The Basketball Interview: Elijah Wood
Bethesda-Chevy Chase guard Elijah Wood is the man who has a chance to propel the Baron program to new heights after a successful debut season. The sophomore, who will feature with Team Thrill this spring, seems like he is ready to handle the responsibility. Today he talked to Prep Hoops for The Basketball Interview.
What is your favorite part(s) about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
EW: Thanking God first and foremost for being able to wake up on that day. Secondly being mentally locked in on my opponent and assignment the entire day. Lastly, I have a pre-game ritual of drinking coconut water and muscle milk before warmups. After that, the kill switch is on!
What is your most memorable game or play from your basketball career? (Good or bad)
EW: My most memorable play would have to be during the season, we played Churchill away. Prior to the play happening, I wasn’t locked in mentally on defense early in the game, so I sat on the bench for a good while, but I was telling myself that as soon as I go in I’m going to work.
It was the 4th qtr, I was playing man to man defense on their primary ball handler. I knew his sequence of moves from studying him on film the entire week and I was waiting for him to go behind the back as he was crossing half court. Sure enough, he made the move, my hand was waiting on the other side for the east pluck and as I was going for the ball on the right side his teammate rushed over side by side I split the both of them behind the back and had a nice two hand dunk on the other end. It was memorable to me because it was an instinct move that gave my team a lot of much needed energy.
Who is the toughest player that you’ve ever faced in an organized setting (HS or AAU)?
EW: Toughest player I have played against thus far would have to be BJ Boston!
NBA. Who’s your team?
EW: My favorite NBA team is OKC Thunder
What are your current go-to sneakers to hoop in?
EW: My current go-to sneakers would have to be the all black Jordan 10’s. They are very comfortable, light on my feet, and easy to maneuver in on the court.
Favorite pregame warmup song right now?
EW: My favorite pre-game warm up song would have to be “Outside today” by NBA Youngboy!
All hoopers love gear. What’s your favorite brand to wear?
EW: My favorite brand to wear would have to be UA hands down.
What is your favorite venue that you’ve ever hooped in?
EW: My favorite venue in which I have ever hooped in would have to be Boo Williams facility. It was cool being amongst best players in the country & hundreds of coaches all in one facility.
What court that you’ve never played on would you dream of playing on?
EW: Madison Square Garden.
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
EW: I’ve received a lot of good advice over the years but the best would have to come from a combination of my three hs coaches who pushed me a lot this season which are Coach Sean Tracy, Coach Tony Dickens, and Coach Brandon Howell “what you put forth to the game is what you will get out. Everyone wants the glory that comes with being a ball player, but if the work isn’t put in you can’t expect your dream to pan out!
Elijah Wood is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top-15 prospect in his class. To view the full ranking of Maryland and DC’s 2020 class, click here.