HooNation.com sat down with freshman power forward Laurynas Mikalauskas to see how well he's adjusted to college life, how things are going so far in his workouts, and what expectations are for this season.
Known for his toughness on the interior Laurynas will bring much needed help and depth to the UVa frontcourt. We suspect he may receive significant minutes as a freshman this year. The youngster is all business on the court and given his strength and hustle expect a solid freshman season from the Blue Ridge product.
Laurynas Mikalauskas Q&A
KF: How has the transition been moving from the Blue Ridge School to UVa?
LM: It's been a really big difference. Practice is much harder and a lot more intense.
KF: What's been the toughest part of your transition?
LM: (Laughs) Getting used to waking up at 5:30 AM to lift weights and practice probably.
KF: Have you decided on a major yet? If so, what major?
LM: I'm thinking about economics but I'm not sure yet.
KF: Who has been the toughest matchup for you so far in pickup games one on one?
LM: I'm usually going up against Tunji or Cain and it's tough to say.
KF: Have you noticed a big difference from HS and AAU basketball compared to playing pickup games with ACC guys in pickup games already?
LM: Yes there's a big difference with the speed of the game and how strong everyone is. The basketball IQ levels are also much higher too.
KF: What strengths of your game will you try to bring to the team this year?
LM: Defense and rebounding. We've been keying on those things but I'm also working on my jumper as well a lot.
KF: Power forward or center? Does it matter to you?
LM: Power forward. Four is where they want me to play primarily because fives are usually bigger than me.
KF: Is there anyone on the team in particular who's taken you under their wing already and helped you a lot so far?
LM: Sean has. Really Sean, Mamadi, Adrian, and I have formed a good relationship but I get along with everybody real well.
KF: What goals have you set for yourself this season?
LM: As a team making the NCAA's obviously and I think we're going to be better than last year's team. Individually I want to stay out of foul trouble and do whatever it takes to help the team. We've been stressing defense and rebounding in our workouts and pickup games so far.
KF: What player or players do you enjoy watching or pattern your game after if anybody?
LM: I really like Travis Watson. I had a chance to play against him this summer and I really learned a lot from him.
KF: Really? I'm sure the UVa fans are glad to hear that, he's always been a favorite to many UVa fans. What are your thoughts on the new John Paul Jones Arena?
LM: I really haven't been inside it. We're all (team) going sometime soon and walk around inside. From looking at it from the outside though...it's very big and should be very nice.
KF: With potential recruits coming in to visit over the next few months and throughout your career give us your sales pitch for UVa.
LM: People can look at the rankings and say we'll they're ranked 11th in the league but when they come in and see how hard we're working in practice, how much we want to win, and what the coaches have in store they'll realize that it's definitely a good place to be because we're on the rise.
KF: With that said we'd like to thank you Laurynas for taking the time to speak with us, we wish you much success in the coming season and hope to talk to you throughout the year.
LM: Anytime man, not a problem at all. Talk to you soon.