One-On-One Will Barton

Will Barton is currently a freshman at Memphis University, a team with a nucleus of freshmen and youngsters (including the coach) that look to achieve greatness this season.

Barton is a 6-6 shooting guard from Baltimore, Md. He graduated from Brewster Academy, as one of the best shooting guards the country has to offer in 2010.

While he had some negative talks and had to face some adversity a couple of weeks ago, Will is raring to go for the season and expects great things from this team, as he will often tell you.

“We’re going to win a National Championship,” he usually tells fans.

If any fan base is ready for a championship, the Memphis fans are.

Will was nice enough to answer a couple of questions with me.

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Garrett Tucker: At what point did you realize you could play college basketball?

Will Barton: Probably my 10^th grade year. I really started to come into my own. Colleges started contacting me and were getting interested.

Tucker: Who would you compare your game to? Why?

Barton: There are a lot of players I try to compare myself to and play like. I like Jamal Crawford, Evan Turner, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and guys like that.

Tucker: What did you like about Memphis?

Barton: I came to play here because I had a great relationship with the coaching staff. I also loved the city. They stand behind the basketball program and show their support. I really liked that.

Tucker: How do you expect to help Memphis this season?

Barton: I think I’ll have an immediate impact. I’ll help in the rebounding I think, and the ability to score. I’ll also help as a playmaker and getting my teammates involved and open. I think the biggest reason I will contribute is because I am a huge competitor and my leadership.

Tucker: What can the fans expect from Memphis this season?

Barton: The fans can expect a young, talented, up-tempo team. We’re going to put on a lot of pressure and try to get out on the fast break. Just a lot of running.

Tucker: What skills do you need to work on to improve your game?

Barton: I just need to keep getting stronger and getting better on defense. I also need to work on getting my jump-shot more consistent. Things like that.

Tucker: What is the biggest difference in the high school game and the college game?

Barton: Definitely the speed of the game.  It’s much faster. You can’t take plays off in college either. The players are too good to do that.

Tucker: Are there any teams you are excited to play against this season?

Barton: I can’t wait to play everyone. I’m not marking down one specific team down. I’m just excited to be playing college basketball.

Tucker: What goals do you have for the rest of your basketball career?

Barton: I want to lead Memphis to a National Championship and be a lottery pick in the NBA Draft.

Tucker: Are there any players you communicate with regularly, whether it be high school, college, or professional players?

Barton: I try to talk to Rudy Gay a lot NBA-wise and that’s probably about it.

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Thanks Will! Great interview!