Posts Tagged ‘Interview’

Interview With Greg Plummer

Posted: October 15, 2012 in Uncategorized
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Today I called Summerside’s newest shooting guard Greg Plummer and discussed his signing and the upcoming season for the Storm.
 

Brett Poirier:  When did you officially get signed by the team?

Greg Plummer:  Thursday of last week

BP:  When did you join the team?

GP:  I met the team on Friday last week when they were finishing up camp in New Hampshire.

BP: How was your first camp day with the team?

GP:  It was good, we got a lot of stuff done.  This being my first day, I had the chance to get up to speed with things.

BP:  Playing against Summerside last year do you notice any differences in the style of play?

GP:  Well this year’s team is totally different than it was last year.  That being said it’s still knowing the league and the types of players gives me some advantages.

BP: You’ve had a busy summer, tell me a little more about that.

GP:  Early this summer I played with Team Nike, and travelled to the World Basketball Festival in England.  We played team London and team Paris.  Team London was an all-star team made up of players from all over the UK, team Paris won the Jordan Brand Classic tournament in Europe.  We ended up winning both games when we were there.

BP:  Storm co-owner Duncan Shaw told me one of his goals for next season was to have a more athletic team then last year, from what you remember do you think that will happen?

GP:  Looking at all the players we have in camp right now, all I see is athleticism.  I’m not sure what all of the player capabilities from last year were but I can’t see it topping this.

BP:  You had high point averages with Saint John last season, do you see that being the case this year?

GP:  It’s hard to say, it’s all about the system you’re playing in.  Some nights I might, some nights I won’t score many points.  That’s not really what I look for anyway’s, if I’m needed to score I will, if I’m not then I’ll look to get my team mates involved.

BP:  How was your welcome to the city?

GP:  It was really nice, the night we arrived we had a dinner to meet city council and the mayor.  It was my first introduction to the people here.

BP:  What can the fans expect from you?

GP:  I’m going to do whatever it takes to help the team win.  I’m personally keyed in to putting a good brand of basketball out on the court and I think those who know the game and those who are learning it will really appreciate how much effort we will all put out.  I hope I can fulfil everyone’s expectations as far as having an enjoyable experience when you go to a Storm game.

BP:  Thank you for letting me be the first to interview you, and good luck the rest of the week at training camp!

GP:  Appreciate it!

Interview With Fourth Overall Pick Chad Gillaspy

Posted: August 31, 2012 in Uncategorized
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Earlier this week I had the opportunity to interview Chad Gillaspy from his home in Missouri via Skype.   Gillaspy was selected fourth overall in the 2012 NBL draft by the Oshawa Power but within minutes traded to the Storm for Louie McCroskey and cash considerations.  We discussed the NBL draft, his new team the Summerside Storm, and his previous basketball experiences.  Chad and I spent well over an hour talking back and fourth and I learned quite a bit about Summerside’s newest wing man.

Quick Info:                                                      Quick Stats: (2010-2011 last year of college)

Height: 6’7″                                                      Points per Game: 12.4

Weight: 215                                                     Rebounds per Game: 8.2

Position: Forward                                               Assists per Game: 1.4

College: Evangel (4 years)                                  Steals per Game: 1.5

Brett Poirier:  What was your first memory playing basketball?

Chad Gillaspy:   Probably in first grade, I hit my first three point shot.

BP:  Where did you attend high school? And did you play on the school basketball team?

CG:  I went to Miller High School which is a really small town about 30 minutes west of Springfield, Missouri.  And I played for the school team.

BP:  What type of role did you have on the team?

CG:   I did everything from play post to bring the ball up, I had a major role.

BP:  Is this your first go with a professional team?

CG:  Yes, I’m 24 and after four years of college it’s now or never.

BP:  Being 6’7″ you have more options then most at choosing you what position to play, what position do you primary play?

CG:  I’m a versatile player.  I can play inside and outside, that’s what I like to do.

BP:  What type of shooter are you?  Perimeter, mid range, inside?

CG:  In college I played power forward so I didn’t get many opportunities to shoot long range,  but in high school I shot from just about anywhere’s on the court.  It’s been four years but I’m trying to get my three point shot back.

BP:  Looking back at your weekend at the NBL draft combine, how do you personally feel about the way you preformed?

CG:  I know I can play better; but  for something like that where you come in and play with guys that you have no experiences with, and it’s such a quick process, I think I did okay in that regard.

BP:  Have you been keeping busy in the gym this summer?

CG:  Oh yes, I’ve been training every day this summer.

BP:  Have you touched base with coach Salerno yet?

CG:  Yea we spoke briefly at the draft but other then that not to much.  I’m sure I’ll connect with him before the training camp though.

BP:  What can you bring to this team that perhaps no one else can?

CG:  I have a good inside game and I’m working on my outside game so versatility will be something I can bring to the team.

BP:  Has anyone influence the way you play the game of basketball?

CG:  My family, they’re really into the sport and they love to watch.  They’ve always supported me from the bleachers.

BP:  Looking back at your experiences with the game what’s your most memorable moment?

CG:  The day I signed my college contract stands out to me, that’s something you work hard for your whole life and to finally see it happen feels pretty good.

BP:  What can the franchise expect from Chad Gillaspy?

CG:  I’m a very hard worker, coming from a small town, playing college and now professionally.  I’ve worked extremely hard to get where I am.   I can guarantee you that the effort, the hustle, will be there all the time.

BP:  I really appreciate you staying up past 2am to do this interview, I’m looking forward to meeting you in October.

CG:  Same to you Brett, thanks for doing this, see you in the Fall Canada!

Interview With Third Pick Brandon Hassell

Posted: August 30, 2012 in Uncategorized
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Shortly after the Summerside Storm selected 6’11″ shot blocking center James Hassell with the third overall selection in this years NBL Draft I got a hold of him for an interview.   From what I’ve seen Brandon is very enthusiastic about the opportunity to play basketball in PEI.

Brett Poirier:  What is your first ever basketball memory?

Brandon Hassell:  Watching Michael Jordan on the Bulls over the years.

BP:  You played high school basketball at Valley View High in Ohio, what was your role on the team?

BH:  I was always a defensive player but in my senior year I took on a shot blocking and defensive stopper role.

BP:  You obviously had a good weekend at the NBL draft combine because you were selected third overall but is your game at a level where you want it to be?

BH:  I had a great weekend, my game was on, but I still look to improve every chance I get.

BP:  What type of basketball player are you?

BH:  I’m a defensive minded player that loves to win, i’ll do what ever it takes to get a W.

BP:  Have you had a chance to speak with your coach Joe Salerno?

BH:  Yes, after the draft I sat down with him and went over some things about our team.

BP:  Have you been playing basketball over the summer?

BH:  Oh yeah!  I’m at the gym a lot working on building strength and improving my basketball skill.

BP:  When did you start playing basketball?

BH:  I was about third grade when I first tried the game.

BP:  You have three older brothers (Spencer, JR and Brad) did you learn the game of basketball from them?

BH:  No, actually none of them were basketball players.  I was the first to play the sport in my family.

BP:  What did you know about PEI before being drafted by the Storm?

BH:  Literally nothing at all.

BP:  Have you done research on the Island yet?

BH:  Yea, I’ve done a lot of research on Wikipedia since being drafted and I’m learning a lot about PEI.  I was surprised to see how far up the East Coast it is.

BP:  What’s your best quality that you can bring to the Summerside Storm?

BH:  Just my will to win.  I’m a competitive person and I can’t handle losing without a fight.  I will honestly do whatever necessary to make my team better.

BP:  It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and I look forward to seeing you in October.

BH:  Same to you Brett, looking forward to October 15.

*** I have an interview with fourth overall selection Chad Gillaspy coming tomorrow morning ***

Interview With Duncan Shaw

Posted: March 8, 2012 in Uncategorized
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At the last Summerside Storm home game of the 2011-2012 NBL season, I sat down with Storm co-owner Duncan Shaw for an interview on his final thoughts of how the first season of pro basketball went over on PEI.

Brett Poirier:  What are your overall evaluations of how this season went for this franchise?

Duncan Shaw:  It was phenomenal, I’m very impressed.  Of course we would have liked to make the playoffs but besides that everything went great.  The crowds have been terrific, the players have been really co-operative, and every game has been competitive.

BP:  What was the biggest on court improvement you’ve seen from this team since early in November?

DS:  I think the players underestimate how competitive this league would be, they began to realize the competitive nature of this league as the season progressed and how much work a team as a whole has to do in order to succeed.  This league is European style in the scene that it’s perimeter oriented, and I think some of our players had difficulties in the beginning of the year with this different style of basketball.

BP:  What can you work to build on from your experience this season?

DS:  Everything,  the standards are constantly getting raised on both sides of our franchise.  On the business side were working on getting more fans out on a consistent basis and were trying to better our sales and marketing.  On the court I think our team is very skilled, but one of our focuses this off-season will be getting more athletic players into the mix.

BP:  What was the biggest surprise for you this season?

DS:  There’s been so many, but for me it’s how the whole Island has embraced this, obviously we expected success or else we wouldn’t have invested in this, but Islanders caught on much sooner than we expected.  When Darren and I shake hands and talk to the fans after the game as they leave we meet people from Tignish to Souris and everywhere in between on a regular basis.

BP:  What was you’re favourite in game moment this year?

DS:  For me it was the alley-oop play in the final seconds against Halifax back in December.

BP:  What are you most excited about going into next season?

DS:  Just feeling a little more organized about everything, on and off the court.  Everything was so late this season; we didn’t sign an arena deal until August or hire a coach until September.  Were already planning player combines in Memphis, Baltimore and The Bahamas in June, we’ve traded for draft picks with Halifax we now  have five going into draft night.  And that ties in with our main goal next year, not to be running behind on everything.  The fans will notice a more organized team as well; the players won’t be getting signed, traded or released as frequently and that will pay dividends in the record column.

BP:  Finally, What can the fans expect from the Storm next season?

DS:  Well our goal is to be in the playoffs, the series are short so anything can happen once you’re in.  And off the court I think everyone will see an even better show, there will be more music and entertainment before and after the games.  Next year will be; simply put, bigger and better.

Interview With Mayor Basil Stewart

Posted: March 4, 2012 in Uncategorized
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Mayor Basil Stewart

Earlier this week I sat down with Summerside Mayor Basil Stewart for an interview; we discussed the impact the Storm have had on the city of Summerside.

Brett Poirier:  Looking back at this season, how has this franchise impacted the city?

Basil Stewart:  No question that this team has made a huge impact on Summerside, when  thousands of people come out to watch these games it really helps promote the city.  I know for a fact that there’s fans from all over the province and even out of province at these games.  Were also looking at the jobs that this team has created; from the players, to the management, the food vendors and the Credit Union Place staff.

BP:  How has this team promoted the city?

BS:  If you look at teams like London, Oshawa, and Quebec City the majority of the population in those cities never heard of Summerside, but I’m quite confident that has changed this past year.

BP:  What’s been most impressive to you about this new franchise?

BS:  Just how quickly it’s caught on.  We’ve been known as a hockey, curling, and baseball town so for this new league and team to attract all types of sports fans has been a great surprise.

BP:  What were your initial thoughts when it was confirmed that Summerside was introducing professional basketball?

BS:  Well it was a surprise, but with the right people in ownership almost any business can work, and their proving that.  I think after the first pre-season game at the CUP some people were already bought in.  The athleticism and height of the players was a big surprise for many.

BP:  Have the Storm made any long term playing commitments to the city of Summerside and the Credit Union Place?

BS:  As far as I know they will be back next year, the season tickets just recently went on sale and the community already seems to be looking forward to next season.

BP:  Are you personally a Storm fan?

BS:  Sure I am! I bought season tickets earlier this year, and it was well worth it.

BP:  Can the Storm make the playoffs next season?

BS:  I certainly think so, and I certainly hope so.  For an expansion team they had a great year out of the gate, they lost a lot of close games by one, two or three points, but next year they’ll be right they’re in the playoff picture.

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