right? They want you, so, so don't be afraid to ask them questions and, and know the roster too. Don't just commit because they're. They're loving you. They're loving you. See who they have in your position, See the style of play that they. Can you fit in their system? When you watch them play, can you, can you see yourself playing their system?
That was a big thing for me. I love the way Patino plays.
The ball's moving and, and he's a big players coach, so I rocked with him.
[00:26:07] Speaker B: Did you have a welcome to college basketball moment where I was like, oh man, this is, this is insane. I didn't expect this. Or it was like a player that you guarded. I was like, I could tell why you, you're a top guy.
[00:26:19] Speaker A: I'll say.
When we played New Mexico State, when it was New Mexico, New Mexico State. And that's college rivalries are big, right? And I can even talk about later, we could talk about the Xavier Cincinnati rivalry, top 25 rivalry in the country.
That was definitely like you're, you're checking into the game, you got goosebumps how loud it is, how passionate the fans are, how much it means to them. Like you're playing more than just for your team, right? You're playing for the community, you're playing for the, for your fans, for everything, right? And that was a big, a big wake up moment where it's like, yo, this is serious. This is serious bum serious basketball competition. I mean, you playing bigger guys, guys that are in college for, for four years, that are strong, you know, I mean, that are. Been in the weight room before you. You're coming as a freshman, a high school body, you know, so it's definitely some challenges along the way, but yeah, that'd be.
That game was definitely like a wow. Like this is crazy college basketball. Serious.
[00:27:17] Speaker B: You touched on it. How much faster and like physical was the college game compared to high school?
[00:27:22] Speaker A: It was like big time.
[00:27:23] Speaker B: Like, I need a, I'm in a weight room now. Just like, what was that big time?
[00:27:27] Speaker A: I mean, you feel the bumps? Yeah, it's, it's, it's after the game where you feel the, the, you know, I mean, you're sore and you're like, ah, I gotta go in the ice tub. You know, I gotta take care of my body.
Yeah, I was definitely. The physicality is different in the Division 1 college basketball level and even in the NBA now you see, it's physical. Playoffs, guys are being physical. So the game's always been physical. Just when you play and you're, you know, in the moment, you're doing it, it's like, okay, you gotta bang back. You know, you can't back down.
[00:27:58] Speaker B: What was that like?
Early on, obviously not seeing as much minutes probably as you. You'd like. But I heard Richard talk about it too. It was like, hey, you see the bigger picture. Like, you understood, like, why I'm not playing right now. Like, there's a certain level of, like, you gotta not, like, wait your turn, but, like, you know, there's. There's players that are in their senior year, you know, that are gonna get those minutes. What was that like? And during that time when it's like, hey, I'm not getting the minutes that maybe I want. What are you doing outside? That was like, hey, I'm locking into this. What was like, your kind of, like, mindset during all that whole process angle?
[00:28:33] Speaker A: I felt like high school again. Like, you know, you come from Canada, best player, and then you go to the States, you start from the bench, you know, I was like, okay, it's gonna take some time again to, you know, get into it. But this time it's like, I already experienced that, so I'm not gonna waste my. My. My sophomore year, my freshman year. I'm going to learn as much as I can. Obviously, it's, you know, it's tough as a Hooper. And you love the game of basketball. You're trying to be on the court and play. You see these guys, your teammates are out there going to war, you trying to go out there with them, but you just gotta stay patient, wait your turn, improve yourself and practice. I feel like that was a big thing for me, just going at guys in practice and. And showing and gaining the coach's trust to where he knows that, like, yo, I'm here. Like, you know, you brought me for a reason. Like, I'm nice, you know, I mean, let me play. I'm nice. So freshman to sophomore year, jump was big. Going from Mountain west to Big East. You're going from playing San Diego State, you know, Nevada, those types, Colorado State, those are tournament teams. But you go from playing them to UConn, St. John's you know.
Yeah, you're playing in NBA arenas now. You know what I mean? So, yeah, I was definitely crazy.
[00:29:41] Speaker B: Was there something specific, like Richard and them, like, challenged you on in your first year? That was like, hey, like, for this jump to happen in your second year, we need this from you.
[00:29:51] Speaker A: I just see my body because I started that high school body, you know, just slimming down a little more. I know when covet hit, I was always skinnier. Growing up on Covert, I lowkey got little chunks.
[00:30:00] Speaker B: Hey, we all did. Yeah, I'm still recovering, to be honest.
[00:30:03] Speaker A: Yeah, it got little chunks. And I was like, yo, I need to slim myself down.
So that was a big thing, just, you know, walking in the weight room. Every day you're on the scale, they're. They're seeing what you at, you know, and you have to drop, drop, drop. I came in at college at, like, I came into College at £266. That's like, my heaviest.
And I dropped down to 235 my freshman year because I wanted to play and I wanted to be on the car. I was like, yo, that's what I have to do. I have to do. And I actually did, like, three months.
[00:30:31] Speaker B: That's crazy.
[00:30:32] Speaker A: I was eating different when my teammates. Eating chicken fingers and fries. I'm eating asparagus and salmon, you know, like different. A whole different diet. I'm going in for extra conditioning, like, cardio, so I can trim up.
But I wanted it bad, you know, So I was like, if this is what I have to do, I'm gonna do it right.
[00:30:48] Speaker B: Did you try to gain more weight? Like, as you're, like, trying to get. You're trying to get bigger, too? Like, for sure. Right now?
[00:30:53] Speaker A: Yeah, right Now I'm at 250, 245, 250. But I'm about to head back to school now, so they're about to turn me back up.
[00:31:01] Speaker B: What are you trying to be at when the season starts?
[00:31:03] Speaker A: Probably like 240, 235. You know, that's a good plane away from me. I just want to be quick and be explosive.
[00:31:09] Speaker B: Tell me about the. What you changed about your eating. Give me some tips. What I need to. To get on your. Your diet.
[00:31:15] Speaker A: And less carbs.
[00:31:16] Speaker B: Less carbs?
[00:31:17] Speaker A: Yeah, less.
[00:31:17] Speaker B: What does that include?
[00:31:18] Speaker A: But that's for me, like, I'm from Serbian household, so everything's bread, bread, this bread, this bread. So it's like, that was a. That was a big one for me. Just cutting down on the. On the carbs and more protein, more greens, fruits, you know, I mean, smoothies.
Just finding alternatives for everything. Don't be drinking juice, drink water. You know, I mean, just. Just stuff like that to where that could put fat on you. So you want to just make sure you stay.
[00:31:45] Speaker B: See me. You're different, you know, like, you have dreams. I just sit back and I speak into a mic, so I don't know if I need to, you know, like, cut the weight like that. But NCAA tournament, your first year, what was that experience like, getting there? And, like, I'm guessing the stage is completely different. You feel it, the atmosphere, What. Like, what was your kind of expectations for that? And you guys had a really good team.
[00:32:11] Speaker A: Yeah. I mean, you're playing in the tournament, something that you grew up watching all the time. That's first. It's a great, great just opportunity to be there.
The vibes were different. You're in the Cavs arena, sold out, playing against Marquette. First game. Fans are there, traveling, like, you know, by, like, everybody's hype, energy's high. I remember after winning the first game, everyone was hyped. We're like, yo, we're going for Michigan State's head. We want. Who's next? Who's next? Who's next? And I remember one of my teammates, CJ Nolan, he told me, he's like, yo, cherish this, because March, man, making the tournaments hard.
[00:32:49] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:32:49] Speaker A: So this is my first time making in four years, right. And this past year, we didn't make it. So it was like. It felt different watching March Madness and not playing in March Madness, you know?
So, yeah, he told me, he said, cherish every moment, and hopefully this upcoming year I could be back in the tournament. But, yeah, playing in that arena and the fans and the crowd and atmosphere, it was great. It was amazing.
[00:33:10] Speaker B: Has that made you more hungry to get Xavier back there?
[00:33:12] Speaker A: For sure. For sure. Hopefully.
I'm saying it now. We're gonna make the tournament for sure. We're gonna be in the March mountain this upcoming year.
[00:33:20] Speaker B: Obviously, season ends at New Mexico was like, when did the moment hit you that, like, I might leave? Like, they're. Richard is obviously accepts a job at Xavier. What moment did you realize, you know, I trust this coaching staff and the vision they have for me, and it's like, might be best to follow suit with them.
[00:33:41] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:33:41] Speaker B: I mean, what was that conversation like? What. Did you realize he was leaving?
[00:33:44] Speaker A: Yeah. So. So when the year is done, we. We all get back to New Mexico after March Madness. He pulls me in the office. You know, you had those coaching player talks. He pulls me into office, and he's like. Gave me the rundown of. Of what. What can possibly happen, how job opportunities are opening it up for him. And see, he might. He might pick up another job somewhere.
But he always told me, like, freshman or Sophomore year. Jump, usually in college is like your biggest jump, you know?
And I believed in him. I trusted Coach. I still do. Obviously, that's my guy.
But, yeah, I believed in him. I believed in what he told me. And like I told you, he never lied to me, always kept it real with me.
So, yeah, he pulled me aside. He called me, literally the next day. He says, come back. I need to talk to you again. Tells me he takes the job as Xavier. He's like, I want you to come. So now it's like, I just got him. Finished my first year in New Mexico. I wasn't thinking. I'm just about to transfer right away after one year. I thought I was gonna, you know, work my way up slowly.
But, yeah, he told me he took the job at Xavier, and he said, yo, pull up. I said, let's do it. Let's run it up.
[00:34:48] Speaker B: Was it easy decision for you?
[00:34:49] Speaker A: Yeah, it was easy. Obviously, at the time you enter the transport, other schools are calling, but then it's back to, like, what you went through in high school.
[00:34:55] Speaker B: Yeah, right?
[00:34:56] Speaker A: Like, all these coaches saying the same thing or, you know, I mean, you don't know who to trust.
And he told me, he's like, yo, like, pull up with us. We'll. We'll make sure you get right. And everything went well.
[00:35:08] Speaker B: I was gonna ask how many schools reached out? You don't have to get into the exact schools, but, like, how chaotic was that for you from a player's perspective, where it's like. Because I think when you enter the portal, your name is just, like, put in your contact information, and then they can just hit you up. Like, once you're in there, you're in
[00:35:23] Speaker A: there, you're in there.
[00:35:24] Speaker B: So what was that like for you? And, like, how many schools reached out? Was it. Was it, like. Was it stressful?
[00:35:29] Speaker A: I wouldn't say it was stressful because I wouldn't say I had the best year at New Mexico, but. But, yeah, schools are still reaching out because I had offers throughout high school, coming out into college, so those same schools kind of reached out. That's what I mean by. I felt like back in high school, you know, you're going through that same. Same process. But, yeah, I was definitely a little like, yo, do I stay with Coach or do I. You know? But I found. I was like, yo, I'm sticking with him.
He told me, freshman, sophomore year, jump's gonna be big for me. And I trusted him. And. And everything went through. And now, look, I'm here now, third year with them. Xavier.
[00:36:02] Speaker B: So, yeah, some people, like, despise the portal, you know, like, they see it, like, players transfer too much. Now, like, what's your take on it? Because, like, I think some people misunderstand, like, how it all works because it's like, I. I don't get mad at a player, like, changing schools. I'm like, go get your bag. Like, it's like, if a school can offer you more money some. For some people, this might be the, like, their chance to cash out. You know, it's like, this might be the biggest check that they can get. And also, like, there's certain stuff that happens where it's like a coaching change happens which results in you leaving all that kind of stuff where it's like, beforehand, you. You kind of have to, like, wait a year before transferring. What do you. What's your take from a player perspective? Just on the. The transfer portal, is it as crazy on your side as, like, people watching from, like, viewing it from afar?
[00:36:50] Speaker A: I mean, nowadays everyone's saying the transfer portal. So I'm big on loyalty.
When I entered the transfer portal, obviously my coach left. He took the job. As Xavier went into the transfer portal, I got offers for more bread, you know, I mean, I'm. I'm not a guy that searches for the money right away. You know, I want. I'm big on loyalty. So, you know, I'm getting offers, more money, but it's like, yo, I trust this coach. Like, I want to stick with them. But, yeah, nowadays everybody's transferring every year, so it's not like I can't be hating on it because, you know, you got to do what you got to do. You got to take care of yourself, you got to take care of your family, whatever the occasion may be. So.
Yeah. And then also, like, what are you talking about, the coaching changes?
Yeah.
If your coach leaves, you have to hit the transfer portal, you know, and it looks like these coaches are taking different jobs. Like, they're in the portal too. Right. So it's like everyone's in there. I don't blame them. If you gotta do what you gotta do, you gotta go. Go chase that money if you have to. Right.
[00:37:43] Speaker B: Yeah. It's becoming like the NBA where, like, all these college coaches don't stay in one spot for too long.
[00:37:47] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:37:48] Speaker B: Like the NBA, I think coaching lifespan is, like, less than three years nowadays. It's like, you got to make your mark. And it's like, also, if you're. So many coaches will leave for bigger opportunities. Right? So but for you, like, There's a sentiment from, I want to say the older heads, like the older generation of people where it's like, damn, these are student athletes at the end of the day. It's like now like, do you feel like the atmosphere kind of changes where it's like, I hear so many stories where it's like, hey, you kind of know what everybody's making, you know, so it's like you kind of know what their role is. Is that sort of like what the vibe is in college basketball where you're just like, you hear, I want to say friction, but it's like there, there is this like I'm making more than you. It's like this is my role.
[00:38:33] Speaker A: I know.
[00:38:33] Speaker B: You know, like what's that sort of vibe in college basketball? Is it. Do you see that more often from other programs?
[00:38:39] Speaker A: Yeah, we try, you know, you try keeping your usually supposed to hear your stuff like personal in terms of how much you're making, you know, but people talk about it, it gets out there.
I don't feel like there's people trying to like empower you because you know, I make more money than you. You know, I was never like that in college. It's still not like that in college. But people usually have an idea like if this guy's getting paid the most on the team, he's probably going to be the main guy, right? And it's like, then you go back to like these donors are questioning we're giving this guy this much money, why isn't he playing?
You know, I mean, so now it's like, yo, stuff has to be figured out.
There's so many variables regarding that. So do you feel like you're more
[00:39:21] Speaker B: of a professional now, like, mindset in terms of like you've kind of like I mentioned the student athlete aspect, but now it's like I gotta think of like I'm making whatever X amount. I gotta think about like I'm professional now and as they're paying me for a service and I gotta deliver sort of thing.
[00:39:37] Speaker A: I mean like you said you're a professional now. I feel like I'm a pro now. I always had a pro mindset, but now that you're making the money, it's like get a little more pressure on you in a way because like if you don't do good, these are one year deals, right? If you don't do good, I'm giving you all this money. You don't do good, bye, you know, we don't need you anymore. And that's the reality of things.
But then from like a student aspect, I feel like we got looked at a little differently in like, classes and stuff on campus. Like, we're kind of like the celebrities in school, you know? Yeah, but I was never a guy that, like, I won't walk by you without saying hi. You know, I'm always like, what's up? I act like a regular student. You know, I sit in the front of the class, you know, I'm vibing with, with different classmates. I'm not one of those guys like, yo, I'm making this much money, I'm not gonna, you know, talk to, you know, like, I'm too Hollywood for you. I was never like that.
[00:40:26] Speaker B: Did you have a big, like, nil purchase? That was like, that was nice. That was like, I need to get this. Or did you like, take care of your family?
[00:40:34] Speaker A: Yeah, not yet. I haven't had no big purchase yet. I'd say like, I'm big. I like clothes. You know, I probably get a little bit more designer clothing and you got
[00:40:41] Speaker B: to put me on.
[00:40:42] Speaker A: Yeah, I'm not the n money like
[00:40:43] Speaker B: you, but, you know, like, I want to shop at the same place as you shop. You know, you get to, you transfer to Xavier. What was your impressions of like, the Big East? You talked about it like, these are legendary programs.
And how different was it from playing
[00:41:01] Speaker A: at New Mexico, Xavier, Big East? I mean, you're playing as UConn, St. John's these teams that are making it to Final Fours, you know, top two, top two, like always ranked. You're playing ranked teams every other day.
Big change. Big change. Even like with the arenas and the, the atmosphere there, you could just tell those it was a different style of basketball and how, what makes the difference from low major to mid major to high major. Right. Because New Mexico is a mid major school. So you definitely felt that difference in, in everything and just the work too. But my coach stayed pretty consistent in terms of how he did his, like, how he coached. You know, he didn't change nothing because he went to Big East. You know, it took a bigger job. Like he's still doing all these, what he's good at, right? And doing, doing this thing. And he didn't change, change nothing.
[00:41:49] Speaker B: Did you feel pressure going to, to Xavier was like, hey, I got to kind of prove that I belong in a way where it's like. But then I look at, we talked about it, the jump from your freshman to your sophomore season. You went from 3.8 points to 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, shot over 42%.
It felt like the adjustment was pretty easy, like, which is kind of crazy because it's like went from a mid major to a better conference. What made the adjustments so easy and what was. Did you feel any pressure?
[00:42:16] Speaker A: I just say confidence. That was the main thing. Just believing in myself, believing in the work that I put in to make that, that big jump. And then just like freshman year, I, I felt college basketball and I was like, I know what to work on in the summer. Going into my sophomore year jump, I was getting workout, working with my trainer, just, you know, staying consistent and, and constantly just working. And I was like, yo, this summer I'm, I'm gonna go kill. You have to earn your spot, right? So I was like, I'm gonna go kill.
I was attacking everybody in the summer. I was like, yo, I'm not, I'm not wasting my years. You know, you have four years in college to make it to the league, right? And I was like, I'm not wasting my year. So. So I had a different mentality and different mindset and my confidence was through the roof.
[00:43:03] Speaker B: Tell me about that. The, the training process. Obviously work with my guy Philip, and he's worked out with what, Xavier. All you guys, I see all you guys, it's like family, you know. Tell me about that. It's like the, the sessions you guys had in the summer where it's like pro type of training, right? This is like next level type of stuff that's going to prepare you and helps you for that jump that you had in sophomore season.
[00:43:27] Speaker A: Yeah. All from family. We're tight, man. We're close, all of us. We're always on the phone with each other, checking in with each other. But on the court, when you're hooping with guys that are all like, nice and you're going at it with each other, you guys just keep building and building, getting better and better, and then you have a great trainer. Shout out, Philippe Musage, my dogs.
Shout out all for one. You know that when you're training with all these guys together every day or enduring the summer, like going at it with each other and helping each other, asking each other questions. You got guys X playing at Florida, Mike playing lsu. Everybody's in a different conference. You know, we're all trying to help each other out so we can all be great together, right?
[00:44:07] Speaker B: Yeah. So you kind of touched on it, your game, but how would you describe it to someone that's first, like maybe learning about you for the first time? It's like, this is what to expect, because I kind of describe you as like a. A skilled four man.
You can play back to the basket, stretch the floor out. But how would you describe your game?
[00:44:24] Speaker A: I'll say three level score, but if it was up to me, I'll say bucket, I get a bucket. But three level score could shoot the ball very well. I want to put the ball on the floor a little more this upcoming year, just show the versatility. Like you see these guys playing in the NBA that are big guards, you know, I see myself as a big guard, but just a competitor, you know, a guy that, you know, you're gonna, what, you're gonna get on me every night, you know, I'm gonna compete, you know, I'm gonna give him my all.
But yeah, I'd say three level score.
Like playing inside, playing out, being able, like what you said, being able to. To space the floor with my jump shot. And. And I always make the right play. You know, if. If I'm there and I'm getting contested, I'll make that one more pass. I won't take a bad shot.
[00:45:06] Speaker B: So, yeah, I know you've talked about in the past studying guys like Jokic, Luca, what stuff do you try to, like, steal from their game that's like, added to your bag?
[00:45:15] Speaker A: I'll say, like, iq. I feel like those guys aren't the most athletic guys. They're not the most physical, but they
[00:45:21] Speaker B: get to the spot.
[00:45:22] Speaker A: They get to the spot, they understand the game. They know if, if I catch the ball in the middle, you back, you're going to be open. You see Jokic telling guys before the play even starts, yo, this is going to be open. When I catch you, you go back, back door, you're going to be wide open. I'm gonna find you.
So just the IQ part and actually learning the game, watching film.
Yeah, watching a lot of film. I'd be watching film my trainer a lot.
After every game, I watch my game twice. You know, I'm always trying to learn how to get better and when I put myself in those positions again, to know how to make a better player or make the right player.
[00:45:57] Speaker B: Yeah, I feel like you also have elite footwork. Where did that come from? And it's like I see the training, the clips. Tell me about the footwork, because I feel like you probably had the best footwork. When I'm thinking of, of guys in college basketball going to the season, and to me, footwork is probably one of the most important things at the next level. I think a Guy's like Shea. I think guys are like Will Riley, who, like, he plays, like, this unorthodox style play, but his footwork and, like, the way he can move angles is pretty unique. Tell me about your footwork.
[00:46:26] Speaker A: Funny story. I actually. I actually did a folk dance, Serbian folk dance growing up. It's called folklore.
I did that growing up for, like, a long time, a couple years before I went into basketball. So that's a lot of foot. Foot movements, and. And I think that's what got my footwork right. And then obviously, you know, when I'm in training, we're working on our footwork and just learning how to get better in every aspect of that.
[00:46:51] Speaker B: So I got to pick up that. That folk dance.
[00:46:52] Speaker A: Oh, you're telling me folk dance. I'll still, to this day, I hear serving me. I'm dancing.
[00:46:57] Speaker B: Okay, okay, okay. What do you feel like is the most underrated part about your game?
[00:47:02] Speaker A: My passing.
[00:47:02] Speaker B: Passing?
[00:47:03] Speaker A: Yeah. I feel like I could pass the ball very well.
Like I said, that's something I wanted to improve on, like, my IQ and knowing the. Knowing the game and knowing when to make the right pass. But, yeah, I feel like pass the ball.
And then another underrated thing. I feel like I can create my own shot. A lot of guys think I'm just like, a catch and shoot guy. You know, obviously, that's my bread and butter, but I can create my own shot, take guys off the. Off the dribble that's gonna be shown this upcoming year.
[00:47:30] Speaker B: What was your conversations like about with Richard about returning for your junior year? Because obviously you could enter the portal and, like, go make X amount was an easy decision where it's like. Because I think some guys, it's kind of crazy because you have to kind of like, announce that you're coming back. Nowadays when it's like, it should be like, some foregone conclusion that, like, I had a good year, I'm probably gonna return.
[00:47:50] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:47:50] Speaker B: What was that like for you? What was the conversation was like, I had this jump. You're my guy. And I could see this being like, this is. This is my home.
[00:47:59] Speaker A: My thing was, when the season ended, I'm already knowing everybody's in the portal. You know, I mean, that's just the reality of things. Everybody's in the portal. So it's like three or four guys stayed from this past year, me being the only one that was on the court. The other guys I stayed were injured and red shirted freshman year.
But, yeah, everyone's hitting the. Was hitting the Portal. And I was like, what do I do? Yeah, I had a good year. You know, I mean, I had to talk with the coaching staff. I was like, obviously we didn't have the best year. You know, we could have been, we could have been better.
Was like, what, who are you gonna bring in now since all these guys are leaving? Like, what team are we gonna have? Because I'm not trying to play. I'm trying to be in the tournament. I'm trying to play in March, right? That's always my goal. I'm always trying to play in March.
And I was just talking with them and they kind of gave me the rundown. Like, these guys, this guy, this guy, that's who we're looking at. This is who we want to bring in. And I was like, yo, we're going to be nice. Like, we're going to have a good roster. And obviously, like, money, money wise, our school gained a lot more money after this past year. Because that's the reality of things. If you want your team to be nice, right?
These donors and stuff have to put as much money as they can into the program and, and I trusted their plan and now we have a six squad on paper. Hopefully we can all get along and be good for this upcoming year.
[00:49:18] Speaker B: One of the guys coming in, Mike Nooko, Canadian, big man. I know you know, for. Well, all four, one, two, another guy, tell me about him. And were you pushing him to be like, yo, come to, come to Ohio, man. It's, it's beautiful on this side, for sure.
[00:49:33] Speaker A: Mike's my dog. Shout out Mike.
I'm excited to play with them this upcoming year. But yeah, a lot of FaceTime calls, a lot of FaceTime calls, a Lot of talks. I remember my coach P's telling me, yo, you know, talk to us. What's the word with your guy? Right?
I heard him, he was saying, like, if he's, if Mike's Yovon's friend. I'm. I'm Mike's friend, you know, right away.
But yeah, I was calling him Phil was put in on my trainer, Phil. He's putting in a lot of work as well, trying to get us to play together because we played in Canada together during what was 17, 18 years old. We were playing in the CNIT and then the Jay and Finch tournament. So we kind of already had that chemistry. And I was like, yo, this guy's nice. I'm telling the quiz, I'm this guy, you. We need him. You know what I mean? So I'm excited for him to come I feel we're gonna. I know we're gonna kill next season together.
[00:50:20] Speaker B: Super athletic, big, nice touch around the rim. When you found out, did he tell you was like, did he call you and was like, hey, I'm coming. Like, what was that reaction?
[00:50:28] Speaker A: It was crazy. He called me and he was like, yo, this is the rundown. Like, you know the school disco, disco. I'm like, brother, you know where to come. You know, we're right here. We're waiting for you. You know, family, you here, pull up. And he told me he's coming to Xavier. We already got our spot. Me and him are going to stay together out there, so it's going to be smooth. But yeah, when you have a big man that's athletic, block shots, rim protector, great touch to around the room. I believe I've seen him shoot too, at threes that he doesn't really show it in in college, but like being able to, to. To have that guy by my side and go to war with him is going to be exciting.
[00:51:04] Speaker B: I remember seeing him play Hoop Summit a few years back and I seen him shoot the, shoot the, the three ball. He has touch.
[00:51:09] Speaker A: He has touch.
[00:51:09] Speaker B: He's nice, it's coming along and he just dunks the living crap out of the room.
[00:51:16] Speaker A: I don't know why he'd be angry
[00:51:17] Speaker B: at the room you talked about. You guys played together for so many years, played aau, all that kind of stuff. How do you compliment each other? How do you see his game helping yours? Obviously you can stretch it out and he's a force in the paint.
[00:51:30] Speaker A: So this past year I low key, played the five a little bit of like, mainly the five going at these footers that are, you know, having Mike now yo take care of it for me, you know, but for sure he me being able to space the core and shoe. I don't need to take up his space in the paint. So just playing off of each other and. And me attacking, throwing them lobs and just playing together because we have that chemistry. Like you said, we played together in Canada and we've been training with each other, so. So it's going to be exciting.
Yeah, I'm, I'm ready to kill this season with them.
[00:52:06] Speaker B: You talked about playing the five. What do you feel like your natural position is for the four.
[00:52:09] Speaker A: I said a four.
[00:52:10] Speaker B: Four. And like, how does, how do you see your game? Kind of like four. But you, I feel you play multiple positions.
[00:52:16] Speaker A: Right?
[00:52:16] Speaker B: You play the five last year too.
[00:52:18] Speaker A: I don't really like playing the five defensively. Offensively, you don't have to. You know, I mean, offensively, that's definitely. I like playing against the Five. You know, the Fives might not be as quick as the Fours, but even the Fours, like, I feel like the four is my. My main position. Growing up, I was always like a guard, and I told you, covet hit. I got a little bit, you know, a little heavier. So there's like, my position had to change.
But yeah, the four. The four is definitely my. My position. And I'm excited to be back in my. My position for this upcoming year.
[00:52:47] Speaker B: And talked about expectations, especially going back to the tournament. I think I read somewhere, whereas, like, you guys might be like, in terms of, like, they were ranking teams in a portal, like what they. What they were able to get, and you guys were up there like top teams.
What do you envision for Xavier this season? Why should fans be hopeful about the squad coming in?
[00:53:05] Speaker A: And, yeah, this season we got some guys coming in.
Obviously, I have to set the tone because I've been there this past year, and all these guys are new.
Yeah.
March Madness, Big east champs. Those. Those are. We set our standards high over there.
We definitely need a big year this year. And I have guys that I've known, like, Mike's gonna be there with me.
True Washington that I played with at New Mexico, went to Miami for his junior year, and now he's coming back with Patino. So I already have that chemistry with those guys, and I'm excited to be back on the court with them.
[00:53:40] Speaker B: What have you been honing in training camp or just camp in general? Coming up in June? Right. What have you been honing in on? Kind of like preparing for that and working with. With Philip. With.
[00:53:50] Speaker A: Yeah, just. I've been working with Philip.
Everything, really. He'd been working my ass off, man. I began tired in the. In the. In the gym.
[00:53:58] Speaker B: Can you walk me through that? Like, what's the day to day for people that. Seeing you dominate in college, and they're like, hey, I need to get to that level. What does that daily trading regime kind of look like for you?
[00:54:10] Speaker A: You wake up, go to train. First thing in the morning, you go. You go to training, you work on your craft, you working off the dribble stuff, footwork, stuff, conditioning, and then you go lift or take care of your body, you know, make sure you stay strong.
Off season is big for a lot of guys, but I know the season be long, so. Me personally, I like to wrestle. I won't lie. I like to rest my body, go hard in the gym and then take some time and just relax a little bit.
But yeah, the season be long, man. I mean, you're playing all these games and you're constantly traveling and moving. So it's like when you get that time off, don't be afraid to rest your body a little bit and just take care, like a mental break as well. Right. Because. Because it do be. You'd be putting your pressure on yourself throughout the year. So, yeah, I said, what should people.
[00:55:00] Speaker B: Whether it's like, you're adding this to your bag next season, what can people expect? It's like, he didn't have this last year. Like, he's adding this.
[00:55:06] Speaker A: I say putting the ball on the floor more so that I can off creep. Creep my shot off out the wings, getting in the paint whenever I want to get in the paint. And yeah, just. And show my showing. I could play inside. I know obviously this year I played the five, so I was maybe inside a little bit more. But now that fours are guarding me, I'm used to fives guarding me, you know, take them guys down in the pain. When I go set a screen and the guard switches on me. Being able to play physical and dominant in the pain, but then also being able to put the ball on the floor, on the perimeter and create my shots.
[00:55:37] Speaker B: How much are you eyeing the next level? Playing the NBA, being a pro? How much of that is like, been a dream of yours? And like, what do you think will help you get to that level?
[00:55:44] Speaker A: I mean, growing up, you always watching these. I'm a big LeBron guy, so I was watching LeBron growing up as a Yoska.
[00:55:50] Speaker B: He's your goat.
[00:55:51] Speaker A: Yeah, he's my goat for sure.
But yeah, MBA is the next step for me. One thing that I have to show that I could rebound the ball a little bit more as well. I know 6:10, I could score, but just showing that I could rebound the ball and just continue continuing working on my body and making sure I get that NBA body. So I'm NBA ready. But yeah, NBA next, next two years. Facts.
[00:56:13] Speaker B: How does your game translate to the next level?
[00:56:16] Speaker A: I mean, 6:10, I could shoot it, put the ball on the floor, create my own shot, playing the right way.
Like I said, I have to show that I could rebound the ball a little bit more.
But yeah, I mean, you see these guys that are in the league that are tall, that could shoot it. I mean, if you can't shoot, it's harder for you to play in there. And I feel like that's a big Thing for me that I'm really good at and I keep improving on it.
[00:56:41] Speaker B: Do you have any goals specific, like looking at next season where it's like, hey, I want to be first team for whatever it is. Is there any like goals that you have looking at this upcoming season for yourself? Because like, what you, you were second on team and scoring at 12.4.
We'd expect a jump, right? Like a jump's gonna happen. What, what do you go.
[00:57:00] Speaker A: Definitely first team. Biggie saw team, you know, all that stuff. But for me, I'm big on like making it to the tournament. That's all.
Yeah, I care about winning.
Winning the Big east tournament, winning regular season, beating these top rank, being a ranked team by the end of the, like, you know, when the season done being a ranked team and, and playing the March, that's, that's, that's main goals for sure.
[00:57:22] Speaker B: Before I let you go, I got one last question for you.
You seen the rise in Canadian basketball and a lot of Canadians in college basketball. Give me your starting five. Canadians in college basketball. We'll put you at the four.
That's your position. Okay, let's give me your. The starting lineup.
[00:57:40] Speaker A: Xavian Lee at the one.
[00:57:42] Speaker B: Xavier the one.
Why Xavian Lee at the one. That's your guy. Obviously, that's my.
[00:57:47] Speaker A: No bias, but he's nice. Of course, that's the NBA player. That's NBA talent. I mean, what more can you ask for, right? You have a guy that can shifty, put it on the floor, pass, shoe, do it all, you know, x at the 1.
I know ish was on here. I put Ish on there. My shooter, big shooter at the two.
[00:58:05] Speaker B: Yeah, he's hitting a lot of threes.
[00:58:07] Speaker A: I put out the three.
A lot of these guys, though, I know are like my age, you know, I don't really know. No, like older guys or. There's definitely a lot of like Canadian college guys. So I'm probably missing out on a lot of guys.
I don't know who I put three, but I put me at the foreign and Big Mike at the five.
[00:58:25] Speaker B: At the five. I'm trying to think who's at the three.
[00:58:28] Speaker A: Who'd you put out the three in that one?
[00:58:29] Speaker B: Oh, that's a good question.
Who would I put at the three?
You know what? I would go probably.
I put ish at 3.
[00:58:39] Speaker A: Ish at the 3.
[00:58:40] Speaker B: I'd probably put Xavier Holloway backward deal. So it's like you have that.
[00:58:44] Speaker A: It's like you see Aiden Holloway, another guy that I forget about those guys. You know, he's Canadian.
[00:58:49] Speaker B: Not really Canadian. People saying. But he's, he's, he's played. He's played. He played last summer in Global Jam. So my guy Yovon, I can't thank you enough for, for joining us in studio. Excited to follow your upcoming junior season at Xavier. I need some tickets.
[00:59:02] Speaker A: I got you.
[00:59:03] Speaker B: What's the, what's the, what's the arena at? What do they call it?
[00:59:05] Speaker A: Cintas.
[00:59:07] Speaker B: I'll make a trip with my guy Phil. We'll go come watch.
I don't know. Do we drive out there? Like, what's the, what's the seven hour drive? I don't know about that.
[00:59:15] Speaker A: I'm about to fly.
[00:59:16] Speaker B: I'm about to fly. A seven hour drive is too much. But I want to make my mission to come out this season. Check, check out the your guys season watch. You and Mike, potentially one of the best front courts in, in college basketball. It's gonna be a fun season. And yeah, I can't thank you enough again for, for jumping on the podcast.
[00:59:33] Speaker A: Appreciate you guys for having me, man.
[00:59:35] Speaker B: This has been the Canadian Basketball show. Your go to spot for latest news stories and analysis on Canadian basketball. My guy Yovon, and we out.
