Utah senior Delon Wright is one of the most well-rounded basketball players in the Pac-12, and he’s well-rounded off the court as well. Wright is shouldering less of a burden this year for the Utes, who have jumped into the elite class of the Pac-12, but he’s still averaging 14.6 points, 6.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds. Here he talks about life as a college basketball player, his biggest influence and some dirt on his coach, Larry Krystkowiak:
What’s the hardest part of being a college basketball player?
A: “Man, after practice I’m so tired, and they have me eating trying to gain weight. Those kind of little things can be tough on us.”
Best thing about being a college basketball player?
A: “Not having to worry about the pressures of being a professional, I’d have to say. You’re still a kid at heart, and you’re just able to enjoy the college life.”
People are also reading…
Who have been the most influential people in your career?
A: “I would say my older brother (Dorell), who plays for the Blazers. He’s been helping me since I was in youth basketball, helping me get better and mature as a person, not even on the basketball level.”
If you weren’t playing hoops what would you be doing?
A: “I’d be playing baseball for sure. I played since I was 3; it was my first love. As I started to grow and get taller, I put baseball on the back burner and started focusing on basketball.”
If you could trade places with anyone on campus, who would it be?
A: “Hmm…Coach K I guess? I’d like to coach my team. I think he has a good job, trying to get this program on the rise.”
If you could have witnessed any historical event, what would it be?
A: “I’d like to go back to the gladiator days, when they were fighting lions. I’ve seen that in the movies, and I’d love to see something like that.”
What’s one thing we don’t know about your coach, Larry Krystkowiak?
A: “He has a good sense of humor, and he’s always cracking jokes. He’s not as tough a coach as people think he is.”
Who is your closest rival on an opposing team?
A: “I’m pretty cool with Anthony Brown from Stanford and Isaac Hamilton from UCLA.”
Do you believe college athletes deserve to be paid?
A: “I think it’s fine. Some players don’t think so, but I’m OK with what we get.”
What is your best basketball memory?
A: “It had to be winning the CIF championship in L.A. That was my best memory — my first major championship I’ve ever won, and the first for the school.”
What’s the best thing about playing for Utah?
A: “It’s just the tradition we had before us. Trying to bring it back to that has been a great experience for me. Putting on that jersey has meant a lot.”
If you had a few more hours in the day, what would you do?
A: “I’d be sleeping. Yeah, I’d be getting a couple in. No doubt.”
