After talking to Anthony last night I can only think of two words to describe this kid : Star and class. Because as you are about to read this guy has the personality of a star and the game to match. Not only does he have a big game to match his personality but he is humble and hungry as well. Although Anthony left Compton last season he is ready to come back better than ever for his senior year. This interview really speaks for itself, so I bring you One on One with Anthony January.
Brian Flinn: Who are you currently considering and do you have a favorite?
Anthony January: UCLA, USC, Colorado, San Diego State, Washington, and UTEP, UTEP and UCLA are my favorites.
Brian: Would you say that UCLA and UTEP are after you the hardest? and who out of that group has offered you a scholarship?
Anthony: Yes I would, and so is Colorado. UCLA , UTEP, Colorado, and USC have all offered.
Brian: Nice, what would you say you are looking for in a program?
Anthony: Nice surroundings, somewhere I'm comfortable being, and somewhere that's going to be able to let me go and use my height and quickness to and advantage, and most importantly a great academic program.
Brian: OK, if you could name one thing about both UCLA and UTEP that make them your favorites what would they be?
Anthony: For UCLA it's right in town and my family would be able to see and visit me. For UTEP, My father played there and I would have to show Coach Floyd that I'm capable of being just like him or even better and I can take on the challenge! haha.
Brian: DIdn't know your dad played at UTEP. Can you take the old man one on one these days?
Anthony: Yes sir he played with Tim Hardaway, Greg Foster, and Antonio Davis. But I can most definitely take him haha but its going to be tough, my dad can shoot it like crazy!
Brian: Haha games have to be intense with him then. How would you describe your game and what kind of system do you think you fit best in?
Anthony: Awww man very intense. But kind of like a big guard, I can put it on the floor and shoot it I'm pretty versatile, I've been listed as a power forward but I can actually put it on the floor with no problem and can shoot it and finish with either hand. But pretty fast paced up and down basketball that's how I would like to be able to play during my college career.
Brian: So are you worried at all with the idea that UCLA's style doesnt let players showcase their true ability? and what position do you want to play at the next level?
Anthony: Yes I am somewhat, but I still like the program and Coach Howland, their staff is very nice and welcoming. I see myself playing a 2, 3 at the next level and I know that's where ill be played.
Brian: Nice, is there a player to try to mold your game after, or do you think that the way you play is unique?
Anthony: Yes sir of course, Tracy McGrady and Penny Hardaway are my favorite players, but I'd like to have my own unique style of play myself.
Brian: So you'd like to hear kids saying they're trying to play like Anthony January sometime in the future?
Anthony: Oh no doubt sir, lol that would be a blessing to hear young kids saying that about me.
Brian: What are your goals for this summer and senior year ?
Anthony: This summer my goals are to show everyone my skills and how versatile I am, and how much I've improved on my jumper on and off the dribble, period. Most of all I'm trying to prove to everyone I'm under ranked. But for senior year with the transfer ill be making I'm looking forward to coming right in and being dominant and helping my team to a L.A. City and State championship here in California!
Brian: Nice, last question, if there was one thing you could tell your future coach and teammates what would it be ?
Anthony: I would tell them, I look forward to playing with them and its going to fun, and most importantly I would tell my coach that I won't let him down and I'll be a hard worker on and off the court.
From all of the answers he gave me to all of the sirs, Anthony was nothing but classy, it's safe to say he knows how to handle the media, and that he is still hungry to get better every day. He has all of the physical tools to be a great player at the next level and the mentality to match it. If you haven't seen this kid play yet don't worry, you'll be hearing his name soon enough. As always I would like to thank Anthony again, this has been One on One with Anthony January
