The newest edition to the SWFLHoops.com staff, Jacob Alley, recently caught up with Evangelical Christian School's star junior Joel Vander Pol while covering him and the rest of his aau travel team, Naples Finest, at the AAU state tournament in Clearwater.
Jacob: Hey Joel, thanks for taking the time to talk with us at SWFL Hoops, if I could get started by asking you what you feel is the biggest difference between AAU play and High School?
Joel: I mean you cannot replicate the school spirit and energy of the crowd that comes with a high school game, but I love the competition that you can only find at this level.
Jacob: Has it been hard to transition from two different coaching styles?
Joel: Not really, they are both (High school coach and Coach Crislip) very similar in the style that they play and the way that they handle their team.
Jacob: What is it like playing with some of the people that you would usually play against?
Joel: It is great fun, you really never realize how much there is to every player you play against but when they are on your team it is just different. I have really enjoyed playing with Mitch too as he is our school’s district rival.
Jacob: Would you say that the role you play for your high school team is similar to your role on the AAU team? And if not then what is different?
Joel: Well the roles are both similar, but I for sure get to score a lot more in the high school games where as here each player is capable of having a great night and the pressure to score is definitely lightened.
Jacob: What can you do to get over a game where maybe you are not playing well and your shots will not fall?
Joel: I try and look for the open man or I decide to take my game to the inside and get a couple of easy ones in order to regain my rhythm.
Jacob: Where would you play at the next level if you could pick any college?
Joel: Univ. of Florida
Jacob: Who has been your biggest influence or supporter thus far in your basketball career?
Joel: My high school teammate and Best friend Brian Lusco, he’s always there for me on and off the court and has been a huge part of my success as a basketball player, as well as a person.
Jacob: What would you characterize as your games biggest strength?
Joel: I feel I have an ability to run the floor very well for a big man, and I have some pretty good low post moves.
Jacob: What would you work on about your game in order to bring it to the next level?
Joel: Definitely lateral quickness. Other than that, I would probably say decision making. I have to take the time to clear my head when I get frustrated, rather than making bad decisions.
Jacob: Who is your favorite NBA player?
Joel: Kobe Bryant
Jacob: How do you deal with a game where you get into foul trouble early?
Joel: Well you really have to make sure that the ref’s do not get in your head and maybe to play a little more conservatively on defense.
Jacob: Have you heard from any scouts yet?
Joel: I was offered a full ride from Liberty and I have heard from a few other Division 1
schools.
Jacob: Well thank you, Joel, good luck in whatever comes your way, we will be hearing from you next year.
"One on One" with Joel Vander Pol
Jacob Alley
SWFLHoops.com
May 10, 2008
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