NBA Draft Blog Interview with Branden Dawson

While coming from one of basketball’s top programs certainly has its advantages, nothing is handed to you. To succeed, you have to battle constantly. It could be earning playing time, dealing with program and fan expectations, or more.

Over the past 20 years, only a handful of programs have had the success of Michigan State under Coach Tom Izzo, and if you can succeed there, you probably have what it takes to succeed almost anywhere. Branden Dawson has already had success at Michigan State, and he’s ready to show he can succeed at the next level.

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During the past few years, Dawson has established himself as one of the toughest players, not only in the Big Ten, but in the nation. The 6’6, 230 pound forward often had to play as an undersized power forward the past couple of years, but that didn’t deter him from being a very strong force in the paint.

The last two seasons, Dawson has averaged over 11 points and almost 9 rebounds per game, while shooting over 56 percent from the floor, against one of the toughest schedules in the country.

Now, with his college career behind him, Dawson is ready to take all he has learned and use it to get to the NBA.

“Being at Michigan State taught me a lot, on and off the court, especially about taking responsibility for all you do,” said Dawson. “After not having Coach Izzo’s full trust coming in, to be able to develop the mindset and focus needed, it took my game to another level.”

Izzo has had a great reputation over the years about getting the most from his players, and with many who have made it to the NBA, it’s tough to argue with his approach. You can count Dawson among those who believe in Coach Izzo’s positive effect on his development.

“Coach Izzo always tried his best to put you in the best situation to succeed,” said Dawson. “I have a great relationship with him, and he’s taught me a lot about being a man, handling business, on and off the court, and about being a pro.”

Heading into this past season, since Izzo took over as head coach of the Spartans in 1995, the team had been to six Final Fours, and two national championship games, winning it all in 2000. However, the 2014 senior class became the first four-year class under Izzo to not make Final Four. Because of that, Dawson agreed that there was a bit more pressure on this year’s team.

“Not getting there (Final Four) last year, and losing in the Elite Eight, it definitely made us want to make sure we got there this year,” said Dawson. “With Me, Travis (Trice), and Denzel (Valentine), we knew we had the leadership to get there, and throughout our workouts, we kept the focus on getting to Indianapolis. About halfway through the season, when the team was going through a down time, Coach Izzo actually made us stop saying it, and it ended up taking the pressure off a bit.”

Still, heading into the NCAA Tournament, it didn’t look like the Spartans were on track for that Final Four appearance. The team was 24-11, coming off a loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game, and given a number 7 seed in the East Region.

After knocking off Georgia in the Round of 64, Michigan State went on the type of run that the team is known for under Izzo, beating the 2 (Virginia), 3 (Oklahoma), and 4 (Louisville) seeds on their way to their seventh Final Four under the coach. The run ended against eventual National Champion Duke, but it was still one of the tournament’s best stories, and Dawson played a major role, averaging 11 points, 9 rebounds, and over 2 blocks, per game.

This past season, Dawson averaged 12 points and 9 rebounds per game, along with 1.2 steals and 1.7 blocks, career highs in each category, doing a bit of everything for the Spartans.

As for doing a bit of everything, Dawson names that among some of the skills he knows will translate well to the NBA level. “My versatility, and ability to play and defend different positions, will help me at the next level,” said Dawson. “Also, my toughness and rebounding ability, along with being a strong team player, should be able to help teams.”

Since the season ended, Dawson has been training in Indianapolis, preparing to work out for NBA teams. He knows there are some important areas he needs to work on to succeed at the next level. “I’ve been working on my ballhandling, and being a better decision-maker with the ball,” Dawson said. “I’ve also been working on becoming more of a shooter from the perimeter.”

Dawson had his first chance to show what he’s been working on at the NBA Combine in Chicago. While he still works to be consistent with the NBA-range three-point shot, he performed well and you can see his potential to knock it down regularly.

“The Combine was definitely humbling, but it was the best experience I’ve ever had,” said Dawson. “Being able to represent Michigan State and my family to the best of my abilities was special, and it took me back through the elite level camps I had been at, competing and making friends. It was an exciting week and I had a blast.”

Dawson had some very good moments during the five-on-five portion of the Combine, especially in his second game, where he led his team with 17 points, on 7 of 12 from the field. While there, he also had the chance to interview with personnel from the Clippers, Wizards, and Pelicans.

As I mentioned earlier, Michigan State has had their share of NBA players drafted over the years, including teammates of Dawson’s the past couple of years. Adreian Payne and Gary Harris were first round picks last year, while Draymond Green was a second round pick in 2012. All have been helpful to Dawson as he goes through the process, and the old teammates look to stay in touch as much as they can.

Dawson hopes to join the group in the NBA next year, ready to give his new team everything he has. He knows there’s a lot of competition during this process, and he’s ready to show what he can offer. “Right away, I can bring high energy and toughness, as well as some strong defense,” Dawson said.

After watching Dawson develop over the past four seasons, there’s little reason to doubt he has what it takes to succeed at the next level. He knows he’s going to have to earn it, but he’s been through it before. No matter what, expect him to battle for it.

“My time at Michigan State was great, and I learned a lot, but now I’m ready for a new dream.”

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