Ramkel Simon Wal (2019) Talks Competition, Recruitment, and Around The Clock Training Regimen

PH: How would you describe yourself as a player and how would you say your game aligns with today's Division-1 standards?

RSW: I feel like the best aspects of my game have to be my ability to shoot the basketball, draw fouls, make plays, and get out in transition.

This off-season I have really been working on improving my athleticism and pull-up jumper.

PH: How would you describe the basketball culture in Canada?

RSW: The basketball culture in Canada is rising, as everyone can see. A lot of players from there (R.J. Barrett, Andrew Nembhard, Luguentz Dort, Sam Chaput, Jeremy Barthelemy) are being recognized as the top players. It is impressive because it is not so common, until recently, that Canadian players receive national attention.

PH: How would you describe the uptick in competition, going from Canada to a program such as The Nation?

RSW: This last season, we played IMG at their place. The game was crazy, going back and forth but unfortunately we wound up losing a close one to a team led by Anfernee Simons who was just recently selected in the 2018 NBA draft.

PH: When you decided to ply your trade on the hardwood in America, you were obviously cognizant of the rigors of the national schedule experience.

You signed up for both the workload and the challenge. How would you describe the transition?

RSW: Playing for an around the clock program like the nation has allowed me to grow on and off the court.

This is because a lot is expected out of us. Mediocrity is simply not expected with this program, which provides us with the tools we need to succeed in life. Whether that is having success in the future or our day to day endeavors.

A regular day starts off with classes from about 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

After that, we head to the gym from 5 to 8 p.m. The things we do vary from skill work to strength and conditioning and working on the system in place.

PH: What's the end goal for you guys as you've already been on a steady training regimen and look ahead to 2018-19?

RSW: We are already focusing on winning a state championship. Coach Woody (Mike Woodbury) has been pushing us so we can reach our goal.

To accomplish this, we must be all in.