1-on-1 with Wayne Christian's Tyrique McClain

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on January 16, 2015 1:48 PM

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The News-Argus sat down with Wayne Christian junior Tyrique McClain for a 10-question Q&A before a recent practice at Clifford Gymnatorium. Here's what McClain had to say about his next-to-last season of prep basketball with the Eagles.

Q: What's it like to have a game that most players only dream about during their basketball career?

A: It's phenomenal. I was in a zone, felt   real good good. My teammates kept getting me the ball and I was hitting. I was getting to the basket, was finishing every time and I don't remember missing that many shots.

Q: What's been the biggest challenge you've faced since transferring to Wayne Christian?

A: I guess you could say it's a lot different from public schools. The education, it's been stronger here and more difficult than where I was before. I'm an A/B honor roll student here, have been studying a lot harder.

Q: What have you learned about the game from one of the area's most successful players, Victor Young, who played at the University of Mount Olive and spent time in Europe?

A: I've been working out with him for a long time, since I was about 12 or 13 years old. I've cleaned up a lot of things this season, my attitude and other things I have struggled with, too.

Q: If there is one thing you could change about the game of basketball, what it would it be and why?

A: Nothing. I like it all.

Q: Let's say you're an opposing coach and your scouting report says that Tyrique McClain is the other team's best player. How would you defend him?

A: Double team me all over the court.

Q: What are some of the defenses you've seen from opposing teams this season and how have you handled them?

A: Double team on and off the ball, box-and-1, diamond-and-1 and triangle-and 2. The Wayne Country Day game, they denied me the ball so well in the first quarter. (They were) pressing me the whole game, making sure I get tired ... try to wear me out.

Q: What do you think the future has in store for you?

A: I feel like I will be playing Division I basketball one day. Get a scholarship and take it from there. I have to stay humble, listen to my coach and keep my attitude in check.

Q: What is something about you that neither your classmates nor teammates don't know?

A: I really don't know about that question. I keep God first.

Q: If you could have dinner with three people -- past or present -- who would they be and why?

A: Martin Luther King Jr., Stephen Curry and President Barack Obama. King changed the world ... but didn't get a chance to see how it is today. Curry is my favorite player in the NBA. He's a great guy and plays the game well. I would love for him to give me some points. President Obama is another guy that has faced many challenges over the years he's been in office. I'd just like to talk about the challenges he's gone through. He's a basketball guy, too.

Q: Which college or NBA player would you like to play against and why?

A: Curry, I feel like he's one of the hottest players in the NBA right now. I like to play the best player all the time, never try to shy away from talent. I like the way he plays, he's crafty and skilled.