WashingtonWizards.com Q&A: Steve Blake

June 30, 2003
Blake finished his career fifth among NCAA’s all-time assist leaders with 972
Mitchell Layton/NBAE/Getty Images
Steve Blake was selected in the second round (38th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards after playing four years down the road in College Park for the University of Maryland.

During hs four years at Maryland, Blake started 136 of his 138 career games played in the Terrapin red and black. Some highlights of his career at Maryland are being named Honorable Mention All-America by AP following junior and senior seasons. He was also named First Team All-ACC as a senior after Third Team All-ACC nod as a junior. He finished his career fifth among NCAA’s all-time assist leaders with 972, fourth all-time in ACC history behind Bobby Hurley (1,076), Chris Corchiani (1,038), and Ed Cota (1,030).

In addition, Blake is the first player in ACC history with at least 1,000 points, 800 assists, 400 rebounds, and 200 steals. He set school records with game started (136) and minutes (4,312), and ranks third all-time in school history with 182 three-point field goals made and fourth with 234 steals. He also had 23 career double-figure assist games.

How does it feel to stay in Washington?

Steve Blake: It feels great. It's one of those opportunities not many players get to take advantage of and I'm going to make the best of it.
How do you feel you match-up against other NBA point guards?

Steve Blake: I think I'll be able to do it just fine. Of course those guys might be a little bit stronger than me, but I'm going to use my head and try and stay in front of guys and play strong, competitive defense, which I have done my whole career, and just not give up anything easy.
What do you hope to accomplish in summer league?

Steve Blake: Get to understand the NBA game a lot more, get used to guys that I'm going to be playing with on next year's team and just take advantage of the situation and learn as much as I can.
How do you feel about playing right away?

Steve Blake: I want to come in here and play right away. I want to be able to show what I can do, but at the same time you also want to be able to learn from somebody. Either way I'm going to be happy.