Tarik Black

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How do you think your college experience has prepared you for the NBA?

That’s actually a really good question. I’d have to say playing through adversity definitely prepares you for these situations. You go into somebody else’s gym or you get down a lot during a game, and your coach tells you to keep fighting, keep on playing, we can fight back, and people tend not to believe that. People tend to give up. But when you go through situations where you actually fight back, it prepares you to come out here and work as hard as you can and still be able to push yourself to take it to the next level.

What do you do to prepare for workouts like this one?

I’m sleeping. I’m kicking my feet up as much as possible. We have to be energized when we come into the gym at different facilities around the country to perform.

I think I did pretty good today. I had a good showing, and I’m satisfied with what I came out here and did.

What’s it like being the ‘old man’ in the group?

I’m still young! [Laughs] It’s pretty cool. I can give knowledge. I accept that tag because I’m not ‘old’ in the bigger scheme of things, but if I’m blessed enough to make it to this level, guys I’ll be playing with will definitely be older than me. Coming out here right now, I’m getting used to being the elder statesman so I can spread as much knowledge and help guys get better.

I love the altitude; it makes it so easy to run up and down the court. [Laughs] That was sarcasm, by the way. I like the staff. They seem like really cool people. It was a healthy conversation.

Aaron Rodgers has contacted you lately about possibly playing football. Is there a possibility that you could be a two-sport athlete?

Hypothetically speaking, even if basketball and football didn’t run at the same time, think about the grind that’s on the body. You’re talking about the NBA, which is 82 games not including playoffs, and the NFL, which is 16 weeks of heart, grit and grind. So, I know I have a nice build, but I don’t think anybody – unless you’re Superman – can withstand that. I don’t think it’s possible. I’ve been looking into it because when you’re presented something like that, you can’t just turn it down. It’s a blessing. So I’ve talking to Aaron Rodgers a little bit. But I’m in Denver, not Green Bay. I want to be a basketball player. That’s my passion. I’m not going to give up on it now.

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Tarik Black Q&A

Some of college basketball's most successful programs were represented at Pepsi Center on Saturday.

Florida. Kansas. Kentucky. Syracuse. UCLA.

The five schools have combined to win eight of the past 20 NCAA titles.

“This was definitely a loaded workout,” Kansas forward Tarik Black said after going through drills for the Denver Nuggets.

Black was joined by Florida forward Casey Prather, Kentucky swingman James Young, Syracuse point guard Tyler Ennis and UCLA guard Zach LaVine as the Nuggets continued to evaluate prospects in advance of the June 26 NBA Draft.

Denver has the 11th overall pick, as well as two second-round selections (Nos. 41 and 56).

“You always want to compete against the best guys in the draft and go after them and show what you can do,” Ennis said. “That’s what the team wants to see. They want to see you compete. They’ve watched you in games, so they want to see how you are 3-on-3 and 1-on-1 (situations).”

Ennis, LaVine and Young are among several standout players who left school after their freshman year.

LaVine, who turned 19 in March, was widely criticized in the media for his decision to go pro after starting just one game at UCLA, but his size (6-5, 180), athleticism and impressive workouts have helped his stock rise in the past several weeks.

“I like making doubters look stupid. It’s something I’ve gotten used to. I’ve had a lot of doubters eat their words through this process so far. I’m a humble person, but very confident. I’ve put a lot of work into the game.”

LaVine has been through about a half-dozen workouts, with at least four more on the way. The itineraries have been similar for the other four players at Pepsi Center on Saturday.

“It’s crazy,” Young said. “It’s a lot of traveling. You have to rest when you can and just get your body and mind right. You have to get used to it … That’s what we’re here for. We didn’t come here to rest. We came to fulfill our dreams.”

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NCAA powers represented as Nuggets continue predraft workouts

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Predraft Workout - June 14, 2014

In the second-straight day of pre-draft workouts, the Denver Nuggets will hold a workout Saturday morning at Pepsi Center featuring Syracuse’s Tyler Ennis, UCLA’s Zach LaVine, Kentucky’s James Young, Florida’s Casey Prather, Kansas’ Tarik Black, and France’s Clint Capela.

Ennis, a 6’2” guard who was named to various Freshman All-America Teams, ranked sixth in the nation with a 3.6 assist-to-turnover ratio. Ennis averaged over five assists per game, displaying his excellent court vision and unselfish game management skills.

LaVine, a 6’5” guard who received Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honors, ranked fourth among all Pac-12 freshmen in scoring and three-point field goal percentage. LaVine shot 37% from beyond-the-arc, adding to his quick and versatile offensive game.

Young, a 6’6” guard who posted a team-high 20 points in the NCAA title game, knocked down 82 three-pointers on the season, the second most by a Kentucky freshman. Averaging 14.3 points per game overall, but 18.5 during the NCAA Tournament, Young showed his shooting range and athleticism.

Prather, a 6’6” forward who was named to the First Team All-SEC and Wooden Award All-American, led Florida in points, rebounds, and steals per game. Averaging 13.8 points per game, including three 27-plus scoring efforts, Prather, excels on the offensive glass.

Black, a 6’9” forward who had the best efficiency of any Kansas player since 1990, scored a career-high 18 points in his final game last season. The bruising forward revealed his leadership late in the season, and finished his career with 1,128 points.

Capela, a 6’10” center who played with Elan Chalon’s senior squad in France, is averaging 9.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Capela ranks first in the LNB in dunks and second in two-point field goal percentage and is praised as a great finisher.

The Nuggets hold the No. 11 overall pick in the June 26 draft. They also have two second-round selections, No. 41 and No. 56.

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Nuggets to Host Six in Predraft Workout

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