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/ Men's Basketball
Guard
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
/ Men's Basketball
Photo by: Brad Rempel
Q&A with Isaiah Washington
2/1/2019 3:41:00 PM | Men's Basketball
This Q&A originally appeared in the Minnesota basketball game day program on Jan. 12, 2019. Interview by Tommy Sletten, Athletic Communications Student Assistant.
Q: What has been the biggest difference in your game between this year and last?
A: "I wouldn't say there's a huge difference, I'm just playing a lot harder."
Q: How much were you able to learn from Nate Mason last season?
A: "I learned a lot. He was here four years and showed me the ropes, what to do, what not to do. How to do things, and how to be a better player on, and a better person off the court.
Q: What was the biggest thing you tried to work on in the offseason?
A: "The biggest thing I tried to work on was my jumpshot and getting better defensively."
Q: What has been the biggest difference between playing at home in New York versus playing in the Big Ten?
A: "People are a lot bigger, faster and stronger. Once I adapted to that, everything became a lot more smooth."
Q: How has your relationship with fellow New Yorker Dupree McBrayer helped you transition to the Big Ten game?
A: "Oh it definitely has helped. He has helped me know when to take shots, how to get other teammates involved and just staying confident."
Q: What does it mean to you to see some of the other members of Jelly Fam find success and seeing the movement grow?
A: "It means a lot to me that everybody is in college, playing basketball. I'm excited to see everyone go on the right path and things should be good."
Q: How have you adjusted to Minnesota and how do you like it here with your teammates?
A: "I love it, the fans are great. There's a lot of good people here, everybody is nice to you, and Minneapolis reminds me of home a bit, just a slower place."
Q: How did last year's season help you grow and help you build into this year?
A: "It helped me build so I could prepare to win more games this year. And just trying to get better everyday."
Q: What are some of the ways you act as a role model for kids as a part of the Jelly Fam movement and as a Division I guard?
A: "It means a lot to me, just even being around the kids, because I could never connect with the people I looked up to. SoI always try my best to give back and try to work with them as best I can."
Q: Has it changed a lot when you go home being a college player and seeing the kids who have grown up watching you play?
A: "They ask me a lot of questions, but mostly, I just try to continue to be the best person I can be and try to lead on social media and real life.
Q: What are your favorite things to do with the team off the court?
A: "Play video games, we play 2k or Call of Duty. I'd say I'm top three with Matz in Call of Duty, and Eric Curry in 2k and everybody else is just underneath."
Q: With the new year, what are your goals for Big Ten play heating up?
A: "We just have to stay locked in. We have some big games coming up. If we listen to coach, and play the right way, then we can win some games."
Q: What's it like to play in the Barn for these home Big Ten games?
A: "It's exciting. Hopefully the Barn gets packed and support us, and we're going to play hard for them."
Q: What has been the biggest difference in your game between this year and last?
A: "I wouldn't say there's a huge difference, I'm just playing a lot harder."
Q: How much were you able to learn from Nate Mason last season?
A: "I learned a lot. He was here four years and showed me the ropes, what to do, what not to do. How to do things, and how to be a better player on, and a better person off the court.
Q: What was the biggest thing you tried to work on in the offseason?
A: "The biggest thing I tried to work on was my jumpshot and getting better defensively."
Q: What has been the biggest difference between playing at home in New York versus playing in the Big Ten?
A: "People are a lot bigger, faster and stronger. Once I adapted to that, everything became a lot more smooth."
Q: How has your relationship with fellow New Yorker Dupree McBrayer helped you transition to the Big Ten game?
A: "Oh it definitely has helped. He has helped me know when to take shots, how to get other teammates involved and just staying confident."
Q: What does it mean to you to see some of the other members of Jelly Fam find success and seeing the movement grow?
A: "It means a lot to me that everybody is in college, playing basketball. I'm excited to see everyone go on the right path and things should be good."
Q: How have you adjusted to Minnesota and how do you like it here with your teammates?
A: "I love it, the fans are great. There's a lot of good people here, everybody is nice to you, and Minneapolis reminds me of home a bit, just a slower place."
Q: How did last year's season help you grow and help you build into this year?
A: "It helped me build so I could prepare to win more games this year. And just trying to get better everyday."
Q: What are some of the ways you act as a role model for kids as a part of the Jelly Fam movement and as a Division I guard?
A: "It means a lot to me, just even being around the kids, because I could never connect with the people I looked up to. SoI always try my best to give back and try to work with them as best I can."
Q: Has it changed a lot when you go home being a college player and seeing the kids who have grown up watching you play?
A: "They ask me a lot of questions, but mostly, I just try to continue to be the best person I can be and try to lead on social media and real life.
Q: What are your favorite things to do with the team off the court?
A: "Play video games, we play 2k or Call of Duty. I'd say I'm top three with Matz in Call of Duty, and Eric Curry in 2k and everybody else is just underneath."
Q: With the new year, what are your goals for Big Ten play heating up?
A: "We just have to stay locked in. We have some big games coming up. If we listen to coach, and play the right way, then we can win some games."
Q: What's it like to play in the Barn for these home Big Ten games?
A: "It's exciting. Hopefully the Barn gets packed and support us, and we're going to play hard for them."
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