Oklahoma State University Athletics
Smart Talks About Team USA Mini-Camp
July 26, 2013 | Cowboy Basketball
July 26, 2013
Marcus Smart sat down for a short Q&A with the USA Basketball media relations staff during the Men's National Team Mini-Camp in Las Vegas this past week:
How is this expereince as one of two college players participating?
"I definitely feel like I'm blending in well. These guys are just out here playing the game just like I am. They love to play the game, having fun doing it. The only difference is they are getting paid, I'm still in college right now. We are just coming out here and giving it our all."
Are you enjoying your time?
"Most definitely. I was very ecstatic coming out here, being in the presence of these guys is just unbelievable. I'm learning a lot talking to some of them. It just really opens my eyes to a lot of things. I am a good player, and my confidence and self esteem are high because I'm out here competing with these guys, so I know I can compete with anybody in the country."
Did playing at the FIBA U19 World Championship help ready you for this training camp?
"Definitely. Going over and playing against those guys who have been playing together for years, months, weeks, who knew what they were doing and had a nice, good structure and fit into the system, playing against those guys who were very talented, helped me with my game. I learned so many things over there that I can implement into my game over here."
What strengths are you trying to put on display (here this week)?
"That I've improved on my jump shot and my assist-to-turnover ratio."
How did day two compare to the first day?
"We played a lot more games today, so I got a lot more action and got to compete with these guys a little bit more. A little bit more work in today."
Do you like that it was more scrimmaging?
"Oh, definitely. It puts me out there and lets me learn first-hand (how) the game changes and the difference between college and the NBA (at the) next level, and learn some things of how to control my game and how to play the game, especially at the guard position."
Did you know any of the other guards before you came out here?
"No, not at all."
Has it been cool getting to know some of them?
"Oh, definitely. They're great guys. They're just like any normal person. Most people put them on such a high pedestal that they're scared to go and actually talk to them. If you just go and take the chance, you'll find that they're real great guys off the court. They're human."
