Anthony “Cat” Barber InterviewBy: Clayton Crowe

Last week Anthony Barber, also known as ‘Cat’ Barber declared for the 2016 NBA Draft.  It was first reported that he did not intend to sign with an agent, leaving open the possibility for a return to Raleigh for his senior season. But then on Tuesday, Barber notified Coach Mark Gottfried that he would complete the draft process and forgo his final year of eligibility, ending what has been a solid career for the Wolfpack. Barber is going to cash in on his soaring draft stock coming off a season in which he led the ACC in points per game (23.5) while playing all but 26 minutes during the Wolfpack’s entire ACC schedule due to injuries and lack of depth behind him.  He certainly made the most of those minutes as the junior from Hampton, Virginia set career highs for points, rebounds, assists and free throws on his way to what should be 1st Team All-ACC honors with the potential for ACC Player of the Year.  NBADraft.net got a chance to speak with Barber to discuss the season.

NBADraft.net: You’ve dealt with your fair share of minor injuries this season, let me first ask how is the wrist?

Barber: The wrist is good.  It was nothing that could/would stop me from playing or anything like that.

NBADraft.net: I interviewed Gary Payton II earlier this season and he said his Mom gave him the nickname “The Thief”.  Where did your nickname “Cat” come from?

Barber: My sister actually gave it to me.  When I was younger I used to climb around on all kinds of stuff, like a cat. We had a cat and I used to try and copy him a lot by trying to climb on stuff, so she gave me that nickname.

NBADraft.net: You took down Villanova last season to advance to the Sweet 16.  What was that experience like for you personally and for the team?

Barber: For me, it was a great experience.  We were underdogs coming into that game and to beat a ranked and top seeded team like that was just great.  The way we succeeded and how far we went, not a lot of people thought we could do that.  So, individually it was good to experience that.  And as a team, it was just good to use that as motivation throughout the summer and coming into this season to try and get back there.

NBADraft.net: This has been a tough season for the team overall in terms of wins and losses.  Talk a little about this year and how things have gone for you and for the team.

Barber: For me personally, I just think that it is more about developing and raising my game to another level.  Just working on hitting jump shots and learning how to lead this team by example. Just playing the game the way I know how to play it and how it is supposed to be played. And for the team, it has been difficult but we’ve just stayed positive.  Things didn’t go the way we wanted them to go obviously, but it is my job to keep everyone focused and to make sure that they keep their heads up.

NBADraft.net: I did a few weeks back on the evolution of your game and touched on a number of different aspects.  What would you say is the most improved part of your game from your freshman year to now?

Barber: I’d say my jump shot. It is something that I’ve really worked on. Teams can’t defend me the same way anymore and they are having to put more pressure on me so that opens up driving lanes.  So I would say that my shot is what I’ve improved on the most.

NBADraft.net: I’m sure the media attention directed your way has increased over the last few months.  You seem like a quiet person, so do you like the additional attention or would you rather have it directed elsewhere?

Barber: I mean it comes with the territory.  If you are playing well and doing things that help your team win then you know it is coming.  I’m not the type of guy that likes media attention, but you have to realize that as a basketball player it is going to come and you have to be ready for it.  I don’t dislike it either, but it is just the way it goes.  The better you play, the more media attention you are going to get.

NBADraft.net: You’ve had to take on more of a leadership role with this group this season.  Talk a little bit about that and how you think it helps you become a more well-rounded player.

Barber: I just feel like as a leader, a lot of guys are going to look up to you.  They are going to follow your example.  If I’m out on the court moping, not being engaged in the game and playing without enthusiasm then the guys are going to see that.  They look at me and if I’m out there lolly gagging and just going through the motions then they might to the same thing.  I try to stay up for the most part, keep guys involved and if they make a mistake, just pat them on the back and tell them let’s move on to the next play and forget about that last one.

NBADraft.net: Your ability to get into the lane, finish and get to the line is a big part of your game.  Was getting to the free throw line, where you’ve been stellar so far, a point of emphasis last summer as you and the coaching staff worked on your game?

Barber: In high school I was a good free throw shooter and I got to the line a lot.  I just think that my first year, I just wasn’t as confident as I needed to be coming into the college game.  But throughout my second year and into this year I’ve just started to feel more comfortable with my role at the line.  It was really just a confidence thing early on in my career but I’ve always been a guy who likes to get to the line and knock down free throws at a high rate.

NBADraft.net: You’ve become more aggressive on offense this year.  Is that due to the personnel you have on the floor or was it something you’ve been working towards during your time at NC State?

Barber: It is definitely due to my role changing.  I’ve always been a guy who likes to be aggressive and get to the basket, but I’m doing it more now because that’s what the team needs me to do.

NBADraft.net: If I asked your coaches what is your biggest strength and biggest weakness, with regards to your game, what do you think they would tell me?

Barber: Right now my biggest strength is my ability to get to the rim and my pull up jumper from mid-range.  And as far as my biggest weakness, I really couldn’t tell you off the top of my head.  I’d have to go over some of my game film and talk to the coaching staff to really give you a good answer there.

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