Q&A: Kole Gjonaj (2018) Talks Playoffs
Warren DeLaSalle has a roster flooded with veteran talent. Tonight they take on Macomb Dakota in the Regional Championship. Kole Gjonaj is a skilled 6-5 senior forward who’s versatility fits perfectly in the roster at DeLaSalle. He’s excellent when on the perimeter taking the ball to the hoop. Gjonaj is a good shooter and can go either way with the ball. I chatted with him about his team and the playoffs.
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Question: Your team has a lot of talented players. What’s it like playing together?
Kole Gjonaj: We love having 5 guys that can go off any night. It makes offense that much easier cause we all feed off of each other and have been playing with each other for a while so we have very good chemistry.
Question: How have you and your teammates prepared for the playoffs?
Kole Gjonaj: Mentally we have been to this game twice before so we know the feeling and I feel we are a lot more hungry then we have ever been before. Our coaches have provided us with great scouting reports so we never go into a game blind.
Question: What do you think is the key to your team making a deep run in the playoffs?
Kole Gjonaj: We gotta start aggressive and we must come to play every night. I feel our key to victory would be an all around scoring game from all starters and our bench coming in and giving us a spark.
Question: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment in high school basketball so far?
Kole Gjonaj: I feel being a starter on a team like De La Salle for three years is pretty special. Being able to play under hall of fame coaches like Esler and Mehl is more than I could ever Ask for. They have taught me so much about the game.
Question: What is your best memory from this season?
Kole Gjonaj: It would probably have to be beating Toledo St. John’s at their place.
Question: What do you think is a key to winning your game tonight?
Kole Gjonaj: Our key would have to be sharing the ball on offense and getting the best shot and not settling. And defense would be stopping their two key guys Rollins and Tocco.
Question: Who do you feel is the toughest player you may match up with in the playoffs?
Kole Gjonaj: It would have to be Foster Loyer if we make it far enough. Or Daniel Friday.
Question: Are you happy with your season so far?
Kole Gjonaj: I’m happy but not satisfied. We are meant to do a lot more and we aren’t done yet.
Question: What are you looking forward to the most in regards to your game tonight?
Kole Gjonaj: I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and having our school behind us. And holding up that regional trophy after the game
Question: What motivates you to be the great basketball player that you are?
Kole Gjonaj: Just my passion for the game. I worked very hard to get where I am and my desire to win and get to the next level really pushes me to be the best I can be.