10 Question With J.T. Tiller
July 23, 2009
Columbia, Mo. - August is just around the corner and the Missouri Basketball team has remained in Columbia all summer working towards the highly-anticipated 2009-10 campaign. Mizzou Media Relations student assistant Judea Dee caught up with the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, J.T. Tiller, and talked about his off-season, which was filled with rehab after undergoing surgery on his right wrist.
Q: Last year you were named the Big 12's Co-Defensive Player of the Year, how do you plan on living up to that honor again this season? J.T.: Really, I want the award again, but I also want the National Defensive Player of the Year Award this year too. It is hard defending that title because a lot of people are trying to take it away.
Q: With your wrist surgery on your right shooting hand, how difficult has it been to learn to shoot with your left hand?
J.T.: I just starting shooting with my left hand and it was harder, but after about a week and a half it became more natural. Shooting with my left hand has really helped me because it showed me some problems I was having with my right hand. I have improved the arch in my right hand because of the difference in the arch of my left hand. I'm still a right-handed shooter, but now I have more confidence shooting (and dribbling) with my left.
Q: You are a senior, what is the next step after this season? J.T.: After the season, God willing, I hope to go further with basketball, either in the NBA or overseas. But as of right now I'm trying to focus on this last year. If I don't go on with basketball, I have made a lot of contacts in the Cornell Business School and I would like to go into some kind of business and hopefully start my own business down the road.
Q: What kind of business would you want to start? J.T.: I really like shoes and clothes, so I would probably want to start up some kind of athletic store. Something like a Finish Line or Foot Locker.
Q: How many Jordan's do you own? J.T.: About 12-15 pair, but they don't make the old one they only make the Fusions.
Q: What's your favorite shoe? J.T.: Other than Jordan's, probably Forces (Air Force One's).
Q: What have you learned playing under Leo Lyons and DeMarre Carroll? J.T.: I just learned how to become more vocal and be a better captain. They showed me how to get the team prepared for the year ahead. They also taught all of us how to carry that leadership off the court as well.
Q: What are your thoughts about this upcoming year? J.T.: It will be harder because people actually know who we are. I mean we made it to the Elite Eight and people underestimated us. That won't happen this time around.
Q: What other sports are you interested in playing or watching? J.T.: Track, that's the other sport I was did in high school. I like catching the triple jump on TV if it's on.
Q: What has been your favorite movie this summer? J.T.: I'd say the Hangover.
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