December 4, 2007

Barca Blog - Metcalfe Q&A

Dec. 4, 2007

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4- 12:45 PM

One of the reasons for the men’s basketball team’s jump into the national rankings has been the play of senior center Alan Metcalfe.

Metcalfe is off to a tremendous start, registering career-high point performances in his last two outings (14 vs. South Alabama and 15 vs. Georgia Tech) to push the Commodores to a 7-0 record heading into Wednesday’s game with ACC power Wake Forest. In fact, he’s already matched his career high for field goals made in a season (set last year with 19) and we’re only seven games into the schedule.

I had a chance to talk with Alan at Monday’s practice to find out more about his early season success.

You’ve been on a roll to start the season, including scoring career highs in points in the last two contests.
I just keep trying to go out and not really think about points but really just try to play as hard as I can and get scrappy buckets under the hoop. If I can keep racking them up like I am right now then I don’t think we’ll be running out of points. We’ll try to play the best we can as a team and I’ll just do what I can to help out.

You have to be satisfied with the way your senior season has started. Definitely. I’ve had some ups and downs in my career and it’s just awesome to be able to come out and put a few numbers up and contribute to the team.

Even after your big game in the win over Georgia Tech, word is that you were more concerned about going 5-for-8 from the free throw line. Yeah, I’m always focused on doing the things I need to do to get better. After the game, Coach Stallings reminded me that I’m not a 60 percent free throw shooter, which I think I was on Saturday after I missed a few that I normally make. There are always places you can improve as a player. I’ll be back in practice this week trying to make that right. I just try to come out here everyday to get better with the rest of the guys.

Does something stand out to you that you can attribute your early season success to? I think it’s the “senior-itis” thing. I can remember how great Dan (Cage) and Ted (Skuchas) performed last year in their final season and I feel the experience I have allows me to have more security and confidence on the floor. I also realize that it’s not just how well I play but that I also have a responsibility as a senior to help lead the six to eight guys on the roster that until a few weeks ago hadn’t stepped foot in a collegiate game. I just try to solely focus on this year and put the team first with my energy and enthusiasm and let the rest of my game come to me.

Did you seek out any advice going into the year? Dan and I were roommates last year and he’d tell me that when you get to be a senior, you begin to realize what it’s all about. He kept coming in after every game talking about how it was one less game for him to play for Vanderbilt. When I look back now and remember what he was saying, I understand what it means to be a senior and how important it is to enjoy every moment on the court.

Do you still keep in touch with some of those guys from last year? Yeah. Some of the guys are over in Germany right now playing professional ball. (Matt) Freije, Dan and Derrick (Byars) are all in the same league there. They’ll send some messages to encourage us and let us know we’re playing well.

It’s been brought up a few times about the impact Dan had as a senior. Did you take any of the things he did to succeed with you into this year? After I got injured against Wake Forest at the start of last year, he was put into a spot to play out of position at the 4, something that he wasn’t expected to do going into the season, and due to his physicality and intensity, he stepped up to do what was best to help the team succeed. I think his attitude really rubbed off of me. You know, I just have to go out and listen to Coach and follow through with the goals that he sets for me. We’re off to a good start with seven victories and it’s just fun to play right now.

The team is now ranked in both the AP and Coaches poll. Do you like the recognition or would you be okay with flying under the radar? Obviously, an early ranking is good. I don’t think we’re really going to focus on that right now, though. It’s still the beginning of the season and there’s a long way to go.

You have to like the feel of the team right with so much balance on offense. We love the way our team looks right now. Shan (Foster) said the other day that with the post players making their shots and also getting to the foul line that it makes it easier for him and the rest of the guys on the perimeter to get looks and knock down shots. When you have guys feeding off of each other like that, then there’s just a lot more confidence and rhythm on the floor. It’s exciting right now because we’re only seven games into the season and we’re nowhere near as good as we can be. We’re just trying to get better everyday to see how far this team can really go.

Finally, is there anything specific that the crowd can do after you make a big play? Audio Answer