The Basketball Interview with Topher Zahn
Topher Zahn of SF Washington slowed down from his busy senior year to talk with PHD about his favorite parts of basketball.
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
TZ: My favorite part about game days would have to be how excited everyone is at school, especially for a rivalry.
What makes your crowd unique? What is a memorable thing that they’ve done that you will always remember?
TZ: What makes our crowd unique is how they always have great participation in the theme each game, and I’ll never forget how the whole student section was completely full my sophomore year against Lincoln
Who is the toughest player that you have faced in your career?
TZ: The toughest Minnesota player I’ve played against was Ishmael El-Amin of Hopkins (MN), he could do it all.
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable?
TZ: Our biggest rival is Lincoln because we are both 2 of the best teams in the state every year.
Who is your favorite basketball player in the world and why?
TZ: My favorite player in the world is Kyrie Irving because of his freak ability to handle the ball.
All basketball players love gear. What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
TZ: I’m partial to Nike because that’s what I’ve always used and I’m pretty superstitious
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
TZ: My favorite venue to play basketball in would have to be the Premier Center in Sioux Falls.
What court that you haven’t played on would you dream of playing on?
TZ: My dream basketball court to play in would be Cameron Indoor stadium because of the history of great players who have played there.
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players?
TZ: Varsity players take pride at WHS of teaching young players not only how to do it right on the court but especially off the court with how you carry yourself and show respect to everyone
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
TZ: Coach Nelson, the head coach at WHS, always tells me not to think when I shoot and just trust my shot
Who is your basketball influence?
TZ: My biggest basketball influence when I was younger was Terry Barlett because helped me shape my game into what I was best at and helped me grow up and mature on the court.
NBA. Who is your team?
TZ: I’ve always been a big fan of the Bulls because my mom is from Chicago, and I was always in awe of Derrick Rose and his athleticism during his prime.