Gunnar Gustafson (2019) – An Interview
We recently had the chance to sit down with Milford High School senior Gunnar Gustafson (2019), who has played a huge part in the Mavericks 8-1 start to the season. A year ago the Lawrence Tech commit averaged 15 points…
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Continue ReadingWe recently had the chance to sit down with Milford High School senior Gunnar Gustafson (2019), who has played a huge part in the Mavericks 8-1 start to the season.
A year ago the Lawrence Tech commit averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game, earning him a spot on the PrepHoops Class of 2019 All-State Team. This season Gustafson is putting up big numbers once again, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds through nine games. The Milford big-man already holds the school record for blocks. And according to head coach David Gilbert, Gustafson is on pace to be the school’s all-time leading rebounder as well.
How did you prepare for this season, your final season at Milford?
GG: This past offseason we focused on getting stronger and building endurance. Individually I worked a lot on my inside game and developing my outside shot.
What are some of the goals your team has for this season?
GG: Honestly, our main goal is to win the next game. We want to take it one game at a time and prove to the league that we are winners.
Individually, what are some of your goals?
GG: I just want to enjoy my final ride and play my best basketball, but have fun with my coaches and teammates along the way. I’d also like to average a double-double again.
What would you say is the biggest strength in your game?
GG: I’d say my biggest strength is my athleticism – just being able to out run and out jump anyone. That, and my instinct for rebounding.
What do you need to improve on the most in order to take your game to the next level?
GG: I need to improve on my ball handling and making the right decision in every instance of the game. I also need to focus on my leadership, especially if we want to accomplish our goals as a team.
Who, or what, motivates you to work harder both on and off the court?
GG: My main motivation is my family. We’ve had some struggles and we’ve grown closer from them. But my family has shown me the way to get through any type of boundary or setback.
When chatting it up with a coach at the college level, what would you tell them you can bring to their program?
GG: I’d be giving them a kid who will slip into any role the coach needs and do it to the best of my ability.
If there is one game on your schedule that you are most looking forward to, which game is it?
GG: Our games against Lakeland. We want those games so bad and we know if we are going to win, we need to put in the work every day.
What has been the most memorable moment of your high school career thus far?
GG: It’s not a good memory, but our last game of last season hurt real bad. Losing on our home court and seeing our seniors in the locker room after has really motivated me for this season. It’s motivated me to take my game to the next level while leaving it all on the floor.
What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
GG: It has to be science. I don’t know what it is, but something about physically seeing what I’m being taught really helps me learn and understand what is going on.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
GG: Before every game I have a boxed water, even though I’m convinced it’s the same water as tap, just packaged differently