Q. When did you learn how to shoot?
A. I probably have been playing basketball since I was in second grade. It’s one of those things that where I’m from they start you real early. So you learn all of the fundamentals and stuff growing up. Q. What is the best part of being a shooter?
A. The best part about shooting is that you get the respect of other teams real fast. If you knock down two or three three-pointers, you get the respect of other teams fast. If you knock down two or three three-pointers, that is nine points real fast and it forces people to come down on you and it opens up everything for the rest of my teammates.

Q. What is more difficult to shoot: a free-throw, a three-pointer or a regular jumpshot?
A. For me, a regular jumpshot because it is more contestant. When you shoot a regular jumpshot, you have defenders closing in your face. In free-throws, you have no one on you. In three-pointers, you can catch and shoot. A jumpshot usually is off the dribble or you’re moving, so I think that is the toughest shot for me anyway.

Q. How can mastering the art of shooting help raise your overall level of play?
A. I think it’s important because it adds another dimension to your game. If you are more of a driver or a slasher, and you learn how to shoot, it’s just going to open up that drive more in the lane. Because if you know how to shoot, the defenders have to come out on you, and that just gives you room to drive on in.

Q. In today’s game, why are pure shooters hard to find?
A. There are a lot more athletic guys now than you had before, and you don’t have that many pure shooters. So if they have a pure shooter, that is a big advantage because it opens the floor for the slashers who drive through the middle.

Q. How important are a person’s legs in shooting?
A. Later on in the game, people tend to not use their legs. You have to catch it in a bent position, and then go straight up because the more legs you have in it, the more strain you take off of your upper body.

Q. If you were talking to a person who didn’t know how to shoot, what would be the main things they should know about shooting a basketball?
A. I think the main things you need to know about shooting, aside from your mechanics and everything, is that it is all mental. You have to believe that you are going to make that shot, and if you miss, you have to believe you are going to make the next one. It’s a tough mental thing to have. If you can get over the mental part, I think the majority of the three point shooting comes easy after that.
You want to keep the ball, and when you catch it, you don’t want to bring the ball down. Keep it in one position and just try to have a quick release to keep your shot from being blocked, and if you have a quick release, that just helps you get off a lot more shots that are uncontested.
You need to take the ball and go straight up and get a lot of arc on it. Bend your wrist and find the rim. When you come down, hold your follow through until the ball goes through the basket, and just be confident in your whole movement.
I think the most important part of shooting is focusing on a spot. You want to pick a spot on the rim. Some people like to aim at the back or at the front of the rim. Pick a spot, keep your eyes focused, stay square and follow through until the end. And most important, be confident in your shot.