| 26 January 2010
University of Portland-bound Senior Ryan Nicholas from Gonzaga Prep is arguably the best big man in the state of Washington. Nicholas has led his Bullpups to a No. 2 ranking the 4A classification. He was ranked number nine in our statewide player rankings. We got a chance to talk to Nicholas about the current season and his future playing basketball. Check out our interview with him after the jump!
Gonzaga Prep has been pretty successful so far this season, what do you credit the success to and what is different about this year's team compared to last year's team?
Our success this year can be attributed to the trust each of us have in one another. We know that the other four guys on the court will do their job and that makes it much easier to get your own job taken care of. Last year we started four seniors and that has been cut back to two this year. We are a much younger team, but the young guys have really stepped up big so far this season as I knew they would.
Who are some the younger guys that have stepped up their games this year?
The three that first come to mind are Parker Kelly (Junior), Chris Sarbaugh (Junior) and TJ Bracey (Sophomore). Chris and TJ have done a great job at the pointguard position by handling the pressure teams have been throwing at us. Parker is our best shooter and has made some big threes for us throughout the season.
How has your game developed in your four years at Gonzaga Prep? Take me back to your freshman season.
Since my freshman season I have put on roughly 60 pounds, which has allowed me to become a more physical player. I have also worked to increase my shooting range and ballhandling skills. The coaches at Gonzaga Prep continually stress the importance of defense in the game of basketball, so practices include a good amount of defense drills and the coaches make sure proper technique is taught. Working on this aspect of my game for the past four years has made me a much better defender.
What would you say are your biggest strengths as a player?
I would say what makes me the most valuable is the fact that I always give everything I have from tipoff to the final buzzer. I feel that I run the court well and work to get a hand on every rebound.
Are there any areas of your game you are looking to still improve?
Definitely. I want to improve my lateral quickness and defensive footspeed along with my shooting range and ballhandling. I feel that these are areas that can really help elevate my game.
Is there a certain college or pro player that you model your game after?
I watch a lot of film on Hakeem Olajuwon because he has the best post footwork I have ever seen and I'd like to incorporate some of his moves into my game. I also love watching Clemson's Travis Booker play because he never stops competiting, and that something I admire. In reality, however, I just try to play my game and work to become the best player I can be.
Who is the best team you've faced in your opinion this season and/or in your past seasons?
Last year we lost in overtime to Garfield in the State Tournament and they were the best team I have had the opportunity to play against so far in highschool. Along with Tony Wroten they had a solid inside game along with good supplementary guards.
Who is the best player you've ever had to guard?
Josh Smith without a doubt. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to play against a lot of great players this summer with Friends of Hoop, but none were as difficult to guard as Josh.
So why did you choose Portland? Did you have any offers from other colleges?
My other offer was from Eastern Washington, but I was in contact with Montana, Montana State, Seattle U, NAU, Cal Poly and Portland State. I decided to commit before the major Summer tournaments because I knew right away that Portland was the place for me. The coaches are great and have been together for multiple years and I see myself fitting into their system very well.
Thanks for your time Ryan. Good luck with the rest of the season.
Thank you Mr. Cacabelos, it was nice talking with you.
