Last week Utah State had an 11-PT loss to San Diego State in the MWC tourney title game but still earned an at-large bid to this week’s NCAA tournament. The Aggies had won 6 in a row entering the title game and are back in the NCAA tourney for the 2nd time in 3 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Steven Ashworth about being a great FT shooter and making the NCAA tourney.
You were born/raised in Utah: what made you choose Utah State? I have always dreamed of playing basketball in my home state and staying close to home. Utah State was the first program to offer me a full ride early on in high school so throughout the next few years they remained at the top of my list. They believed in me first so I believed in them, and that is why I wanted to be a part of this program.
You play for Coach Craig Smith: what makes him such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from him so far? He demands greatness from all of us, including and especially himself. Whenever you can have that level of accountability throughout a program your going to be great. He teaches the principle of consistency and I have truly learned that how you do one thing is how you do everything.
You played in 27 games this year as a freshman: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? I had to be confident in what I brought to the team, which I believe is a voice, offensive ability, and energy. Its not easy to play as a freshman (especially on a really good team) but with hard work I have accomplished that and I know that if I keep getting better then it will continue.
You made 44-49 FT this year: what is the secret to making FTs? Go to your happy place. Anyone who plays basketball has made thousands of free throws so when I am at the line in practice I treat it just like a game and when I get into a game it feels normal and natural.
Last Saturday you had an 11-PT loss to the Aztecs in the MWC tourney title game: how nervous were you on Selection Sunday, and how did it feel to hear your team’s name called? It was a very anxious day, especially knowing that it was out of our hands. I did have somewhat of a confident feeling that we would get in due to how talented our league was this year, but hearing our name called is something that I will never forget!
You played several NCAA tourney teams this year in BYU/San Diego State/VCU: which of them impressed you the most? All three are very talented teams but San Diego State is a team that we played three times and had battles with each and every game. They are a team like ours who I feel could make a deep run in this year’s tournament!
JR C Neemias Queta was recently named conference DPOY for the 2nd time in 3 years: how crucial has he been to your team’s success this year? Without Neemias I do not know if we would have made it here! He is a major part of our success on both ends of the floor. He is by far the most talented big man in the country and his defensive instincts are second to none.
Your team’s 62.3 PPG allowed is #15 in the nation: what is the key to playing great defense? Have a 7-footer in the paint who averages 3 BPG! Alongside Neemy we have elite defenders and our coaches do a great job at making sure that we are prepared for the teams we play against.
You served a 2-year LDS mission in Indianapolis: how excited are you to return to the Hoosier State this week? I could not be happier about it: I am thrilled to be back here in the great Hoosier state! I had a lot of great memories here sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I met some amazing people and my life was forever changed by it. I do not plan on staying another two years…but we do plan to be here for a while!
What do you think about being a #11-seed, and what do you know about Texas Tech? I think we are in a great spot to make a run and are preparing for a very physical game against a great team that is very aggressive on the defensive end!