After completing a stellar career at Philadelphia high school basketball powerhouse Neumann-Goretti, Christian Ings committed to Rider University which has became an attractive spot to play college ball for Philadelphia area kids. In my interview with Christian, he dives into what it is like to be part of the Rider basketball program and what he expects from himself, as well as his squad this upcoming season.
Q: “Hey Christian, I appreciate you taking some time to talk to the Beef Up Front. Throughout these interviews we have been conducting recently, the first question I have been asking guys is what they have been doing throughout quarantine to prepare for the upcoming season. Can you dive into what you have been doing?”
A: "Hey, thanks for having me, during this pandemic I've been spending most of my time in quarantine with my family and doing in-home workouts with my little brother just trying to maintain my physical fitness."
Q: “Being a Philly kid, can you describe what playing for Neumann Goretti was like, and then what the Philly basketball scene is like?”
A: "Being from Philadelphia it's a different animal the atmosphere is like none other and playing for a national powerhouse such as Neumann-Goretti makes it even more special because it places a target on your back for surrounding schools in the city to give you their best every time you cross paths with them."
Q: “What led you to choosing Rider University?”
A: "It was a family environment that I saw as a second home for me and my family."
Q: “Coach Baggett has made it a real point of emphasis to recruit the surrounding Philadelphia area for your squad. Can you explain what that is like to be able to have so many familiar faces on the team, and how you feel that recruiting that area well makes for improving the roster?”
A: "It's always a great thing to go into an unfamiliar environment and see familiar faces. I feel by doing that it makes the chemistry part of making a team a step easier because we all have so much in common while all being so different."
Q: “As a freshman you got pretty substantial playing time averaging a little over eighteen minutes per game. Can you describe what that experience was like, and how you will use it to your advantage going forward?”
A: "I feel as though it puts me a step ahead of most players in my grade. Being thrown into the fire like I was helped forge me into the battle tested player that I am now, which is a step that most players in my grade will start to get in their sophomore season."
Q: “The MAAC is always a very competitive league. But, this offseason Iona hired legendary coach Rick Pitinio which will make the league even tougher. Can you explain what you think the impact of that hire could do for the conference?”
A: "I feel like it will boost our conference as it will attract a lot more big name players, who would jump at the opportunity to play under the legendary coaching of Rick Pitinio at Iona University."
Q:” With a lot of returning players to the rotation this upcoming season, what can fans expect from Rider basketball this year?”
A: "This year is going to be a highlight year with plenty of excitement, and you just have to come to THE ZOO and see for yourselves."
Q: “If somebody never watched you play basketball before, how would you describe your playing style?”
A: "Aggressive, Passionate and High-Flying."
Q:”Allen Powell, another Philadelphia native was a freshman this past season with you as well too. Do you feel like going forward that the both of you could be the future backcourt duo for the Broncos?”
A: "Yes I do believe so, I’ve known Allen since the 7th grade when we both played at St. Raymond's of Penafort in middle school, so our chemistry is long practiced and us two out on the court will be a spectacle to watch."
Q:”During your freshman year, you only shot 31% from downtown. With the three point shot being more important now, then ever, how do you feel like your shot has improved since the season ended, and what can you do to make yourself more of a knockdown shooter?”
A: "My shot has improved greatly since the end of the season and the COVID-19 outbreak working outside and the occasional gym has upgraded my shot exponentially. As long as I keep working on it and getting my reps in I believe that the sky's the limit for my 3-point shooting ability."
Q:”What does Rider need to do this year to make it to the NCAA Tournament?”
A: "We need to all come together, block out the outside noise and stay together as a unit and make things happen as one. We all need to move as one on one accord and as one unit."
Q:”Last question here Christian, thanks again for your time. Stevie Jordan Jr, one of the best guards in Rider history graduates and leaves a void in the backcourt. What did Stevie teach you throughout your freshman year, and do you feel as if you are prepared to take over his role?”
A: "He taught me how to read defenses, play in space, and control your team. I feel as if I am fully capable, willing and able to take on his roles and take the reigns of Rider Basketball, and steer them into a winning direction."
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