Interviewed by Paul M. Banks
Sophomore Demetri McCamey is the Illini’s leading scorer and seeing a big improvement from his 8.2 scoring average as a freshman. In addition to his scoring, McCamey is fifth in the Big Ten in assists, averaging 5.0 apg. In Big Ten games only, McCamey leads the Big Ten in assists (6.0 apg) and assist/turnover ratio (4.0). “Cames” has been described by Weber as “able to do things, the other guys on the team can’t do.” Of course, his game still needs a LOT of polish which we discuss with rigorous candor in this interview.
Overlooking the embarrassing loss at Minnesota, the Illini are hugely improved over last season, the play of McCamey is a big reason why. Another cause is the more selfless play illustrated by this year’s squad. It appears that Head Coach Bruce Weber’s decision to take the players’ names off the backs of the jersey and getting them to focus on the name on the front of the jersey has paid off.
“Cames” on the team’s biggest difference from last year…
“We’re more like a family on the court, we stay together, we keep our composure through the tough times and just keep talking to one another and help one another instead of being down cuz last year we were fussing, arguing, everyone was playing for themselves. This year we’re playing more as a tam and getting others involved and any given night someone could be the leading scorer: Dominique, Myself, Tisdale, Mike Davis, Trent, we don’t care who scores, we want Ws”
On the school record for losses in 2007-08…
“Everyone looked at us like we were a joke cuz we were 16-19”
McCamey is often criticized, by Coach Weber and Big Ten announcers alike, for his work ethic, but Cames says he’s dedicated to edifying himself on the game…
“A student of the game, that’s the only way you’ll get better. It’s all about making the right decision and every possession is worth something. Coach McClain and I watch film, I like to come in and watch film. If I’m at home, my roommate Alex {Legion} and I, that’s all we do is watch college and NBA basketball.”
One of the first things McCamey is criticized for is his shot selection
“When my litter brother says it than I know everybody notices, my little brother told me I was settling for too many threes, so I got to get back to attacking the paint like I used to.”
And for not being very consistent overall game to game…
“It’s not just scoring for me, especially on the defensive end and becoming a leader, being more vocal- don’t yell at guys, pick your spots and be a true leader”
Demetri spoke candidly about how he has to improve his defense, another point of contention raised by his critics. I asked him what else he needs to improve?
“Standing up a lot and watching instead of attacking, sometimes I rely on my teammates too much when I can just push the ball and make plays happen instead of just trying to wait for them to happen. It’s being aggressive all the time and take every play like it’s you’re last and make the right decision.”
Current Bull and #1 overall draft pick Derrick Rose is a friend of McCamey’s and someone he talked about modeling his game on.
“He’s a wonderful player. I played against him all the way since 7th grade, he knows me, I know him and I know I’ll be in the same boat and playing with passion if I just listen to everybody, because they’re only trying to help…No matter how young you are you can be a real good player. We used to be enemies on the court, now I’m a fan, maybe one day I’ll get to where he’s at.”