Exclusive Interview: Basil Smotherman, Purdue Basketball
By Evan Massey
Feb 5, 2014; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Austin Hollins (20) and Purdue Boilermakers forward Basil Smotherman (5) try to gain possession of a loose ball in the first half of the game at Mackey Arena. The Purdue Boilermakers beat Minnesota Golden Gophers by the score of 77 to 74. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Purdue Boilermakers are an up-and-coming basketball team that has a ton of young talent on the roster. One of those talented young players is small forward Basil Smotherman, who is heading into his sophomore season this year. He averaged 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game last season as a freshman, but is expected to take his game to the next level and be one of the core players for the Boilermakers this coming season. Smotherman agreed to do an exclusive interview with us here at Ink On Indy, and we hope that you enjoy it.
Q. Thanks for taking the time to do this interview Basil. How are you doing?
A. I’m doing good. What about you?
Q. Can’t complain at all. What have you been working on this offseason to get ready for the upcoming season?
A. That’s good. I’ve just been working on my shooting, dribbling, strength and conditioning this offseason. Trying to expand my game for this upcoming year.
Q. How does it feel to be one of the top players on an up-and-coming Purdue basketball team?
A. We’re a young team so a lot of people are looking at me and Bryson, Kendall, AJ, and Ray D to bring a lot to the court and I feel like I’m going to bring a lot of different stuff to the game this year and be able to stretch the defense.
Q. How would you describe your game to someone who hasn’t seen much of you?
A. My game is running the floor, getting tip ins and dunks. Being a defensive playmaker and also being able to step out and shoot the three and create match up problems for other teams.
Q. Do you know any current NBA players? Are you close with other D-1 players outside of your teammates?
A. I know Eric Gordon, Gary Harris, and I’m good friends with Zak Irvin at Michigan.
Q. Who would you say that you could compare your game to that is in the NBA?
A. Kawhi Leonard or a Michael Beasley type of player.
Q. What are your team and individual goals for the upcoming season?
A. Team goals are to get back to the tournament, be outright Big-10 champs, and win the Big Ten. Individual goals are become a leader on and off the court, raise my scoring and being a better defensive stopper and help my team get back to the tourney.
Q. What do you enjoy doing in your free time off the court?
A. Watching TV, playing Xbox, and chilling with friends and family.
Q. Where do you see yourself in three years?
A. In the NBA hopefully making a name for myself.
Q. Any advice for young players with D-1 dreams?
A. Chase your dreams and never stop working.
If you’d like to give Basil a follow on Twitter, his account is: @BAS_is_ILL
We appreciate you reading this interview, and we encourage you to share it with fellow fans and friends. We’d also like to encourage you to give Basil a follow as he attempts to take his Boilermakers to new heights this coming season.