The Basketball Interview with Austin Phyfe
Our 3rd ranked player in the 2017 class, Waverly-Shell Rock big man Austin Phyfe has always been one of the best players in the state. As he’s continued to round out his skill set, he’s become even more dominant, with a size and skill combination that is unmatched in the state. He’ll continue his development for Coach Ben Jacobson at Northern Iowa, after signing his National Letter of Intent to play with the Panthers, where his father Steve played in the late 1980s. This is “The Basketball Interview with Austin Phyfe”.
Q: What is your favorite part of game day at Waverly-Shell Rock?
My favorite part of game day would have to be right before the game actually starts, and when we are in the locker room listening to music and getting focused, but also getting pumped up at the same time. It is a very fun atmosphere throughout the day, but that would have to be my favorite and what I look forward to on game days.
Q: Who is the most difficult player to defend in the state?
Thinking of names of kids that I play against it is hard to think of just one person that is the most difficult to guard. There is a lot of talent in Iowa high school basketball and that is what makes it so fun. So, I wouldn’t say there is one particular person that is the most difficult to defend, but many good players that I get to compete against and challenge myself to guard.
Q: Other than Waverly-Shell Rock, which gym is your favorite to play in and why?
I would say Wells Fargo Arena. It is probably the best atmosphere I’ve ever played in, and it’s almost like you’re playing at the highest level when you’re there. When you come out of the game or are looking for the score during the game you look up and see the Jumbotron and see yourself or your name and it’s a really cool thing to see. That’s what you always see on TV and it’s cool to actually be playing on a court with that above you and having all those seats in a big arena. It’s an amazing feeling when you’re playing on that court.
Q: If you had complete control over the schedule and could put anyone in the state on the schedule, who would you want to play?
At Waverly-Shell Rock our coaches actually do a pretty good job of scheduling good teams and switching up our schedule so we get to see some different teams that we do not usually see. If I had to pick one team though, it would probably be Iowa City West just because they have some of the top players in the state and they are a very good team. I also have personal connections with some of the players from West.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player of all-time? Do you model your game after them or any other players?
My favorite all-time player is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I just loved to hear about his dominance of the game and how successful he was in his career. I would say I model some of my game after him. I mean I know the sky hook really isn’t around in today’s game, but I would say I model after some of his low block game a bit, but I also try to do more outside work than he did when he played.
Q: What is the best piece of coaching advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve gotten is something that is pretty common when looking at things, but I have been told this since my dad coached me when I was a kid. It’s just to play your game and not worry about who you are playing or what they are doing, but to just play your game and the rest will fall into place. That has really affected me over the years and it is something that has stuck with me and I still get reminded of today.