Anthony Cukaj (2020): An Interview
Anthony Cukaj is another in the line of rapidly developing prospects out of Roseville High School. In fact, he recently received an offer from Olivet College. Cukaj is a 6’3″ point guard in the class of 2020. He plays grassroots basketball with the…
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Continue ReadingAnthony Cukaj is another in the line of rapidly developing prospects out of Roseville High School. In fact, he recently received an offer from Olivet College. Cukaj is a 6’3″ point guard in the class of 2020. He plays grassroots basketball with the Michigan Warriors. We recently spoke with Anthony Cukaj regarding his game, his recruitment, and more.
Question:
What is the biggest strength in your game?
Anthony Cukaj:
I believe my biggest strength is the IQ I have for the game. Always knowing the right thing to do and my personnel around me on the court. Also facilitating, putting my teammates in the best position possible for them to score and succeed. Knowing how to be a leader and leading my team. Additionally, my other strengths are being versatile and being able to do what the team needs. I can play multiple spots offensively and defensively. Offensively my best skill is my ability to shoot the ball off the catch.
Question:
You recently received an offer from Olivet. How does it feel??
Anthony Cukaj:
It feels really good to know that all the work I’ve been putting in over the years is starting to show up. You can never be satisfied to where you stop what you’ve been doing. It makes me feel more driven.
Question:
Is there any added pressure knowing that colleges are watching?
Anthony Cukaj:
I don’t believe there is any more pressure added on knowing colleges are watching. I’ve been playing basketball all my life and haven’t felt any pressure. It’s the same thing as it was when I was 13 going out on the weekends to play in tournaments. The pressure only pushes me to be better.
Question:
What has been your best moment in basketball so far?
Anthony Cukaj:
My best moment was last summer playing the Michigan Playmakers in the NY2LA championship game, they’re always a tough team to play against no matter what. It was a hard fought close game the whole way through. We ended up winning the game and the association. It felt really good to know all the work we put it showed in the results by winning.
Question:
Who has been the toughest player that you’ve ever matched up with?
Anthony Cukaj:
The toughest player that I’ve ever matched up with is Emoni Bates. He’s by far the hardest player to guard, he can do anything and everything: attack, dribble, and shoot.
Question:
What are your goals for this summer?
Anthony Cukaj:
To get better everyday and become the best version of myself for my team, on and off the court.
Question:
What professional players game reminds you of your own?
Anthony Cukaj:
My personal game reminds me of Luka Doncic. We both have a really good all around game and can do it all. Knowing when to assert ourselves throughout the game, additionally having a very high IQ for the game. And we are both European so we play the “European way”.
Question:
What is your favorite class in school? Why?
Anthony Cukaj:
My favorite class in school is math. It’s always been the easiest for me growing up. I love the challenge I get from it. In math you get challenged all the time with new topics and it’s just fun for me to do it.