Drew Gordon just completed his first year of college at UCLA, and he now finds himself as a -veteran" among a group of 19-and-unders competing for a roster spot on the 2009 U19 Men's World Championship Team. Gordon is the lone player on the Trials Roster
Gordon Brings Experience to Men's U19 World Championship Team Trials
June 16, 2009 - Colorado Springs, Colo.
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| Photo: Steve Maikoski / USA Basketball |
Drew Gordon just completed his first year of college at UCLA, and he now finds himself as a -veteran" among a group of 19-and-unders competing for a roster spot on the 2009 U19 Men's World Championship Team. Gordon is the lone player on the Trials Roster who has previously played for the USA. Most recently, he was a member of the 2008 USA Select Team that defeated the World Select Team 98-78 in the Nike Hoop Summit. Gordon finished that game with 15 points, seven rebounds, four blocked shots and two assists. He was also a member of the 2007 USA Basketball Men's Youth Development Festival Red Team, which captured a 5-0 record and gold medal. In 2006, at age 16, Gordon got his first taste of USA Basketball when he was named a finalist for the USA U18 FIBA Americas Championship Team.
As a freshman in 2008-09, Gordon was a member of one of the most highly touted recruiting classes in the country. With the help of fellow freshmen Jrue Holiday, Malcolm Lee and Jerime Anderson, UCLA went 26-9 overall, 13-5 in the Pacific-10 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
As a freshman in 2008-09, Gordon was a member of one of the most highly touted recruiting classes in the country. With the help of fellow freshmen Jrue Holiday, Malcolm Lee and Jerime Anderson, UCLA went 26-9 overall, 13-5 in the Pacific-10 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
USABasketball.com took a few minutes to catch up with Gordon before the trials started to get his thoughts about his first season of college basketball, getting ready for this week and the experience he brings with him.
How was your first year of school?
It was good. I made a lot of progress. Team chemistry is there. It will be real good next year and it was real good this year. I'm sad to see all the seniors go, but hopefully they will move on to bigger and better stuff. It's time to focus on next year and get ready.
What was the biggest change in the style of play going from high school to college?
You aren't the top dog anymore. You went from high school, being one of the best players, to UCLA and having to wait your turn. Other people are better than you. It's frustrating, but it's also real humbling. I think it's a good thing for all the freshmen coming in to have a reality check and make sure that hunger is still there and we're not relaxed.
What was it like playing with such a highly touted freshman class?
It was fun. I liked seeing everybody progress as an individual and as a player; see the good, the bad and the indifferent. It's nice to know you have a good supporting cast and you're part of a strong supporting cast. I couldn't be happier with the freshmen class we had.
Did the pressure from the high expectations ever become too much?
No. We could all rely on each other and we all had each other's backs regardless of year, age or how good you were. I think all the pressure was pretty well distributed to all of us.
How would you rate the difficulty of college basketball compared to USA Basketball?
USA is a big step up from college. You get players who are hungry from college that are fighting for a spot. There is a lot more at stake in a way.
Did Coach Howland tell you anything in particular about USA U19 head coach Jamie Dixon before coming out here?
No. He just said, ‘play hard, be good, and mind your P's and Q's.' I don't really know what to expect. I know that he probably coaches similar to Coach Howland since they (use to coach together).
You're the only player here with previous USA Basketball experience. How much of an advantage does that give you?
I think it gives me a little step up on the competition because I know what's going on. I know what to expect. I know what the coaches are looking for and how to act and play. It's weird saying this now, but I'm a veteran, and hopefully I can take my knowledge of USA Basketball to help other guys and make them better.
Are you going to try and be a vocal leader this week or lead by example?
I'm probably going to try and do a little bit of both and see how my teammates react. Everybody has a different personality, a different way of learning, and a different way of taking things. You can't just be screaming at someone who needs you to lead more by example, and you can't lead by example for someone who wants to be vocal. I just want to get a feel for my team and make sure that they're happy and know they need to work hard. It's do-or-die time trying to make this team.
You won a gold medal at the Youth Development Festival, but how special would it be to make this team and compete for gold in New Zealand?
The Youth Development Festival was kind of anti-climatic for me because that's when I broke my hand. I felt like I didn't really contribute in the championship game. It's still a gold medal, but winning one this time would mean so much more. You're on the grandstand, playing against different countries and different players with a new crop of kids. Every time it's like winning it for the first time. You're just happy and excited and it's a great feeling.
Did you do any special training to prepare for the high altitude?
I ran on the beach. That's about it. It's kind of tough training at sea level when you're coming all the way up here. I'll probably be pretty winded for the first half-hour of practice. Hopefully we can get through it without dying (laughs).
How familiar are you with the international rules?
Pretty familiar, I have played for USA a while. I think I have a pretty good feel for what's going on. I'll need to be refreshed on some things, but for the most part it's like riding a bike. Once you figure it out, it's not too tough.
Is there anything in particular you are going to focus on this week, in terms of your game?
I'm going to try and face up to the basket more. That's what we have been doing in off-season workouts. I need to use my mid-range game more. I'm not the biggest guy anymore. I can't muscle myself around, so I have to expand my game. I think during these trials you're going to see a little bit of a different personality and playing style from me.
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