Scott Robertson, Men's Basketball Junior, Pre Physical Therapy, Exercise Science
Berea, Ohio
I WILL do the best that I can in the classroom and on the court
I WILL attend graduate school while studying physical therapy
I WILL to help others out as much as I can, and become a better person
After transferring from Muskingum College following his freshmen season, junior Scott Robertson used his red shirt season practicing and preparing the Capital basketball team for their run to the NCAA Sweet 16. Robertson talked with sports information assistant Bryan DeArdo about the differences between Muskingum and Capital, how he looks to contribute to Capital's team this year, and whether or not LeBron James will leave the Cavaliers in 2010.
BD: What has been the best part of coming to Capital?
SR: There is always something going on at Capital, and it seems like people are always doing something on campus. There is always a game or something to do here. They're more of a social atmosphere here.
From a basketball standpoint, this program has a much more rigorous offseason. The coaches here have really invested time into this program, and they expect you to do the same. Coaches here help you with anything, whether it's on the floor or in the gym or in the classroom and in life. There are also more team events here, like community service events and team dinners. We're more like a family, and it showed in our games last year.
BD: Why did you decide to transfer to Capital?
SR: I wanted to go somewhere that I loved. After looking at what other schools had to offer, I chose Capital. I liked the campus and where it was located. I also met with Coach Goodwin, and I liked him and where the team was heading. The academics and classes Capital has made it easy to come here.
BD: How have you enjoyed your experience at Capital from both an academic and athletic standpoint thus far?
SR: I've really enjoyed my experience here. I have met some of my best friends over the last year. Academically, I like the small school setting, and my teachers are very helpful. Basketball has been exactly what Coach Goodwin said. They have a winning program because they do things differently from other schools, which make us successful. It's been everything that I expected.
BD: What did you learn from practicing with and watching and practicing such an accomplished senior class that won a pair of OAC championships and reached the NCAA Sweet 16 last year?
SR: I learned that you have to put in the time and be willing to bust your butt in practice every single day. Capital goes all out single day in practice, and that's why we've won titles in the past and went to the Sweet 16 last year.
BD: Was it tough to be able to play in games last year?
SR: I tried not to think about it. I used my role as to try to make the team better in practice. I looked at myself as a coach.
BD: What is your biggest asset to the team this season?
SR: I go hard every single game. I bring energy to the game, whether it's taking a charge, driving in the lane, posting up, whatever I'm doing on the court. I always give my best. I play with energy all the time.
BD: Does Rip Hamilton come to mind as a player similar to you in terms of his intensity and constant energy?
SR: Yes, but screens are set for Rip so that he can shoot from the perimeter. I don't think anyone will be setting me up with screen for three-point shots (laughs).
BD: What is the team's expectation level for this season?
SR: We know we have a lot to live up to, everyone is counting is out, but that doesn't matter to us best that we can.
BD: What are some hobbies and interests of yours?
SR: I'm pretty obsessed with golf, which is not good to do when you're trying to save money. I try to relax out there, but I never do because it can be frustrating. I like anything competitive, whether it's corn hole or backyard football. I'm also big into politics. I like to know what's going on in our country.
BD: Are you a Cavaliers fan? And what do you think of the Shaquille O'Neil pickup?
SR: I'm a huge Cavs fan and I think they'll improve this year. Getting Shaq to a team that's won 66 games has to help the team. Being one of the best big men of all time, he hopefully will match up with Dwight Howard if the team meets in the postseason again. It will still be a tough road. The Lakers aren't going anywhere, with Gasol and Bynum still in the paint. I love the trade because now we have a legitimate post player.
BD: Do you see LeBron James leaving the team after this year?
SR: I don't see him leaving, especially with the salary cap going down. The fans and the staff here have really supported him.
BD: Do you think the NCAA "one and done" rule for college freshmen should be changed?
SR: If players are good enough, then they should be their right to play in the NBA. Going to college for a year is a waste of time, because for the most part they don't want to be in college. I don't know if it hurts the college game, but this rule ends an era in college basketball where players and program could grow together over three or four years.
BD: I know every game will be big for you and your team, but will you have a little added motivation when it is time to play Muskingum this year?
SR: To be honest, there are only a few kids left on the team from when I was there. The Baldwin Wallace game is already one that I've circled on my calendar. It's in my hometown, and when I go back to play I'll my friends and family there watching me in the stands. I'll also be going up against my best friend from high school.
BD: What are Scott Robertson's plans after graduation?
SR: Go to graduate school for Physical Therapy. Ohio University, Ohio State, Toledo. Carnegie Mellon or Duke would all be good schools to go to.