The Basketball Interview with Connor Crane
Sturgis forward Connor Crane talked with PHD today about his influences and loves when it comes to the game of basketball.
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
CC: My favorite part is the clothes we wear. We usually dress up and people around school know we have a game without asking.
What makes your crowd unique? What is a memorable thing that they’ve done that you’ll always remember?
CC: They go crazy with big plays. I will always remember playing STM and getting a big block off the backboard and turning around and seeing students jumping in the bleachers and on the sidelines of the court. They were all yelling at me with excitement.
Who is the toughest player you can recall playing against in South Dakota Basketball and why?
CC: (Cole) Bergan. He is going to try and score on you any way he can.
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable.
CC: For me personally, (Rapid City) Stevens. We have lost to them twice to go to state. Our student sections yell at each other during games which gets to be pretty bad. It is memorable because both district games to go to state were really close, hard to forget close games that mean a lot.
Who is your favorite player in the world and why?
CC: Kevin Garnett. As a kid I always loved his passion and how hard he worked all the time.
All basketball players love gear. What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
CC: I love Jordan and Nike. Give me anything from one of those brands and I’ll be happy.
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
CC: Probably Huron’s Gym. It’s a really unique arena, fun atmosphere to play in.
What court that you haven’t played on would you dream of playing on?
CC: Boston Garden would be my court of choice.
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players.
CC: I would say it is a good relationship. A lot of kids know us by name and come up to us at camps or if they see us before a game and ask for a high five or something like that.
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who is it from?
CC: McCampbell always tells us “Don’t stop working.” which might not seem like a lot, but if you have enough motivation, it helps you grind through anything.
Who is your basketball influence?
CC: My brother’s high school team. I remember watching as a kid and thinking how bad I wanted to get to the varsity level.