Hey guys, 2021 Cal hoops commit Sam Alajiki caught up with me about his decision to come to Cal. Below are some key quotes. The rest will be saved for the article.
"I feel it was the best fit for me offensively and my best fit to make an impact as a freshman."-On why he chose Cal.
"I’m going to do everything. Shoot the ball, attack the basket, set screens. I’ve said it before. I’ll do everything. Cal will give me the chance to do everything."-On what he'll bring to Cal.
"I’ve talked to Marsalis a few times. Not Obinna yet, but I think Obinna and I will get along great because we’re both Nigerian. My parents are Nigerian. I used to go back every summer until I started taking basketball more seriously."-On his relationship with Marsalis and Obinna (the two other signees).
"We haven’t had that specific conversation, but I can guarantee we will win more basketball games. Much more."-On a possible 2022 NCAA tournament run.
"I really like Kuany Kuany. I think he’s going to be really good. I just like his combination of size and speed. He’s not an average athlete. I watched him play against Stanford and as soon as he got on the court I was like, I can work with this guy. Matt’s really good, too. I’m confident in this year’s team, actually. I don’t think there has to be a big personnel or roster change for Coach Fox to make a big impact. I’m confident in this year’s team."-On this year's team.
"I watched all of it, actually. I know Precious Achiuwa. He went to St. Benedict’s. I think Patrick Williams going #4 was a surprise. I was surprised about Killian Hayes being left on the board at #7. I like him a lot. Nico Mannion fell a lot. He didn’t show what he could do as a shooter at Arizona. Same with Josh Green. He didn’t connect on his shot. It wasn’t what it was in high school. Cassius Winston, there’s a lot of things he does. The top three is the top three. I don’t feel like I need to say much about them. Tyrese Maxey, if he fixes the form on his shot, he’s gonna be good. Isaac Okoro. I feel like I play a lot like him, but I can shoot way more."-On the NBA draft.
"I feel it was the best fit for me offensively and my best fit to make an impact as a freshman."-On why he chose Cal.
"I’m going to do everything. Shoot the ball, attack the basket, set screens. I’ve said it before. I’ll do everything. Cal will give me the chance to do everything."-On what he'll bring to Cal.
"I’ve talked to Marsalis a few times. Not Obinna yet, but I think Obinna and I will get along great because we’re both Nigerian. My parents are Nigerian. I used to go back every summer until I started taking basketball more seriously."-On his relationship with Marsalis and Obinna (the two other signees).
"We haven’t had that specific conversation, but I can guarantee we will win more basketball games. Much more."-On a possible 2022 NCAA tournament run.
"I really like Kuany Kuany. I think he’s going to be really good. I just like his combination of size and speed. He’s not an average athlete. I watched him play against Stanford and as soon as he got on the court I was like, I can work with this guy. Matt’s really good, too. I’m confident in this year’s team, actually. I don’t think there has to be a big personnel or roster change for Coach Fox to make a big impact. I’m confident in this year’s team."-On this year's team.
"I watched all of it, actually. I know Precious Achiuwa. He went to St. Benedict’s. I think Patrick Williams going #4 was a surprise. I was surprised about Killian Hayes being left on the board at #7. I like him a lot. Nico Mannion fell a lot. He didn’t show what he could do as a shooter at Arizona. Same with Josh Green. He didn’t connect on his shot. It wasn’t what it was in high school. Cassius Winston, there’s a lot of things he does. The top three is the top three. I don’t feel like I need to say much about them. Tyrese Maxey, if he fixes the form on his shot, he’s gonna be good. Isaac Okoro. I feel like I play a lot like him, but I can shoot way more."-On the NBA draft.
