July 17, 2008
Columbia, Mo. -
Marcus Denmon Q&A
Missouri Basketball has an incredible seven newcomers entering the program this season to accent the return of four starters from the final 12 games of the 2007-08 season. MUTigers.com caught up with one of those seven newcomers, freshman shooting guard Marcus Denmon to talk about his game and some of his pastimes off the hardwood.
You said signing with Missouri fulfilled a life-long dream. What was it like sliding that practice jersey on for the first time?
“Yeah, it felt great. I had always wanted to play in the Big 12 and it was another step. I have a lot of pride being a Missouri Tiger. It's my home-state school. I'm playing for my state.”
You have played in a couple of all-star games this summer and won MVP awards both times. Do you feel like people underestimate your game since you didn't come from a large high school?
“No, I don't feel like people underestimate my game, but honestly, it doesn't matter what people think of my game. I just go out there and play my style and everything else takes care of itself. People that have seen me play know what I am capable of.”
Coach Anderson and Coach Zimmerman recruited you throughout your high school career. What made you so comfortable with those coaches?
“They were always there. Even when Missouri wasn't my top choice at the time, they still stayed in contact and were honest with me. They followed my school work, they followed me in football and just followed me as a person. As they recruited me, Missouri quickly moved to the top of my list.”
Kansas City has been very kind to Missouri Basketball over the years with local sons having great career. Is that trend returning?
“I'm not sure, but it was important for me to stay home and help Coach Anderson rebuild the program. I have a lot of faith in Coach Anderson. I wanted to play for him and being from Missouri, I have a lot of pride in this program.”
For people who haven't had a chance to see you play, can you give us a summary of your game?
“That's tough. I guess I just want to be viewed as someone who plays hard. I want to keep my man from scoring and then put pressure on the other team. I'll do whatever my team needs, but every team needs defense, so that's where I want to start.”
Is there anyone you pattern your game after?
“I like to watch Kobe (Bryant) and of course Michael Jordan, but I don't pattern my game off of them. I guess I don't really pattern my game off anyone. I tried to play like my brother when I was growing up, but I was always playing against the older guys, so you looked at them a lot and took parts of their game.”
You are a part of a large freshman class, but it seems like your group has bonded quickly. Is that accurate?
“Oh yeah, we've gotten along great. They are just a cool group of guys and we go everywhere together. Really, as a team, we have gotten off to a great start. The older guys are great. We are all in it together.”
We are going to turn you into an evaluator for a second. Tell us the strengths of each of your fellow newcomers on the basketball court.
Zaire: “Zaire's a slasher. He's got a quick first step and can get to the rim.”
Kim: “Kimmie makes shots you think he shouldn't. I guess that's his skill, shooting the basketball. He's a hard worker and it shows.”
Miguel: “True point guard. He can score, but he can also get the ball to the open teammate.”
Keith: “He's athletic. He can run the floor and that will help him. He can out-run other big men in this league.”
Laurence: “A lot like Keith, he's so long and can hang in the air and finish shots. I like his game.”
Steve: “Steve can use his body, create space, rebound and block shots. Steve is a solid defensive player and a load in the lane.”
Off the basketball court, what are some of your favorite activities and hobbies?
“Chilling with family or hanging with my teammates and my roommate, Laurence (Bowers). We get along great. I guess I will play some video games or play on the computer, but mostly if I have free time I'm just getting up extra shots.”
The summer trip to Canada is coming up quickly. Are you excited for that trip?
“Yeah, I can't wait. I've never been out of the country before. It will be great to face another team, play with refs and get an early start to the year. It's going to be a great experience to go somewhere I probably would have never gone to.”