Posted 12/01/05
UW-Platteville's Clay Dean is a senior guard from Blue River and a graduate of Riverdale High School. He attended UW-Superior for two years before transferring to UWP. The biology major has a perfect 4.0 grade-point average here and is applying for medical school.
How excited were you to be in the starting lineups, both at UW-Milwaukee and in the home opener?
"It was really exciting, especially after all the hard work I've put forth. It's big not only for myself, but for the whole team because they helped push us hard to where we need to be. I started a few games at Superior, but it's kind of nice to hear your name over the loudspeaker again."
How do you think the Pioneers are playing so far this year?
"Other than a few lapses, we've been playing well. We still have some things to work on, but I think the biggest thing for our team is that every time we've gone out, we've gotten better. We've learned from our past mistakes, which is a good way to build up to a high level of basketball."
What has been impressive is the lack of turnovers, especially with so many freshmen playing. Is that something you have stressed?
"Our big thing is to value the ball. Turnovers lead to easy points for the other team, and we don't want to put our defense in that kind of situation. Defense is one of our biggest things. We want to lead the nation in defense (after being third last year). If we run things right, our chances of winning goes up dramatically."
You've talked about defense and handling the ball. Shooting is one of those things you haven't done much.
"My main job is just to run the team right now. Later in the year, when the posts continue to play so well, I'll get some kick-outs when the other teams have to double team them. My opportunities will come. Right now my job is just to run the team and make sure the the ship keeps sailing."
You also have other jobs on campus, being a Student Ambassador as well as having a demanding major. You're keeping pretty busy, aren't you?
"I just finished applying for medical school, so hopefully I'll hear from them in the next couple of months. I just try and keep a level head about everything and keep it all straight. It's all about time management."
Last question: what brought you back here from Superior?
"It was basically the people. I knew some guys on the team, and I came and talked to them. My advisor, Wayne Weber, is really nice and just a great guy. All the people on campus are nice. It's closer to home, too. The basketball team is great. They treated me like one of their own, and it seems like an extended family. We always say that, but it really is true. I have 14 brothers on the team. The boosters and fans are unbelievable. It's a close-knit community here."
Interview by SID Paul Erickson