When you are close to seven-feet tall, as athletic as much shorter players, have a couple of years of eligibility remaining and are a free agent so to speak, well, that defines popularity -- basketball popularity in particular.
Everyone wants you on their team whether it be in a pick-up game or at a D-1 college. We don't know if DeAndre Medlock has a Facebook account but he must have wanna-be 'friends' -- especially those wearing polo shorts sporting school insignias -- sending him requests 24/7.
The 6-foot-10 Medlock is a sophomore at Fresno City College (FCC), the ultra successful program that annually owns the Central Valley Conference and always competes for the state championship. A transfer from UC Davis, he played at Clovis West High so it's a homecoming of sorts.
In talking with him, he defines himself as personable -- "even on the street I like to get to know people, find out who they are, their history" -- and that was certainly on display during our conversation.
On the court, Medlock described himself as "I like to go at it, dive on the floor, get in people's faces, it's the competitive spirit in me." He added that "the teamwork aspect, playing with four other guys and combining to win" is of particular enjoyment.
As for his best skills, he named something not generally associated with a frontcourter. "Probably running the court -- it's always been my thing. I can outrun most any big guy. I'm known as a mobile forward and I'm more coordinated than most big guys." Head Assistant Coach Lucas Gabriel concurs: "'Dre wins our team wind sprints half the time."
Such bodes well in Fresno City's up-and-down style of play.
So why did Medlock choose FCC as his stepping stone back to D-1?
"The main reason why is they play really good basketball, keeping the tempo high paced with lots of pressure and dunking."
Plus Medlock and Coach Ed Madec clicked.
"Coach Madec changed my game. Before I had no footwork so he took me from a raw player and gave me a huge skills set. He's the best big man coach around -- he makes players tough. If you want to be the best, train with the best."
About the next step, Medlock said he is looking to sign in April, in the second signing period. But it will be with a vastly altered game plan.
"I'm definitely taking a different approach. Before it was like I was blinded by the D-1s interested in me. I'm going to study film, do research, look at the rosters, see how they play, see what is needed and if I can bring something to a team."
A runner is a derogatory term in the college sports recruiting scene but DeAndre Medlock is out to enlarge such a designation by making it a positive during the 2011-12 season.
Posts
