Ten Questions With Taylor Coppenrath

Throughout the Reebok Vegas Summer League, Celtics.com will take a minute to help you get to know the players a little better by asking each one 10 questions about basketball and life.

Taylor Coppenrath led the University of Vermont to an NCAA tournament berth this season, and has signed on as a free agent with the Celtics to play in the Reebok Vegas Summer League. Coppenrath has made a good impression on Head Coach Doc Rivers, who says ``I love him. He does all the little things. He's so smart. He was well coached."

Learn more about Taylor Coppenrath:

Celtics.com: Do you model your game after any one player in particular?
Coppenrath: There isn't one person in particular. As I play and watch the game, I pick up bits and pieces from other people that I work to incorporate and improve my all around game. I'm always looking and trying to pick something up.

CC: Which players were you looking forward to playing against in Summer League?
Coppenrath: I wasn't looking to play against one person... I was just really happy to be invited out here, especially by the Celtics since I'm from Vermont. The Celtics are the team I watch the most, so it is pretty exciting. And since I don't have a contract each night when I go out to play, I feel like I am working out for everyone.

CC: What is your impression of the Celtics team and coaches so far?
Coppenrath: It's been wonderful. They have a lot to teach, and I love to learn. So it's been a good situation. I'm just trying to get better, and working hard to do whatever I can to win. When I was at Vermont I was the first option we went to, but here I'm not. So I've been working to adjust to that and just help us win.

CC: Did you have any excitement or nervous feelings playing in your first organized NBA game?
Coppenrath: I was anxious to get going, and a little nervous at first. But I just reminded myself that I needed to go out there and do whatever I could. I can only control how hard I work when I am out there - so whether it means grabbing rebounds or loose balls, I know what has to be done. I just want to do whatever is necessary so that we win.

CC: If you could play any other sport with any other professional athlete, who would it be?
Coppenrath: I'd like to be a tight end for the New England Patriots and have Tom Brady throwing me the ball. That would be great...

CC: Who was your role model growing up?
Coppenrath: I didn't really have one person as a role model. I like to take bits and pieces from everyone, and try to improve myself in general, in basketball - just become a better person. So many people have influenced me, but definitely my parents, some of my teachers and some athletes.

CC: Do you have any pre-game routines or rituals?
Coppenrath: I don't do anything in particular. I do take a shower before every game, so maybe that is a routine.

CC: Besides basketball, what would be your dream job?
Coppenrath: I studied to be a high school math teacher, so that would be it if I weren't playing. Either that or being a basketball coach.

CC: Who do you think are the top three players in your position in the NBA?
Coppenrath: I would say Tim Duncan, Rasheed Wallace and Kevin Garnett

CC: What do you like to do away from basketball to relax?
Coppenrath: I like to hang out with friends, watch TV, listen to music and play some other sports. I just took up tennis and I play some golf... I play in pick-up basketball games, too, but I guess those don't really count, huh (laughing)?