The Basketball Interview with Tate Gale
Irene/Wakonda senior guard Tate Gale has been a double figure scorer every year he’s been a high school level talent. Tate spoke with PHD today.
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
TG: During game days you just get that feeling that everyone is relaxed and looking forward to getting on the court. During home games we usually go into a classroom and relax about an hour before our game starts, then we do our dribbling warm up in the hallways.
What makes your crowd unique? What is a memorable thing that they’ve done that you will always remember?
TG: We can always count on a good crowd to show up no matter if we’re home or away. They don’t really do anything in particular but you can always count on them to make some noise.
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable?
TG: I’d have to say our biggest rival is Viborg Hurley, they always come ready to play against us, they’ve always been our rival for every sport. I feel what makes the rivalry special and heated is that these four towns are so close to each other it’s almost like a turf war.
Who is your favorite basketball player in the world and why?
TG: I’d have to say my favorite basketball player is LeBron James, I just love the way he can just flick a switch and completely take over a game.
All basketball players love gear. What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
TG: I’d guess I’d consider myself a Nike kind of guy, Nike shoes and Nike socks are normally what I wear for games.
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
TG: My favorite place to play is either right at home in Irene or up at state in Aberdeen. Playing at home is always nice since I know that gym like the back of my hand. Also, nothing beats playing in front of hundreds of people at state basketball in Aberdeen.
What court that you haven’t played on would you dream of playing on?
TG: My dream place to play is by far at Chapel Hill in North Carolina, UNC is my favorite team and they have been for years. Chapel Hill would be the ideal court to play on.
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players?
TG: Here at IW every summer we have a camp with all the little kids that want to come and learn some stuff and have some fun. I love working with the little kids and trying to help them develop a love for the game of basketball. I didn’t realize how much all the little kids look up to us varsity players until we started running that camp.
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
TG: The best coaching advice I’ve ever received was at the state tournament before we were about to play for the state championship, when I was a sophomore was when Coach King told us not to fear anyone. Which really hit home because In basketball you can’t fear anyone, because any team can beat anyone on any given night.
Who is your basketball influence?
TG: My biggest basketball influence has to be my older brother Adam, he has always been there for me, helping me with my game and giving me tips. He has always been a role model for me to look up to.
NBA. Who is your team?
TG: I don’t like to admit it at times but they are on the rise! The Philadelphia 76ers are my favorite NBA team. They will be 2020 NBA champs.