| 08 February 2010
University of Montana-bound Senior Michael Weisner is one of the best kept secrets in the state preps basketball scene. Weisner is currently leading his Walla Walla team alongside teammate Gary Winston. These two players will most likely get to showcase their talent at the 3A State tournament if their team plays up to its potential. We got a chance to talk to Weisner about his season so far. Check out the interview after the jump!
How's your season gone so far? Did you set any goals as a team or yourself personally?
So far our season is going well. As of now we are in first in our league and are proud of that. We lost a couple of really close games earlier in the season, but since then we have been playing good basketball. Last year we made it to state and our team goal was to get back there and to place there. Individually, as a leader, it is my goal to take my team to state and place and also to be recognized as a player that works hard in every aspect of the game.
What's it like to play with another great talent like Gary Winston?
I've been playing with Gary for four years now for our high school and also in the summers and it's been a lot of fun. It's a good combination having both him and me on the same team so they can't focus on just one of us. It's always fun playing with a player of his status, and I wish him the best of luck at U of I next year.
What would you say are some of your biggest strengths as a basketball player?
My shooting ability is my biggest strength, I also think I'm good at setting people up for their shots. I also love to compete and I hate losing and I think that helps me as a player.
Off the top of your head, who are the best players you've ever played against?
That's hard to say. I've played against a lot of really good players during the summers in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, but for sure Josh Smith and Peyton Siva, and John Stockton...that guy can still play.
Is there a certain pro or college player you model your game after?
Not necessarily. I like to take bits and pieces from a lot of different players, but if I had to choose one it would be Manu Ginobili because he's left handed like me and he's crafty with the ball and can shoot and those are things I also like to do.
Kamiakan, Eisenhower, and Richland have all made things really interesting in the Big 9. What's your opinion on the strength of the league this year?
The Big 9 this year is really good. I've been playing varsity basketball for three years and this year is by far the best it has been yet. There are no easy games in our side of the league this year, it's been really competitive.
Why did you choose to sign and play for Montana? Were you being recruited by any other colleges?
I was recruited by WSU, Portland State, Montana State, and Portland and Utah State for a little bit. Eastern Washington and Montana were my offers, I chose Montana because it was my favorite out of any of the school I just mentioned. I really like the school and the community/fan base there. The coaches are probably the main part though, they can guide me and coach me to have a good career there.
Did you play AAU last summer?
Yes, my team was higher hoops. I played with Gary Winston, David Stockton, and some other players who went and are going on to play college football. We went to local tournaments as well as ones in Las Vegas and L.A.
Thanks for your time Michael.
Thanks!
