With final exams and summer plans on their mind, right now isn't the easiest time to catch up with recruits. Especially ones that are half way around the globe. Fortunately for us, Jordan Vandenberg was willing to take time out of his day to conduct an interview to help Pack fans get a better sense of who he really is and what we can expect when he steps on campus next fall. Take a look:WPH- What do you feel the real difference is in Australian basketball and what you see in American basketball?
JV- I feel that I am going to be tested more and have a lot stronger following in America. There is loyalty and actual fans who scream and yell. Australian people aren't at that stage yet.
WPH- We talked to Scott Wood and he mentioned that he spoke with you. How did that come about? And what did you two talk about?
JV- To be honest I can't really remember, I just know I am at ease with the class coming in, everyone is coming in ready to prove themselves and know that will get what they deserve on the court.
WPH- Have you talked with any other NC State recruits or current players?
JV - On my visit I did obviously but I haven't had much contact with any of the recruits or players, not deliberately. But I am sure we will get along just fine based on how they were when I was over there.
WPH- When will you be coming over to NC State to start workouts?
JV- I haven't finalized a date yet with the coaching staff, we will discuss it but in the end what the coach says goes.
WPH- Most pack fans have only seen small clips of you, and some haven't seen any. Explain your game to us. Would you say you are aggressive going to the rim?
JV- I don't have many clips out because I didn't play much last year, this year I brought my game up and what I focused on mainly is defending and blocking from help side. I have good vision and like to pass the ball to an open shooter or lob to another big. I like to face up in the post, have a good set of posts moves and can make a hook shot. I need to get stronger and faster, but I do like to attack the ring aggressively, a dunk goes in more then a shot, and the closer you are to the ring the higher your chances to score is my theory.
WPH- Is there anything you'd like to say to all the Wolfpack fans out there reading this?
JV- I would like them all to know I am coming to be part of a team, not just to make something of myself. Sure I am going to be trying to push the limits of my basketball and reach my full potential, but in the ends I don't care if i have 40 points and we lose, I want to win. It's a pure competitive approach.
**Note that in Australia they call the rim, "the ring"
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As you can tell Jordan is a very well spoken and intelligent kid. We'd like to thank him for taking time out of his day to do the interview and we are excited to watch him compete in the red and white. Welcome to the Wolfpack Family Jordan, we're glad to have you!
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23 Responses to "An Interview with Jordan Vandenberg"Welcome to NC State Jordan! We are excited to have you here! I am very excited about this next season! I really believe that we only can go up from here! :) --> Maybe I am a little too positive?
Nice Kid indeed good luck to him as well .It will take a couple of years for him to contribute ,but at least this addressed a need and not just another non pg guard or undersized small forward Amen!
Awesome interview WPH. Vandenberg seems like the total team player. I'm glad that he likes to attack the rim and can hit the hook. And his theory is pretty legit too haha. Hopefully he works out a lot over the summer and adds on a few pounds of muscle to get ready for ACC play
Thanks KarNCSU,
I think he's already working hard on putting on some muscle. He seemed to understand that the game is much more physical in the ACC
WPH, I thought he was talking about Sidney's ring. Just Kidding. I do love the fact that you had to clear it up at the bottom of the article! Hilarious.
As for Jordan, it's great to have a guy like this, who is going to give you everything he has, and come in with a 'team first' attitude. You can't teach height, but you can teach a tall guy how to use his height correctly. That is what Larry and crew will be working on with Jordan. He will have an immediate impact on the defensive end, and if Tracey is caught up in a double team, look out! That works both ways as well.
I also have an affinity for Australia and its people. I have relatives (distant) over there, and my daughter's name is Austin, but we call her Aussie. So, it was great to hear that an 'Aussie' was going to be running with the pack!
To Jordan, if you are reading this: You have chosen a program that has incredibly passionate fans. They will welcome you with open arms. If people yelling for you is what you want, my man, that is exactly what you are going to get. We can't wait to get you on campus and to see you play. Keep working hard and all of your dreams can come true. G'day mate! And G'Pack!
I just want to say thanks WPH, I am new here and I absolutely LOVE your site! There are many sites out there but no matter where you go its just full of negative comments and hate...Thanks for showing your love for the Pack! We're on our way up! It just takes time it's not an over night process! Thanks again!
Oh...and in support of another local team that plays in the RBC... GO CANES!!!
Welcome to the Pack, LKF.
I'm trying to figure out how this kid can cross his legs. I don't think I can cross my legs anymore and I'm 5'10". Welcome to the pack!
I love the fact that he stated he passes to the open shooter and doesn't care how many points he scores as long as his team wins. He sounds like an intelligent team player who happens to be 7ft. Exactly what we need.
First of mad props to Wolfpack Hoops.
Now to my rant... I recently read a article saying Tim Peeler and two other NCSU people are going thru the Reynolds basement to finally start thinking about storing our history some where else. This is sad it took this long. I guess thats younger geneations don't know as much about State as they should.
I have a dream ... I dream that young fans and old fans and middle aged fans can come together and support this basketball team and one day we can all reach the common goal of teaching children to hate unc with all they have and one day those kids can have something we didn't. I want them to never to go thru les robinson type bastball to get back to those days and night when State was a force and when local news papers were not always out to try and tear down the NC STATE Program. I wan to win I want to Wing big but most importantly I want to win FAIR AND SQUARE. I want people talk about us we are so good. I want to Dream this big.... Whos with me?
I'm with you. I hate the Holes, too!
We're with you!
LoneWolf, although I would like for our team to win fair and I believe we are going about it the right way, I do feel very few chose to do things the right way. NCAA is a billion dollar industry and everyone wants a piece of that pie but you have to win. My opinion is that all the triangle schools are playing fair. Yes, even the holes and pukes. But there are other colleges we're going up against like USC (mayo and bush two the most explosive athletes in their respective sport) miss st. I don't have proof that these colleges programs cheat but its so hard to stop programs from doing it. There are millions of fans that have absolutely no ties to their favorite school. Could you imagine some stranger coming up to a player and giving him $25K to play for his favorite school. How could you punish the school for something like that. I feel like some school appreciate fans like that more than others. All you have to do is follow the money trail. How many of these athletes drive around in expensive cars and their parents income doesn't quite explain it. Again, I don't know the answer to my question but do you don't that their are alot out there. Schools should be responsible for their athletes decision. How da hell the reggie bush get away with having a luxury condo on the beach? Wasn't that what was reported? I love my school more than anything but its sometimes frustrating when you see teams not get the right punishment. It'll be interesting to see what happens to UCONN
I'm all in...
I'm with you LoneWolf. i'm very interested in our teams history and i actually plan on doing something myself with the help of others to help preserve our great history for future generations.
I do know that winning fairly is very tough for anyone is college athletics. unc seem like a Diploma mill. I mean lets get serious there star reciever who just got drafted barely got a 11 on the NFl test that is given to all incoming pros. if you get a 10 or less you have litercy problems. I wonder if nicks took how program a vcr class and failed.... oh wait he was able to pass his classes at unc.... hmmm winning at all costs fairly is what I want and what I look for. I will not win at all costs like pro baseball where most players are juiced. Until other wise proven I would say most top programs get a break or 2 when it comes to doing things fairly. My bone to pick is the people who are power in the ncaa need a better check and balances system IMO. Then again I am just a guys who has lived 1/3 of his life what do I know? All I know is that the admin at state seems happy with just post season play. That doesn't do it for me. I am all about lets raise the bar a little bit each year. you know reasonable expectations. I am not asking for rome over night. I do have expectations. I think that is only fair when you yourself have reached into your pocket and tried with all you have to help . I mean not just going to games but also writing a check. These guys have a chance to get a free education. you can't put a price on it. No matter what happens with the sport he or she plays he or she will always have that education to carry them in life as a plan A or Plan B if they so choose.
Anyway... WolfPack hoops rock on
Besides defense and rebounding there will be an opportunity for Jordan to bring some skill to the '09 team.
"...or lob to another big." was stated as a pass he likes to make and if he can knock down shots around the free throw line (all box scores show him around 75% ft) then his defender will have to honor that. The lob pass from a tall post player to another player on the block is set play devised and made famous by Coach Wooden and like the pick n' roll it will never leave the game.
Last year Coach Lowe implemented this play numerous occasions with Costner receiving the pass around the elbow or key and lobbying into Tracy and it was very productive. BC was very good at placing his passes and Tracy not only uses his body well but has great eye hand coordination- especially when you think of the physical pounding going on down low.
With Costner moving on that leaves maybe Horner as the point man for this high low action so it will be imperative to have Jordan come conditioned and ready so that he can give Coach Lowe as many options as possible.
I also LOVE reading him say that blocking from the help side was a part of the game he worked on this year. Honestly, not as many american born players really know help from ball side help.
This is RP:
I wonder how the new no charging rule from help side defenders is going to effect our defensive schemes.
I know it's a bit off topic but your post about weak side blocking made me think about it.
Great interview WPH and keep up the good work. Next time you talk to JV, could you ask him EXACTLY how tall he is? I've heard b/w 6'11" and 7'1"? Just like to hear it from the horses mouth. Thanks in advance!
And welcome to the Wolfpack Jordan Vandenberg! You sound like you are EXACTLY what we need. Thank you very much for your commitment. I hope you have a long and fulfilling 4 years at NCSU.
WPH,
I think you guys have a great articles; however, your question choice is kind of weak sometimes. You should tell the Wolfpack Nation about a potential interview and collect questions from the fans. It would make for a much better interview.
^Really? What else would you like to know about these players and we'll be sure to ask.
I'd like to hear about any movies he might have doubled in. Like RH! :)
You gots that right Jorge I agree!
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