The Basketball Interview with Ryder Kirsch
St. Thomas More 6-foot-6 forward Ryder Kirsch led the Cavs to a 20 win season as a junior averaging 16.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game shooting 53 percent from the floor. Now a week before his senior season beings Kirsch talked to PHD about some of his favorite parts of basketball.
Prep Hoops: What are your first memories of basketball becoming something you love and a big part of your life?
Ryder Kirsch: I had two older sisters who played basketball and I would always go to their practices when I was very young. I started travel basketball in second grade with Coach Hollenbeck, so I was hooked early on.
PH: What is your pregame ritual on game day?
Listening to music, mostly Lil Baby.
PH: Who is your favorite college or professional player to watch? And to learn from (if different)?
My favorite player to watch is Devin Booker but my favorite player to learn from is Kevin Durant because he is such a gifted scorer.
PH: Do you enjoy the NBA and if so, what teams do you regularly watch?
My favorite team is the Suns, but I usually watch whatever team is on TV at the time.
PH: If you could play on any court in the world, what court would you pick and why?
If I could play on any court it would be the Nets court, the Barclays Center. I just think it’s a cool court with good fan support.
PH: Who is your team’s biggest rival in basketball and what makes that rivalry special?
Red Cloud because they are in our conference, have a strong program, and our games are always a battle.
PH: When you are off the floor, what is your favorite hobby to take part in?
My favorite hobby would be playing Xbox with my friends.
PH: The best sports movie of all time is? And best non sports move?
The best sports movie of all time is Remember the Titans. The best non sports movie would be Rambo.
PH: At this point in your basketball life what has been the most memorable moment, or moments?
The most memorable moment so far would probably be when we played Yankton. It was such a great atmosphere and it’s a game I won’t forget.
PH: How do players in your community support and relate to the young and up and coming players? In other words, what do you guys do to support the youth hoopers in your area?
We always help the younger kids with summer basketball camps, and I always try to be a good example for them.
PH: What is the best advice that you’ve received in life?
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
PH: What makes basketball in South Dakota different? And what makes it special?
Since SD is a small state, if you’re involved in AAU you really get to meet players from everywhere in the state. It’s really great to have friends playing on teams all across the state that you can follow during the season.