The Basketball Interview…with Devan Praska
Devan Praska is a forward that has made great off-season strides. Devan talked to us about his basketball likes and dislikes. At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading…
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Continue ReadingDevan Praska is a forward that has made great off-season strides. Devan talked to us about his basketball likes and dislikes.
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
“My favorite part about game days is waking up in the morning and making sure you have everything ready and knowing that you get to play a game that night. Not everyone gets to have that opportunity.”
What makes your crowd unique? What is a memorable thing that they’ve done that you will always remember?
“Our crowd and community travels extremely well. Even when we are on the road it still feels like it’s a home game because of how many people are there and how loud they get. I will just always remember how pumped they get to come cheer us on and watch us play.”
Who is the toughest player you can recall playing against in North Dakota basketball and why?
“One of the toughest players I’ve played against was on my team. It was Sam Halvorson. He is long enough that he can sag off and still affect your shot while being quick enough to keep up with your speed. He is a really tough matchup.”
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable?
“Our biggest rival is Hillsboro/CV. Every time we play the stands are packed and both teams leave it all out on the floor.”
Who is your favorite basketball player in the world and why?
“My favorite basketball player is Quinton Hooker at UND. He plays the game like it could be his last and never takes anything for granted. His style of play is amazing too. I try replicate some of the things he does, but he makes it look so easy.”
What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
“My favorite brands have to be Nike and Jordan. I’m someone that like to wear a lot of different shoes throughout the year and both brands offer a lot of options for me, both for style and performance.”
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
“Playing at the Betty Engelstad Arena was an awesome experience.”
What court that you haven’t played on would you dream of playing on?
“I would love to play at Cameron Indoor Stadium or the Carrier Dome.”
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players?
“Us older guys love to help the youth out. They look up to us and we try to be the best role models for them on and off the court.”
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
“The best advice I’ve probably gotten came from Quinton Hooker. He told me that, if you make a mistake don’t dwell on it! Go make up for it by getting a big rebound or getting a steal. You have to forget about the mistakes and not dwell on them. During a game he would yell, “Devan, go get me a rebound!”
Who is your basketball influence?
“My biggest basketball influence would have to be my Dad. He put a ball in my hands at a young age and has always pushed me to be the best that I can be.”