Brandon Ingram is one of the nation’s top prospects. He combines tremendous length with excellent touch and scoring ability. He’s scheduled to make his college decision on Monday Night at his (Kinston) High School Gymnasium tomorrow at 6:10 pm. He figures to be one of the real impact freshmen next season, with a chance to be a one and done if strength isn’t a big issue. He’s a humble, soft spoken kid with a great sense of humor and his game shows a ton of upside. We had the chance to catch up with him after the USA Select Team practice in Portland at the Nike Hoop Summit.
NBA Draft.net: Talk a little bit about the Hoop Summit event, how it’s gone so far. You know a lot of these guys already. How has it been gelling with them on and off the court?
Brandon Ingram: This isn’t my first time with USA basketball. It’s been good. We’re developing good chemistry.
NBA Draft.net: Who in particular have you built up a pretty good rapport with on this team?
Brandon Ingram: I’d say Jaylen Brown, Ivan Rabb, and I know a lot of these guys through AAU.
NBA Draft.net: What makes this event more special than other events?
Brandon Ingram: I think it’s that it’s the USA playing against the World. The top players here are competing against each other. It’s making us all better and preparing us for the highest level of basketball.
NBA Draft.net: How important is it for you that Team USA gets the win?
Brandon Ingram: I think it’s very important. These guys on the World team want to beat us and we want to win it too.
NBA Draft.net: I got a chance to see you play last summer in Treviso, Italy at the adidas Eurocamp. What was that event like… you went over and you were younger than most of the guys you went against. Do you think that helped you this year as far as giving you some confidence?
Brandon Ingram: It was good. I think I know what to expect this year with the physicality. I think it’s a matter of being stronger and just improving.
NBA Draft.net: Was it nerve wracking at all going over there and playing in front of so many NBA scouts?
Brandon Ingram: As a young guy, it was. But coming back here and playing in all these events, McDonald’s and so forth, I think you start getting used to it.
NBA Draft.net: Do you embrace the role of being a leader?
Brandon Ingram: I do. I think just having a good relationship with these guys, they listen to you. They can take constructive criticism.
NBA Draft.net: Describe your game to someone that has never seen you play before.
Brandon Ingram: I describe my game as being real smooth. I get after it defnesively. Obviously very long. Can shoot the long ball. Can take defenders off the dribble.
NBA Draft.net: Is the a player that you pattern your game after?
Brandon Ingram: Well of course I’ve always thought Kevin Durant.
NBADraft.net: What’s the most important criteria in choosing a college?
Brandon Ingram: Just a coach that really knows how to coach me. Gets the best out of me, challenges me day in and day out.
NBA Draft.net: What kind of role do you envision yourself playing with a college team next year?
Brandon Ingram: An impact player. Interact well with my teammates. I see myself making my teammates better and impacting the game.
NBA Draft.net: What separates you from other top prospects?
Brandon Ingram: My ability to score. And my versatility to play 1 to 5 or 1 to 4, and defend many positions.
NBA Draft.net: Have you made any changes to your diet for conditioning purposes?
Brandon Ingram: I have. I’ve been going to the weight room more and eating better.
NBADraft.net: It’s hard to give up soda, do you drink soda?
Brandon Ingram: Yeah a little bit.
NBADraft.net: Last question, what interests do you have outside of basketball?
Brandon Ingram: I like to fish.
NBADraft.net: And I heard your into skateboarding?
Brandon Ingram: I used to. (laughs)
NBADraft.net: Not so much anymore huh? Well that’s a good thing, you’ve got to watch out for your legs now. Best of luck to you Brandon.
Brandon Ingram: Thank you.
