After committing to play at Rider University out of high school, Xzavier Malone-Key wound up transferring to FDU after his freshman season. After his transfer, Malone-Key has been an integral part of his teams success which includes a run to the NCAA tournament. The 6'5 uber athletic guard has big plans for his upcoming senior year, and dives into those thoughts, as well as his professional potential in my interview with him here.
Q: "Thanks for taking the time Xzavier to do this interview. How have you been doing in terms of working out and staying in shape with being off campus, and gyms being shut down to the Covid-19?"
A: "A lot of conditioning and the things I’ve been taught by my trainers, and just instilling those workouts into my own personal regimen for myself."
Q: "Coming out of Plymouth Whitemarsh, you were one of the better players from the Philadelphia area when you were a junior and senior. Who was the best player though that you went up against as a high school player?"
A: "Deandre Hunter"
Q: "Coming out of high school, you committed to play at Rider University. After your freshman year though you transferred. What was the reasoning behind that and why don’t you think it worked out at Rider for you?"
A: "Nothing against those guys, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me. Being as I was so young and eager, “trusting the process” didn’t sit right with my mind."
Q: "Upon transferring from Rider, you chose to play at FDU. Can you explain what led you to choosing FDU after entering the transfer portal?"
A: "They were the first school to ever offer me, and they showed me so much love even when I committed to Rider initially. When I went on a visit in high school it felt like a great vibe, coach Greg Herenda put me on his radio show with an ESPN analyst just to talk hoops and it was pretty dope just being a 17,18 year old kid at the time. So, once I transferred they were the first ones in contact which showed a sign of loyalty, and they really wanted me for me."
Q: "Your first year at FDU was a historic year for the program. The team won the regular season and conference championship, leading to an NCAA Tournament berth. Can you explain what that was like as a first year player at a new school and what it meant for the program?"
A: "It was an unbelievable year for me personally, averaging double digits after sitting out a whole year doesn’t happen too much for any college player. So, to come out the way I did was amazing, and clearly helped my team tremendously. It wasn’t the first ride for FDU as far as making the tourney, but it was another milestone added to the legacy & I’m proud to say that I was a major key in that happening."
Q: "Coach Herenda just finished his seventh season at FDU. He has led the team to the NCAA tournament twice which is a big accomplishment for any small school. Can you explain what it is like playing for Coach Herrenda, and why you feel like he is an NCAA Tournament caliber coach?"
A: "He pushes guys to their limits, and loves guys who can just flat out go out & ball. That’s right up my alley. I believe that’s why I have been so successful during my time here, improving year by year."
Q: "In your two years at FDU you have averaged thirty minutes a game. Going into your senior year what do you see as your role for the team, and what have you been focusing on in terms of your development to lead the Devil's back to the NCAA Tournament again? "
A: "Being more of a vocal leader, getting my guys to get on the same page as me, especially the younger guys who don’t know what it takes to win at this level. Also, sharpening up my point guard skills as far as IQ goes and being more comfortable because I have merely played around with running the point sometimes for my team when need be, alongside with my point guard Jahlil Jenkins. At the next level I have to be able to run some point guard because it will boost my stock with my size and athleticism with my ability to defend."
Q: "Being a 6’5 guard with elite athleticism, having the ability to shoot the ball from beyond the arc (35% average in two seasons), and the capability of guarding multiple positions you fit perfectly in the style of play for modern basketball. How do you feel like you project to the next level whether it is overseas, in the G League, or the NBA?"
A: "I feel like my game will translate to the NBA mostly, with my ability to score the ball and defend, with my athleticism being a catalyst. Obviously I have to get stronger & gain some weight, which will not only allow me to take those bumps but will make me that much better of a prospect and have better endurance while allowing me to play defense on a higher level."
Q: "Can you explain what it is like playing in the Northeast Conference, and the level of competition of the teams you play against on a weekly basis? "
A: "Every night is a hit or miss. You can win or lose on any given night if not prepared, and it’s grown to be a competitive league over the years, as we give bigger conference's a little bit of trouble with our grittiness and will to never back down."
Q: "Last question here for you Xzavier. In your two years at FDU you have averaged 11.8 points per game. What do you expect those numbers to jump to as a senior, and what are some of your goals for your final season of college basketball? Thanks for taking the time to talk to us at the Beef Up Front, and stay safe!"
A: "I expect them to jump to that 15-20 points per game range as it would definitely help me moving forward. My main goal for this upcoming season is winning another championship and getting back to the NCAA tournament."
Comments