The Basketball Interview…with Jack Hutchison
Maple Grove shooter Jack Hutchison gave NHR one of the best basketball interviews we’ve had giving some of the most creative and thoughtful answers.
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
“Game Days are great, and are my favorite days at school. First, the student body is pumped up for the game, the energy around the school is kind of electric and very cool. My routine is often the same…go home after school, get a snack, a little rest, shoot at home, then head to the school with my game face on.”
What makes your crowd unique? What is a memorable thing that they’ve done that you will always remember?
“Maple Grove is great at supporting sports, and the Party Zone is a large group of students that are at every game, even road games cheering us on. Last year, they attempted to replicate the Curtain of Distraction that Arizona State does, it was great. The student and fan turnout for the state tournament game last year at Target Center was fantastic, and I look forward to getting back there this year hopefully having an even better experience.”
Who is the toughest player you can recall playing against in Minnesota basketball and why?
“Tyus Jones. My first ever varsity game was a fall league jamboree before my freshman season against Apple Valley. I get into the back court with Brad Davison, and we have Tyus on the other side. After he stole a pass or two and had a couple of dunks, my introduction to high school hoops had begun.”
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable?
“Osseo would be our biggest rival being that they are our neighboring high school. We have good relationships with their players and coaches and see them around in the community, but when we step on the court, it is game on. It doesn’t matter what each others records are, it is always a great rivalry game that turns about to be very competitive.”
Who is your favorite basketball player in the world and why?
“Jared Dudley, first is on the Phoenix Suns which is my favorite team in sports. Second, he is a guy that is a team first player, willing to sacrifice anything and everything to win the game. He has made a successful career out of taking advantage of his opportunities and doing all of the little things that win games. All basketball players love gear.”
What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
“As for gear, I love basketball gear. I really like Adidas, as I have worn it for the last 3 years of AAU and into the high school season, but at the same time it is tough to also not like Nike.”
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
“Two venues really made an impression on me. First, Williams Arena is great, the tradition, heritage and the nostalgia of playing in ‘The Barn’ is awesome. Also, I really enjoyed played in the Cashman Center on the main court in Las Vegas on ESPN. It was an intimate setting on national TV against top level competition on a made for TV court that was very cool.”
What team that isn’t on your schedule in Minnesota would you most like to play and why?
“Lakeville North, payback for knocking us out of the state tourney last year, and would love to beat my good friend and AAU teammate Nate Reuvers. Wayzata, always a great rivalry game and I am still salty about the loss in sections 2 years ago, although we did get a little revenge last year.”
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players?
“We have a very large and successful youth program with OMGBA. We really try to be mentors on the court and in the community by volunteering at their traveling tournament, inviting them stand in our huddle for pregame, or having them play at halftime of the varsity games. I grew up in our youth program and I really looked up to the high school players, I hope to do the same in return by setting an example of someone to look up to. “
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
“I have received a lot of great advise over the years, but the advice I received from my AAU Coach Jeremy Miller stands out, “just relax and shoot the hell out of the ball.” That was of course the edited PG version of his inspirational advice.”
Who is your basketball influence?
“My basketball influence comes from many people, Steve Nash (my idol), my high school coach Nick Schroeder, my AAU coaches Jeremy Miller and Nick Carrol, and my father, who played college basketball himself. One thing is constant, always give your all and play like it was your last game.”