Post by runolefan82 on Mar 30, 2009 7:40:23 GMT -5
We would like to introduce, Evan Faulkner, who will be part of Radford’s 2009-2010 Basketball Recruiting class. Evan will be coming to Radford University via Elliott County High School in Sandy Hook, KY. Evan finished his career with over 2,000 points for the Lions. Evan has granted RUHoops an opportunity to ask him a few questions, so we can get an insight on the player himself:
Q1: We appreciate your time Evan! Radford fans are excited for a guard of your caliber to join the team next year. Why did you choose Radford?
A1: Radford started recruiting me in the spring of my junior year. From that point on, I felt like of all the teams recruiting me these guys were the ones that wanted me most. Coach Ton and I, as well as Coach Greenburg, developed a really good relationship. I didn't want to go half way across the country to play but I also wanted to pick a school where I was going to have a chance to win as well as play significant minutes early on in my career. I feel like I have a great chance to do that at Radford.
Q2: RU has nine returners coming back from this past season. What do you hope to contribute to the team next year?
A2: I just want to come in and work hard every day. Kenny Thomas was a great player and I feel like I can compete for some minutes there. I know Amir is a three year starter and has logged a lot of minutes in his career. Hopefully he won't have to do that as much this year.
Q3: Radford made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years, in 2009. With the returning players and in-coming class, what is your expectation for the team in the Big South Conference in 2010?
A3: My expectations are always to win, regardless. With so much experiencing coming back from this year's team and the recruiting class we have coming in, I think we can do something very special this year.
Q4: What do you feel will be the hardest adjustment you’ll have to make to the college game?
A4: I always hear about how the speed of the game is so much faster compared to the high school level. I have traveled all over the country the past 3 summers playing aganist some of the best players/athletes out there through the AAU circuit, so I have to feel like I'm somewhat prepared for that. I was recruited as a combo guard but always played the 2 position next to my brother, Ethan. I know I'll have the ball in my hands a lot next year so that will be somewhat of an adjustment, even though I did played the 1 some this past summer and this season in preparation for that.
Q5: Which will be harder and why?
A) Being away from Sandy Hook Or
B) Not playing with your brother Ethan
A5: I would say being without Ethan will be a bigger adjustment. I have traveled a lot so being away from home won't be a big adjustment for me. Ethan and I prepared ourselves for a possible split up early in the process though, so I don't think I will struggle making that adjustment either.
Q6: What do you feel is your strongest skill in the game?
A6: I don't know if I would say this was a skill but the thing I think people will notice about my game is I play with a lot of toughness, mentally and physically. I know that the little plays will win you basketball games and I'm not afraid to dive on the floor or go in and battle in the paint if that is what I'm called to do. I have always been the guy on my team called to stop the other teams best player, whether he be 6'9 or 5'9.
Q7: If you could compare your playing style to any NBA or D-1 College basketball player, who would it be?
A7: I never really thought about that. Maybe Ron Artest? He plays extremely hard and does whatever it takes to win. I'm strictly comparing my game to his though, not my personality or my off the court actions.
Q8: Who is your favorite NBA basketball player and why?
A8: I'm a huge Kobe fan. He isn't your typical NBA superstar. He isn't an offense only kind of player, and that's what I like about him. He plays both ends of the floor.
Q9: In your playing career, what was your most memorable performance?
A9: That's a hard one to answer. I couldn't decide on just one. Being one game away from the state championship game this year was pretty special, though, especially when you consider Kentucky has only one state champion.
Q10: Have you decided a major? What are your interests outside of basketball?
A10: Physical Education. I want to coach one day. I play a lot of golf too. Our high school golf team played in the state tournament this year.
Q11: What is your favorite restaurant and what do you order there?
A11: Red Lobster. Ultimate Feast.
Q12: To all of the Highlanders fans out there, what’s one thing you would like them to know about yourself
A12: I'm struggling with this one. Lol
Q13: What are the top five songs on your i-pod right now?
A13: Anything Lil' Wayne or T.I.
Q14: Who's your celebrity crush?
A14: I would say Jessica Alba or Eva Mendes
Q15: Who would win a game of horse? LeBron James, Rick Pitino, or Evan Faulkner
A15: Depends on if Lebron is allowed to dunk. If not, then I'll take Pitino. He rarely loses.
Radford will enjoy having Evan around next year. He will be a great asset to the team and encourages you to come out to the games and support your Highlanders.
Q1: We appreciate your time Evan! Radford fans are excited for a guard of your caliber to join the team next year. Why did you choose Radford?
A1: Radford started recruiting me in the spring of my junior year. From that point on, I felt like of all the teams recruiting me these guys were the ones that wanted me most. Coach Ton and I, as well as Coach Greenburg, developed a really good relationship. I didn't want to go half way across the country to play but I also wanted to pick a school where I was going to have a chance to win as well as play significant minutes early on in my career. I feel like I have a great chance to do that at Radford.
Q2: RU has nine returners coming back from this past season. What do you hope to contribute to the team next year?
A2: I just want to come in and work hard every day. Kenny Thomas was a great player and I feel like I can compete for some minutes there. I know Amir is a three year starter and has logged a lot of minutes in his career. Hopefully he won't have to do that as much this year.
Q3: Radford made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years, in 2009. With the returning players and in-coming class, what is your expectation for the team in the Big South Conference in 2010?
A3: My expectations are always to win, regardless. With so much experiencing coming back from this year's team and the recruiting class we have coming in, I think we can do something very special this year.
Q4: What do you feel will be the hardest adjustment you’ll have to make to the college game?
A4: I always hear about how the speed of the game is so much faster compared to the high school level. I have traveled all over the country the past 3 summers playing aganist some of the best players/athletes out there through the AAU circuit, so I have to feel like I'm somewhat prepared for that. I was recruited as a combo guard but always played the 2 position next to my brother, Ethan. I know I'll have the ball in my hands a lot next year so that will be somewhat of an adjustment, even though I did played the 1 some this past summer and this season in preparation for that.
Q5: Which will be harder and why?
A) Being away from Sandy Hook Or
B) Not playing with your brother Ethan
A5: I would say being without Ethan will be a bigger adjustment. I have traveled a lot so being away from home won't be a big adjustment for me. Ethan and I prepared ourselves for a possible split up early in the process though, so I don't think I will struggle making that adjustment either.
Q6: What do you feel is your strongest skill in the game?
A6: I don't know if I would say this was a skill but the thing I think people will notice about my game is I play with a lot of toughness, mentally and physically. I know that the little plays will win you basketball games and I'm not afraid to dive on the floor or go in and battle in the paint if that is what I'm called to do. I have always been the guy on my team called to stop the other teams best player, whether he be 6'9 or 5'9.
Q7: If you could compare your playing style to any NBA or D-1 College basketball player, who would it be?
A7: I never really thought about that. Maybe Ron Artest? He plays extremely hard and does whatever it takes to win. I'm strictly comparing my game to his though, not my personality or my off the court actions.
Q8: Who is your favorite NBA basketball player and why?
A8: I'm a huge Kobe fan. He isn't your typical NBA superstar. He isn't an offense only kind of player, and that's what I like about him. He plays both ends of the floor.
Q9: In your playing career, what was your most memorable performance?
A9: That's a hard one to answer. I couldn't decide on just one. Being one game away from the state championship game this year was pretty special, though, especially when you consider Kentucky has only one state champion.
Q10: Have you decided a major? What are your interests outside of basketball?
A10: Physical Education. I want to coach one day. I play a lot of golf too. Our high school golf team played in the state tournament this year.
Q11: What is your favorite restaurant and what do you order there?
A11: Red Lobster. Ultimate Feast.
Q12: To all of the Highlanders fans out there, what’s one thing you would like them to know about yourself
A12: I'm struggling with this one. Lol
Q13: What are the top five songs on your i-pod right now?
A13: Anything Lil' Wayne or T.I.
Q14: Who's your celebrity crush?
A14: I would say Jessica Alba or Eva Mendes
Q15: Who would win a game of horse? LeBron James, Rick Pitino, or Evan Faulkner
A15: Depends on if Lebron is allowed to dunk. If not, then I'll take Pitino. He rarely loses.
Radford will enjoy having Evan around next year. He will be a great asset to the team and encourages you to come out to the games and support your Highlanders.