Hooping it up With Tony Neysmith

Nov. 5, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. -- Tony Neysmith is no stranger to success. The freshman guard on the OU men's basketball team has seen his share of personal and team glory since he first started playing competitively.

A graduate of Norcross (Ga.) High School, Neysmith comes to Norman with a pair Georgia Class AAAAA state titles under his belt. Those crowns were claimed his junior and senior seasons when Norcross went a combined 57-7. Last year, his Blue Devils finished No. 12 in the USA Today Super 25 rankings. Individually, Neysmith was ranked as the nation's No. 100 recruit in the 2007 class by Rivals.com.

Now, Neysmith is doing what he can to help return a proud OU program to championship status. He certainly comes from good blood lines -- his uncle, Derrick Chievous, was a two-time first-team All-Big Eight selection at Missouri (1987 and '88).

Neysmith recently sat down with SoonerSports.com to talk about a variety of topics, including the fast-approaching regular season (OU hosts San Francisco on Thursday 7 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center).

Q: How do you like being a Sooner so far?
"It's really good. We always practice hard and act like there is a game the very next day. It's really fun working with the guys because everyone is really social. Everybody works hard and has fun, which makes it fun to be a part of. The university is also really nice. The first few days of school I actually got lost a couple of times because the campus is really big. I was late to my classes but my teachers didn't count me late because they understood."

Q: How would you describe your style as a player?
A: "I like to play defense and I really like to get to the rim more than anything else. One thing I need to do is work on my jump shot. But playing defense and getting to the rim are what I like more than anything else."

Q: How do you think this year's newcomers can help the team?
A: "I think we are going to bring a lot of energy to the team because we are young and anxious. We are ready to get out there and compete. We are going to bring a lot of athleticism and everyone is really talented. I think we are going to bring a lot of energy to the game."

Q: What are your personal goals and expectations for the season?
A: "I want to play and get on the court because nobody comes to college to sit on the bench. Obviously, playing well and winning games are some goals. We want to win games and get to the NCAA Tournament and win Big 12 championships."

Q: Why did you come to Oklahoma?
A: "When I first came here on my visit, everyone was really close. Even though the coaching staff was new and the players were just getting used to the new staff, everything still felt like a family. Some of the other schools didn't have that closeness and family-type atmosphere. On weekends you can find this team out together, which is something I really like. The coaches really want to win and push the team and I really like that, too."

Q: What are some areas of your game you are trying to improve on the most?
A: "I worked a lot of my shooting in the off-season. I am still working on it now by coming in for individual workouts before and after practices. I also want to improve my ball handling and strength, which I have done in the weight room since I got here."

Q: What is the best part of being a student-athlete at OU?
A: "I would say a lot of people know me on campus and I don't know who they are. It is pretty easy to get to know people when you are a student-athlete in any sport because people know you and they introduce themselves."

Q: What is your favorite song on your iPod right now?
A: "My favorite song on my iPod is 'Man Down' by 50 Cent off his new album."

Q: How would your teammates describe you?
A: "They would probably say I'm funny and goofy. On the court I am all business, but off the court I am always making jokes, smiling and laughing."

Q: What games are you looking forward to playing this year?
A: "I am looking forward to playing USC. If we win these first two games in the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament, I'm looking forward to playing Memphis. I'm really looking forward to playing Texas, too."

Q: What is your favorite hobby outside of basketball?
A: "I like to cook a lot. My best dishes are spaghetti and lasagna."

Q: What is your favorite professional sports team?
A: "I like the Denver Nuggets because Carmelo Anthony is my favorite player. I like his game because it is old school. He is really smooth and I like that he doesn't do anything spectacular. He doesn't jump super high, he isn't super fast and he doesn't dribble super well. I just love how he plays. I've also really like the Yankees ever since my dad took me to a World Series game when the Yankees played the Braves. I've been a fan of them ever since."

Q: Coach Capel has been talking about the offense needing to improve from last year to be more successful. Are this year's guards ready for that challenge?
A: "I think we are up to the challenge. One thing Coach Capel stresses in practice is being aggressive and looking for our shot. If we pass them up, he is going to let us know about it and tell us to be more aggressive. Offensively and defensively he wants us to create offense. I think our guards are up to it."

Q: Are the expectations high for this team?
A: "We have really high expectations because Coach Capel was really successful at Duke when he played. They were really up-tempo and he wants us to be the same way. He wants to get the fast break going and give the fans something to watch. When our big guys get the rebound they can look for the guards to push the ball up the court and fast break. We also have some big guards who can get in there as well."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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