| One On One With Imad Qahwash |
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Written by TheHoop-La.com on Monday, 24 August 2009 TheHoop-La.com goes one on one with Kitchener, Ontario's Imad Qahwash 6'2" of NCAA Division 1 Central Arkansas. Imad tells us about his experiences overseas with the Jordanian nationl team, his thoughts on playing the top ranked Kansas Jay Hawks in the pre-season and more! How excited are you for the Jordanian national team that recently qualified for the World Championships? I am very excited and pleased to see the Jordan national team advance to the
2010 FIBA World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. I have been direct contact
with the players and have played with them this summer and it was evident that
this was the ultimate goal for the whole nation. Everyone involved with the
national program was driven to succeed in this goal and now that it has been
accomplished it feels great. How does it feel knowing that you could perhaps be playing against Kobe, Lebron and Howard at the Worlds? It feels surreal, but at the same time, I like many of them want to compete
against the best in our sport or profession. I think this the mentality every
player should have not only on the court but in life in general. It would speak
volumes to play against the "Re-deam team," who are Olympic gold medallist
as well. I think it would be an amazing experience for our national team and
I know they will play to the best of their ability to get a win and that's what
it is about advancing the national program and continuing to keep the excitement
and hunger to be the best. To be the best you have to beat the best. My mentality
would just to go and play hard as possible and not pay attention to who your
playing against even though they maybe be an 11-time NBA All-star. Although you didn't participate in the World Qualifiers, how was your experience playing with them previously? I had a school obligation, but they wanted to also go with their veteran players,
which is fine. My experience was great playing with them and when I went back
to school I was really talking to the guys almost everyday some how, meaning
me waking up at 2 a.m. ET to talk to them at a decent time in Tianjin, China.
It was nonetheless a great experience and I feel privileged to represent a world
qualifying national basketball program. How has playing for the National team made you a better player? It has really made me a better player in my leadership role and competitiveness.
I have always been a competitor but I really have that can't lose mentality
in my head now and I think myself and my teammates carry it on the court when
we play against anyone. It's really helped me polish my game and just play smoother
and calmer. It taught to play like a professional and to be the best leader
I can be when I come back to my NCAA division one school , Central Arkansas. I know you had some exposure to the Canadian National Team program. What ultimately led to your decision to instead focus on playing for the Jordan National Team? I have had exposure from them, but at the same time I do respect Canadian basketball
and our coaches we have in Canada at any level. I think my opportunity would
have came after university when I sign my first pro contract. In saying that,
I didn't want to wait, the Jordanian basketball federation has courted me and
followed me since my freshman year and offered me a great opportunity and I
took advantage of it. I just thought if I am being offered an opportunity to
participate in the FIBA sanctioned tournaments why not take it? I think I made
a great decision and have gained valuable experience. I think I can compete
with the best players that's just my mentality and I was ready for it during
my NCAA career. What goals have you set for yourself going into the 2009/10 NCAA season at Central Arkansas? I have a lot of goals individually and team wise. I want to win an NCAA conference
championship. The Southland conference is a very good conference and I want
to do well as a team. Individually, there is a lot of eyes on me this season
and I know I have to perform to be where I want to be after college. I want
to start every game this season and be the ultimate leader and best play maker
I can be to put my team in a position to win every game no matter who it is
against. I also want to continue getting better, I believe there i always something
you can do to get yourself more ready mentally or physically. How well do you expect Central Arkansas to do this upcoming season? We have a great group of guys. My coach, Rand Chappell has done a great job
in recruiting talented guys with good attitudes. I think an attitude can take
you a long way, which translates into team chemistry and ultimately wins for
our basketball program at The University of Central Arkansas. It was a powerhouse
program with Scottie Pippen here in the 80's and we want to get that rolling
again on the division one level stage, which is the highest basketball collegiate-wise
in the United States. You are going to be playing the pre-season #1 favourite Kansas Jayhawks Nov 10th at Allen Fieldhouse. How are you going to mentally prepare yourself to face off against not only Jayhawk G Sheron Collins but 20,000+ screaming fans? Well, its going to be tough, but I always love a challenge. Every kid dreams
about a moment like this whether it is in preseason or the NCAA "March
Madness" tournament, so I always drill that in my mind how big an opportunity
this is. I really think that I am ready to take on this challenge because of
the type of competition I was playing with and against this summer. Guys who
have been in the NBA circles so it doesn't phase me. My freshman year I played
against number 25 Kentucky Wildcats in front of 25,000 screaming fans, so i
have been in an atmosphere like that at a young age. Are you looking to play pro ball after college? Yeah most definitely looking to play professional basketball after my NCAA
career. I was fortunate enough to play well overseas and have attracted many
pro agents that believe in me. At the same time I need to have a straight head
and continue just to get better everyday and all the other stuff will fall into
place. I know its coming and I'm anxious and excited but I need to concentrate
at my weaknesses so I can have a very polished pro basketball career overseas
or in any NBA developmental league, wherever I think I can fit and support myself
and my family in any way. A lot of agents have been inquiring about me and I
think its flattering this early but at the same time I have worked very hard
and won't stop until I reach my goal of succeeding in this sport and becoming
the best pro I can be. You were recently named a Capital One/Southland Conference Commissioner's Spring Academic Honour Roll for your 3.4 GPA in Health Sciences. What would be your most important advice to players on juggling academics and ball? Yes, I was very fortunate to have that happen to me. It goes back to my parents, who have helped me strive to be the best in the classroom or anything I try to do. I know I cannot play basketball forever and it inevitable every player is going to have to hang up the running shoes, so it is important for all players to understand that education is also a big part of your life after basketball. I would advise every player to have a schedule. I know my schedule is the same at my school. For me, it wake up, class, shooting, practice, study, sleep. I think you have to really be motivated to just be the best academically. use the energy in basketball to ignite you to succeed in the classroom and always have a back up plan. Time management is key and with out staying academically eligible, there will be no basketball.
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