Interview: KU's Julian Wright

November 24th, 2006
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There aren't too many things Kansas sophomore Julian Wright can't do on the basketball court.  The 6-8 forward can score, rebound, pass, and defend at the highest levels.  With a little work on his jump shot, Julian could one day be making a big impact at the NBA level.  He was kind enough to take some time out to answer some questions as part of our Top 10 Team Stars Q&A Series.


Julian Wright


CHN: What specifically have you been working on over the summer to improve your game? Do you feel like you've made a lot of progress?

Julian Wright: “I would say perimeter skills and footwork, trying to get better with footwork to be able to slide my feet much better. I feel I have made a lot of progress over the summer; I went to two camps that helped me as well.”

CHN: How do you deal with the pressure of being a key player on a team with realistic hopes of reaching the Final Four?

Julian Wright: “I think the players are hungry. We didn’t fare well last year in the tournament. The coaching staff is really good at motivating us to keep focused and not worrying about individual honors, which we don’t anyway.”

CHN: Coach Self has gotten a reputation as being a big-time recruiter. Why do so many kids want to want to come play for him?

Julian Wright: “I think Kansas itself is a selling point; all the coaches that have been here before him and the tradition. Coach is a person who really cares about the kids and not just about his job. It’s about winning, but also helping us become men”

CHN: What's the most fun part of being a college basketball player?

Julian Wright: “The growing, the working out and practice. It may get tough but there’s no reward like playing in the games and actually seeing what you practiced so hard on come to light.”

CHN: Which of your teammates stands out as a guy that might not get much national publicity, but you feel deserves more respect for his game and his work ethic?

Julian Wright: “Russell Robinson because Coach Self preaches defense and he’s absolutely one of those guys and is the reason for offense as well. He gives us spark defensively and gives that advantage when in close games. He’s been tested and proven himself able.”

CHN: Do you follow the NBA much? Are their any players you're a particularly big fan of?

Julian Wright: “Kevin Garnett, I just wish he was on a winning team. I try to mold my game [after him] in terms of his mentality in being able to do more than one thing and making it harder for people to guard if you are able to do more stuff on the court and putting yourself in more situations to score.”

CHN: If you want to join KG in the NBA, what do you need to do to take your game to the next level?

Julian Wright: “I think my jump shot is the biggest thing. Strength will come with time and just working on fundamentals. Everyone at every level does fundamentals and works hard at that. I need to work to be stronger and basically just my perimeter shot.”


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