ZS: How did you decide on Quinnipiac and which role do you envision for yourself in coach (Tom) Moore’s system?
PK: Honestly, from the get-go, the team and the coaching staff felt like family. I really felt something special throughout the whole visit.
The campus was incredible. There is great academics. Then, of course, there is the chance to play close to home. I see myself as a combo guard really contributing however I can. Scoring the rock, making plays, and playing defense. I just want to bring energy and make the TD BANK SPORTS CENTER as electric as it can be.
ZS: How did you develop the bounce? Where did it come from?
PK: I mean I never really did anything out of the ordinary. It was pretty natural. I just fooled around and found out I can actually do some of the things you see other people doing on YouTube.
ZS: Factors that made QU a better option than the others? Which programs had shown consistent interest throughout the recruitment process?
PK: The ability to be a significant piece of the program right away along with the whole team being so close on and off the court. That’s what made Quinnipiac my choice. It was exactly what I wanted out of a program, where there’s trust and a family-like team atmosphere. I had offers from High Point, Tulsa, St. Bonaventure, Fairfield, Fordham, Stony Brook, Liberty, and a few others. The campus and how beautiful it was helped me with my decision. Coach (Eric) Eaton did a great job recruiting me so it was really the right choice for me at the end of the entire process.
ZS: Which factors led to you leaving Florida for Notre Dame Prep (Mass.)?
PK: I really wanted to be closer to home (N.Y.). I wanted to prove myself against the best, which is what you’ll get in the NEPSAC. I want to hang another banner in the gym, above all. I want to develop on the court. Lastly, I wanted to prove to the entire country that I can hang with anyone on the court.
ZS: Who did you play for on the AAU circuit? Toughest guys you’ve ever gone against and why?
PK: I actually only played basketball seriously for three years now. I played with House of Sports and then The Florida Sons. The toughest guy I’ve played against was definitely Deng Adel (Louisville) or Isaiah Whitehead (Seton Hall).
Deng was long, skilled, and very athletic. He played both sides of the ball harder than anyone I’ve ever seen. That’s one thing I’ve definitely tried to add to my game, working just as hard on each end. As for Whitehead, he was just so tough with and without the ball in his hands. He’s definitely one of the hardest players I’ve had to guard.
ZS: What was it like having a big man like Jon Nwankwo as your teammate? How has having Derrik (Riullano) in your corner and his passion for the game helped you along the way?
PK: Big Jon is definitely my favorite player to play with. He’s just so confident and physical out there, he makes playing the game so much easier. Mr. Riullano really was the one to get me to play basketball seriously and put more focus into the game. He helped me through all the ups and downs and helped me however he could. He’s really someone I can talk to for anything.
ZS: I’d be doing a complete disservice to the Quinnipiac Athletics community by not asking this last question….did you happen to meet BILLY MECCA while you were in Hamden?
PK: I did. I met him on my visit. Sat and talked with him for a while. He’s a real awesome dude. Funny and genuine.
