Q&A With Thaddeus Young

After being drafted 12th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft, Thaddeus Young went on to become one of the most pleasant suprises on the Sixers roster last season averaging 8.2 points and 4.2 rebounds, starting 22 of the last 38 games and was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team. Drive Magazine checked in with Thaddeus to see how he was adjusting to his sophomore season in the NBA.

DRIVE MAGAZINE: After having such a successful rookie season, what was your mindset going into this year?

THADDEUS YOUNG: To come back and not get into the sophomore slump.

DM:What did you do over the summer to improve your game?

TY: I worked a lot on ball handling and a lot on shooting…just repetitions and reps in the gym.

DM: How do you feel you have developed over the past year?

TY: I said from the start of my rookie season that I’m definitely going to evolve and be a good player in this league. I’m going out there and thinking about the game much more. I’m going out there to compete with the other guys.

DM: Did anyone in particular help guide you through your rookie season?

TY: I’d say on the coaching staff it was Coach Bernard Smith and Coach John Loyer. They told me to go hard day in and day out. Keep working on my game and to make sure I was playing aggressive every night.

DM: What advice would you give rookie Marreese Speights?

TY: Don’t take anything for granted. Just go out there and keep playing hard. Do what you know how to do and don’t try to do anything above it.

DM: What were some of the tougher assignments you had last season?

TY: As far as guarding people, I’d say Kobe (Bryant) and LeBron (James). Those are the two hardest guys to guard; they come at you non-stop. They’re two of the greatest players in the game right now.

DM: Do you enjoy playing against them?

TY: Definitely. Both of them. They’re going to give you a challenge day in and day out.

DM: What are your goals for this season?

TY: The main goal, which is the team’s goal, is to win a championship. My personal goal is to become an All-Star someday and play in the rookie-sophomore game. I’d also like to be the most improved player this year.

DM: What is it like playing with a low-post player in Elton Brand?

TY: It’s great. You’ve got that low-post presence and it frees up a lot of opportunities for other guys on the team. They double-team him and a lot of other guys are open for the shot.

DM: You’ve been in Philly for over a year now – what do you like to do now in your spare time?

TY: I pretty much chill and rest in the house. I get more minutes this year so I try to spend most of my free time resting.