6-foot-10 sophomore forward Charles Bassey is one of the top talents on the high school level. I got to speak with Bassey before he played in the Jordan Brand Classic International Game, where he finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds to earn Co-MVP. Here’s what the big man had to say.
NBADraft.net: How’s New York been so far?
Charles Bassey: It’s been so good, such a big city.
NBADraft.net: Since we’re at the Jordan Brand Classic, I have to ask, do you have a favorite pair of Jordan’s?
Charles Bassey: Yeah, probably, the shoes are good. The Jordan Brand Classic shoes are good.
NBADraft.net: Do you feel like you have anything to prove playing in this game?
Charles Bassey: Yeah, I feel good because we are practicing with teammates and stuff, playing as a team. We have to improve.
NBADraft.net: To somebody who hasn’t seen you play before, how would you describe your game to them?
Charles Bassey: I would describe my game to them like I play as a one, two, three, four, or five. I play everywhere. I can post, I can shoot, I can handle the ball.
NBADraft.net: Is there anybody you base your game off of?
Charles Bassey: I play like (Giannis) Antetokounmpo for the Bucks.
NBADraft.net: What do you want to add or work on as you progress through high school?
Charles Bassey: I need to work on my endurance, get stronger, my post moves, and improve my hook shot.
NBADraft.net: Who’s been the most difficult opponent you have ever faced?
Charles Bassey: A guy called Schnider (Herard) in the state championship game. He was very big as a senior and I am just a freshman. That was tough.
NBADraft.net: At what age did you realize basketball was something you wanted to pursue?
Charles Bassey: I started playing basketball when I was 12, so yeah when I was 12 or so.
NBADraft.net: How has the recruiting process been this early?
Charles Bassey: Been good.
NBADraft.net: Are you hearing from a lot of schools?
Charles Bassey: Yeah. I just go to schools to watch games. Like my guardian takes me to colleges like Texas A&M to basically just watch the way they play.
NBADraft.net: What’s been the biggest basketball moment so far of your early career?
Charles Bassey: Probably last week when I won a tournament for my summer team 17U from Texas.
NBADraft.net: What are some goals you want to accomplish over the next few years of high school?
Charles Bassey: In basketball, I just want to win state every year, just to give my best.
NBADraft.net: What separates you from the others playing in this game?
Charles Bassey: Probably because I’m stronger. I think I’m stronger and I think I’m getting better every day.
NBADraft.net: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Charles Bassey: I see myself in college playing basketball.
