Wake Forest sophomore small forward Al-Farouq Aminu is easily one of the top college basketball players around the nation this year. He actually could've declared for the NBA draft after last season.
Aminu decided to return to Wake for his sophomore season. His decision is seemingly paying off as he's been able to help the Deacs to a 17-5, 7-3 (ACC) record. The preseason All-American is a multi-dimensional talent with a rare mix of size and skill. The skillful baller from Norcross, Ga., is a mis-match nightmare for most teams as he can post up smaller players and take bigger guys to the rack.
I noticed that when I saw Aminu play for the first time during the McDonald's All-American game before he enrolled at Wake. I caught up with Aminu moments after a 92-85 victory over Boston College on Tuesday night. He finished that game with 22 points and eight rebounds.
Aminu and Examiner.com (Anthony Hill) discussed the season and his future -- as well as a few other things during a fun conversation earlier this week.
Examiner: Al, great game tonight.
Aminu: Thank you.
Examiner: No doubt. It looks as if the season is moving along quite nicely for you all. Wake is in a good spot right now.
Aminu: Um, it's been a good season so far. I think we're doing real good. We're doing really good without our main players from last year (James Johnson and Jeff Teague). I'm glad that I have teammates that can step it up. We're really trying to finish the season strong.
Examiner: What are your expectations for this season, dawg?
Aminu: Just to win every game. That would've been nice. I want o win the ACC this year, and hopefully get an NCAA bid.
Examiner: I hear that. Is this going to be your last season at Wake?
Aminu: (Smiles.) I don't know. That hasn't even crossed my mind. I will worry about that after the season. I'll make that decision after the season.
Examiner: (Smiles.) OK. Who's going to be the ACC Player of the Year this year?
Aminu: (Smiles.) I don't know. I think you media guys decide that.
Examiner: All right. Tell me who you model your game after.
Aminu: Um, I try to be more of an inside/ outside player. There's a lot of guys l like in the league. I like Carmelo, Kobe. Guys like that. I don't want to be one dimensional.
Examiner: Do you have any nicknames?
Aminu: Most people call me Farouq.
Examiner: You always seem so calm on the court. What kind of things get you excited?
Aminu: I usually get hype when my players get hype. I kind of feel off them. Sometimes get hype after a good dunk or something. But I'm always trying to think about the next play and make sure we come out on top.
Examiner: (Smiles.) They say that you descend from a line of Nigerian Kings.
Aminu: (Smiles.) Yeah.
Examiner: So, does that mean you're like Hakeem, from "Coming to America"? Is your face on money? (Both laugh.)
Aminu: It's kind of funny because my mom is from New York. And my dad came from overseas. So, it's kind of funny you would say that.
Examiner: (Laughs.) Do you have any talents outside of basketball?
Aminu: Not really. I like to draw a little bit.
Examiner: OK. What's your favorite TV show?
Aminu: "Everybody Hates Chris."
Examiner: Last movie you saw.
Aminu: Uh, "Avatar."
Examiner: Let's close out with free association. Simply tell me the first thing that comes to mind after I say something.
Aminu: Yeah.
Examiner: Ish Smith (Wake point guard)
Aminu: Best point guard.
Examiner: Atlantic Coast Conference.
Aminu: Greatest league.
Examiner: ACC champs.
Aminu: That would be nice.
Examiner: Favorite class.
Aminu: Math.
Examiner: Dream date.
Aminu: Rihanna.
Examiner: Charlotte Bobcats.
Aminu: They're a cool team.
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