The Interview: Trey Dickerson

(Casual Hoya writer Ben Standig recently spoke with South Dakota graduate transfer Trey Dickerson. The New York native discussed why he chose the Hoyas, head coach Patrick Ewing’s plans and the Dakota’s.)

Ben Standig: You’re a New York City kid who played High School hoops in California and Texas, started your Junior College career in North Dakota, entered D1 at Iowa, transferred to South Dakota and now you just committed to Georgetown. So, as we start this interview, let me ask this: Where in the world are you now?

Trey Dickerson: Ha. I’m actually in South Dakota just working out and grabbing a few things before I head to LA to workout with (former NBA player) Kenny “The Jet” Smith*. Just prepare myself, get in the best shape and prepare myself for Georgetown.

(*Dickerson’s cousin played on Smith’s AAU team in New York and hooked Trey up with Kenny.)

BS: Since you’re the only person I know who has spent real time in both states, which is the better Dakota?

TD: I’d say South Dakota is the better Dakota because they have more schools. I mean, South Dakota State has a big basketball program. Ha, I don’t know, but I guess I like South Dakota.

BS: Mount Rushmore. You ever go?

TD: No, I actually I haven’t.

BS: Oh. I figured that if you’re in the state by law you’d have to go.

TD: I had plans to go there, but it’s like five hours away on the other end of the state.

BS: Noted. Ok, enough with the silly. Let’s talk basketball. I know you’re a 6-foot-1 guard who averaged 10.4 points and 2.8 assists per game last season at South Dakota. Please help fill in the blanks about your game from there.

TD: I would say I’m a fast guard. I like getting in transition. I like scoring, getting my teammates involved. I’m a real energy guy and playing up-tempo a lot of the time and I just like to win, honestly.

BS: Obviously you had the graduate transfer route available, but why did you ultimately decide to leave South Dakota after just one season?

TD: I started at Iowa, which is a high-major level. Then I went to South Dakota. My JUCO coach got a job here as an assistant and I just felt like it was the best fit at the time. I talked with my parents about what I want to do for my last year*. Why not take the chance and play at the highest level again?

(*Will graduate this summer with a degree in Sports Marketing and Media)

BS: Did you get in the mix with Georgetown before or after Patrick Ewing’s hiring?

TD: I actually starting getting in the mix with them when Coach Ewing was hired. [Assistant Coach Louis] Orr knew about me a little bit from being in New York. He talked to a couple of guys about me, but the one who actually [recruited me] was Coach [Robert] Kirby. He knows my AAU coach from the past. He knew my situation and thought I was the right fit. He texted and called. I talked to Coach Ewing and they asked if I wanted to come visit. … The practice facility is real nice. That they have lots of [shooting machines] really stood out to me.

BS: Which other schools were you considering?

TD: Seton Hall, Memphis and DePaul

BS: We’re all curious about what kind of style Ewing will implement. What did he/they tell you about their plan?

TD: Coach Ewing told me we have to play real up-tempo. He wants to play full-court, man-to-man and have a lot of ball screens on offense. That pretty much is where I have an advantage. He basically said he’s trying to get back to the old style of play where they used to run a lot, get back to that mode.

BS: As a New York kid, how much did the idea of playing for former Knicks star “Patrick Ewing” affect your decision?

TD: It definitely meant something to me. He’s a legend. On the visit I learned a little bit more about him. I didn’t really see him play that much (in the NBA). I didn’t know he went to three straight Final Fours with the Hoyas and won the national championship. He’s somebody who has gone through what you want to go through. To be guided by him, that’s a blessing.