NBA Draft Blog Interview with Vernon Macklin

Heralded as a high-school player for basketball powerhouse Hargrave Military Academy, Vernon Macklin parlayed being a McDonald’s High School All-American into a basketball scholarship from Georgetown.  While he never seemed to be comfortable in the Georgetown system, a change of scenery to the University of Florida reminded us of how good Macklin is.  A key part to the recent Elite 8 run by Florida, Vernon took some time to discuss his college career, how his game has developed and his potential role in the NBA (Indiana, San Antonio and Philadelphia are just a few of the teams impressed by Vernon during pre-draft workouts.)  Enjoy Vernon in his own words:

Vernon on his time at Georgetown and his transfer to Florida:

“I never got really comfortable during my time at Georgetown, I didn’t feel the system was right for my potential.  Once, I got to Florida, my confidence got a lot better, and I felt I understood my role and the game much better.  I knew I was physically strong, but I became a better player at Florida.”

Vernon on how Billy Donovan changed him as a player:

“Playing for Coach Donovan was great.  He gave me the confidence to go out there and be the best player I could be.”

Vernon on the strengths to his game:

“I think I definitely have a physical advantage over a lot of players, especially strength wise.  Plus I am always going to go out there and work as hard as I can everytime on the court.  I won’t let myself be outworked.”

Vernon on what parts of his game he wants to improve:

“I still want to become a better shooter.  I have improved, but I know I can become better.  And I am always working on other parts of my game all the time to just be as good as I can be.”

Vernon on what he sees his potential NBA role to be:

“Just starting off, I want to be a guy who can come in and bring energy, defense and rebounding to my team.  A “junkyard dog” kind of description may work, just go in there and do all the little things my team needs me do.”

Vernon on playing with his 2 senior teammates – Chandler Parsons and Alex Tyus:

“Chandler is one of the smartest basketball players I have ever played with.  His basketball IQ is unbelievable.  He just wanted to go out there and find anything he could do to help the team win.  Alex was a great energy guy.  Anytime he was in there, you knew he would go all out for the team.  We won a lot of games based off of the energy he brought.  It was great playing with them and it made me a better player.”

Vernon on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I’m just a hungry guy.  I know I can be a very good player for any team and I am going to keep working hard to help my teammates.  I appreciate all of the support everyone has given me.”

I want to thank Vernon for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  Thank you also to his Lance Young of Octagon Basketball for arranging this interview.