Indiana University Athletics
Troy Williams Interview from adidas Nations
8/18/2015 1:25:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Check out the video or the transcript below the video:
On being in Los Angeles for the event:
"It's been really good here. The weather is really good compared to back home in Virginia and in Indiana, so I like that a lot."
On his mindset for the event:
"Just gaining a lot more knowledge of the game and learning a lot from the NBA people here while playing with a lot of great players."
For people that are watching this video that might not know too much about you, what can you tell us about yourself?
"I am a pretty chill guy, you know. I don't really like to go out much, would rather kick it at the house and play video games. And I like to eat. I love to try new foods."
Are there any particular cuisines you are into, or are you versatile?
"Really, I love fried pork chops and chicken alfredo. (laughs)
On his summer:
"My summer has been very busy so far. I went to the Nike Skills Academy here in L.A. I have been back in Indiana working out a lot, and now I am back here in L.A. So, I'm just working out a lot and trying to get stronger, faster, quicker and a better knowledge of the game."
On where his athleticism comes from:
"It's a God-given gift. I mean, it's not like I worked on it or anything. It just came to me in high school, so I have just been using it to my advantage."
On what he needs to work on to be the best basketball player possible:
"First of all, I need to get the label of 'athlete' off of my name and more of a basketball player. I have been working on making better decisions with the ball, getting my teammates open, finding them in open spots, and knocking down open shots."
On having the same kind of improvement this year that he did from freshman to sophomore year:
"I am looking forward to a great year. But really I am just focused on the little things. One of the biggest things I am focused for this year is when I get tired still having a high level of efficiency, whether is assists, rebounds or getting points if I have to. That is just my whole mindset towards it."
On what the biggest thing he will take away from working with Tom Crean when he looks back on it in five years:
"It's more the off-the-court things. Like how to attack every situation like a grown man, and being honest with everything that you do."
On playing at an elite program like Indiana:
"I don't see it a pressure, I see it as more of a blessing. I mean, not a lot of people get to play here, not a lot of schools have the tradition we do as well. Players are always coming back and giving us knowledge, so it's just a great experience."
On his outside shot and the work he has put into improving that area:
"I have been putting in a lot of work towards it all summer, even before summer school started down in Houston with John Lucas. I don't think it [outside shooting] will be what labels me, but it will be more of a threat."
On growing up with such a famous uncle, Boo Williams, who is kind of a legend in high school and AAU basketball?
"It was more like living in his shadow. I finally got out of it and made a name for myself. It's no longer Boo Williams' nephew, it's now Troy Williams. I mean, growing up I never really got mad about it. I used it as motivation to get myself out there.
On what kind of coach Boo Williams is:
"He is a pretty relaxed person unless you do something stupid and he gets mad and starts yelling at you. I can vouch for that because I got yelled at and it didn't matter if I was his nephew or not."
