Leach's Lists: A Conversation With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
By Dan Leach/Follow Dan on Twitter @dtmleach
On NBA Draft night when 2013 Detroit Pistons first round pick Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's name was called, there were many Pistons fans that were not very happy. Frustrated that the Pistons passed on taking local product Trey Burke and instead went with an unknown to many basketball fans from this area.
As the dust has settled and many have learned more about the #8 overall pick, excitement has started to build as KCP is the type of player that can contribute right away for a team that is on the rise and seems to be putting the pieces together to get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
I sat down with KCP and discussed a myriad of topics including what it felt like when his name was called on draft night- "My heart was just racing and then when my name got called everything was normal, I was so proud of myself and my family was too."
On initial frustration of many Pistons fans when he was selected instead of Michigan guard Trey Burke and if there is any added motivation to show he was the right guy- "I think I am the right guy for Detroit, they need an upsize 2-guard that can score the ball and I can do that."
Getting To Know KCP-
Favorite Post Game Meal-Spaghetti and Pats ( a little carbo loading post game)
Place he most wants to visit in the World- Jamaica
Very importantly if he is ready to trade in World Famous Atlanta Diner "The Varsity" for Detroit Coney Dogs- " I am ready to try to switch it up and change my variety."
On His Goal for His Rookie Season- "My goal is to just help my team in any way I can. Become an efficient shooter on the offensive end and be consistent on the defensive end."
KCP Bio Blast
6-5 205, Sophomore University of Georgia. Born Feb 18, 1993 Thomaston, Ga 1:25 mins from Atlanta)
Prep Highlights
-First McDonalds All-America to sign with UGA in 20 years
-Rated nation's #3 shooting guard prospect and #12 overall by Rivals.com and Scout.com
-Averaged 31 points and 8.2 boards a game as senior at Greenville High School.
College Highlights
-Led team in minutes, rebounds, and steals and was team's #2 scorer in Freshman season.
-UGA's leading scorer in 29 of its 32 games, leading rebounder in 16.
-2013 SEC Player of the Year (First Bulldog since Dominique Wilkins in 1981)
2013 NBA Summer League Stats
-4 games (28.3 mpg, 12.3 ppg ,3.5 rpg, 2 spg)
