HSH 1-on-1: Isaiah Austin is Texas’ Next Big Thing
Words. Lucas Shapiro
(photo. adidas)
In a state known for putting a premium on size, Isaiah Austin may be the Next Big Thing to come out of Texas. The rising junior at Grace Prep Academy (Arlington) is one of the top centers in the country, and ranks 32nd overall in the latest High School Hoop national Top 50, which disregards class and position.
Austin verbally committed to Baylor last month at the adidas Nations camp. He averaged 14 points, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks per game as a junior at Grace Prep.
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High School Hoop: You recently committed to Baylor. What is the main reason you committed so early?
Isaiah Austin: One of the main reasons is that it was close to home. I told my mom that I would go somewhere where she could always watch me play.
HSH: Ekpe Udoh had success in the system at Baylor and now they have Perry Jones coming in next season. Both of those guys are players with skills similar to your own. Did you choose Baylor because Coach Scott Drew is good at developing athletic big men?
IA: Yes, that’s another reason. Coach Drew told me his expectations for me and I told him my expectations coming to Baylor, which is what helped me make my decision.
HSH: I know that AAU took up a big chunk of your summer, but outside of basketball, did you get to do anything else fun?
IA: I got to go downtown a few times and got to check out some stores. I got to spend a lot of time with my family, which was good.
HSH: Speaking of family, your uncle Isaac Austin is an ex-NBA player. How has he been lately?
IA: I talked to him while I was in Las Vegas. He came to one of my games. He’s just taking care of my little cousins right now. He’s the type of uncle who gives me advice when I need it.
HSH: Ever get in a 1-on-1 game with him?
IA: No I actually haven’t played him 1-on-1. The only person who I have played 1-on-1 is my dad. He played 16 years in Europe.
HSH: Who was the toughest guy you had to guard this summer?
IA: Michael Chandler (Indianapolis, Ind., 2011) was really tough to guard. He is pretty good.
HSH: Did you see any good movies this summer?
IA: I saw The Last Airbender and thought it would have been better. The acting was not very good. The best movie I saw was Takers with Chris Brown and T.I.
HSH: What is your favorite sneaker?
IA: It’s definitely adidas.
HSH: What shoes are you wearing right now for basketball?
IA: I’m wearing the adidas Heat Checks. I have like six pairs of those all in different colors.
HSH: Now that I think about it, Texas has been known more for its football than basketball. Did you ever consider becoming a football player?
IA: I actually played in middle school. I stopped because it hurt my knees, but it was fun. I played receiver and was pretty good at it.
HSH: What kind of music have you been listening to lately?
IA: I liked Big Sean’s Finally Famous mixtape. I also listen to Wiz Khalifa.
HSH: Now that the school year is starting, what is your average day like?
IA: I get up as early as I can to make sure I’m on time for school. After school I go to the gym, then I do homework, and then I go to sleep.
HSH: Do you have any goals for your high school team next season?
IA: I want to win the state championship. We came up short last year, but that is not going to happen this year.
-Follow Isaiah on Twitter at @IsaiahAustin
-Follow Lucas on Twitter at @LucasTHENBAMan
- Follow High School Hoop on Twitter @HighSchoolHoop
