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Where there’s a Wills, there’s a Dre: too easy! He needed a lot of will as a freshman to deal with a broken finger that cost him 7 games. He showed his all-around ability as a sophomore in 2015, being named to both the America East All-Conference 2nd-Team as well as the conference All-Defensive Team, and somehow led the Catamounts in rebounding despite standing all of 6’1″. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Dre about making the CBI last March and being 1 of the best FG shooters in the entire conference.
You grew up in Indiana: what made you choose Vermont? I liked the family atmosphere and they are 1 of the top mid-major programs in the country who are always competing to get into the NCAA tourney.
You play for Coach John Becker: what makes him such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have ever learned from him? He pushes everyone the same regardless of whether you are the 1st guy on the team or the 10th guy, so it makes us all work together and not have any egos.
Last year you had 63 STL and were named to the America East All-Defensive Team: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It meant a lot to me. I have always been a defensive-first guy because the offense will always come to you.
You also led your team with 4.8 RPG: how does a 6’1” guard get so many rebounds?! I just try to attack the ball and be in the right position. Our big men do a good job of boxing out so I just have to track the ball when it bounces off the rim.
You shot 60.9 FG% in conference play: what is your secret for being a great shooter? I just take good shots, act unselfish, and try not to get in trouble when I go to the hole. You cannot force your shot so I just wait for the right opportunity.
In the 2015 CBI semifinal you scored 11 PTS in a 6-PT loss to Louisiana-Monroe: what did you learn from that loss that you think can help you this year? We were a young team last year so the experience of getting those extra games will definitely help us out in the long run.
Your non-conference schedule includes games against Purdue/Florida: which of these games do you feel will present your biggest test? Purdue is a real big team and that is where I am from so I am looking forward to going back there to play. We just have to play our game and try to keep them off the glass.
Your team returns each of its top-4 scorers from last year: how crucial will all of that experience be to your team’s success this year? We had a lot of freshman last year, but they are ready to make the jump this year and will be much more comfortable on the court.
Your brother Tony plays basketball at Illinois State: who is the best athlete in the family? I do not want to compare us. I am a better athlete but he can shoot better than me, so it is a real good competition.
What are your goals for the upcoming season, and what are your expectations for the upcoming season? I expect us to get to the NCAA tourney. I hope we can win the conference outright and I think we can also win 20 games.
DRE is an important part of a solid team. He shows no fear against bigger opposition. He’s quick and smart and is really a pleasure to watch his game and the fire he has. I hope he and the team have a great season. I only wish Josh Speidel could have joined him and still hold out hope for next year maybe.