One-on-one with Brandon Rohe

As the 9-7 Santa Clara men's basketball squad concludes their eight-game homestand this weekend against Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount, sophomore guard Brandon Rohe has been a key figure in the heralded Broncos backcourt. The sharpshooting second-year player took some time out between practices and class Tuesday to sit down with Sports Editor Brian Betz. The two discussed everything from the team's health, to the transition into his sophomore campaign, and even his past competition against LeBron James.

BB: So how's the season going so far for ya?

BR: So far, so good. I don't know exactly what our record is, I think we're like 10-7, 10-8, something like that. But we're doing alright, we're coming together as a team.

BB: How so?

BR: Just working hard. There were a lot of injuries last year, nagging injuries.

BB: Yeah, because last year it kind of looked like you and some of the other guys got tired down the stretch because of those injuries. How has it helped you having more guys healthy this year?

BR: Everyone has fresh legs. You're supposed to play as hard as you can every time you go out there right?

BB: Well, I would hope so.

BR: Yeah, just cause we've got like Doron [Perkins] who's came in and played this year, and Ethan's [Rohde] been playing well this year. And Kyle [Bailey].

BB: How are you feeling healthwise?

BR: I had a bulging disc at the beginning of the year but it's all better now.

BB: You mentioned the record situation. Are you guys satisfied with your record right now?

BR: Well, not really but we're in league now and you can't really think about the preseason, you know? League's huge.

BB: Yeah, cause some of those losses were close. Like Villanova I know was a close loss. Same with Mississippi State. Do you feel you should've won some of those games?

BR: Yeah, Villanova we could've beat. That Hawaii tournament was kind of disappointing for us. But with BYU, we lost a close game too and they're a pretty good team. So far it seems like we've played to our competition. Like Eastern Washington, they're a pretty good team, they've beaten us twice. We didn't feel we played our best against them.

BB: Was it easy to get distracted over in Hawaii?

BR: Um, not really. We're kind of on a close watch. Not a bunch of free time.

BB: What time was your curfew?

BR: Like 11 p.m.

BB: I can't imagine a better place to go for a tournament. But, what's different for you having one collegiate season under your belt?

BR: Playing with our new players and knowing coach's system a little bit more. I have a better relationship with all the coaches and can talk to them more about playing and what I'm doing wrong. And understanding what they want and all that.

BB: Is there anything specific that you didn't feel comfortable talking to the coaches about last year that you would talk to them about this year?

BR: I just think as a freshman you're a little apprehensive to talk to them. You're a young kid, in your first year. But now you know what they expect and you can ask them if you're not playing or they're getting on you, why that is.

BB: I was at last Friday's game, and Travis Niesen had a big game [10 points, 10 rebounds]. Will he have to continue playing well to give you guys the needed post-presence to contend with Gonzaga?

BR: Oh yeah, Travis [Niesen] played really well last week. But yeah, we definitely need the inside presence as much as the outside presence.

BB: What have you guys been working on to prepare for Pepperdine?

BR: We've been trying to simulate their athleticism. But it's kind of hard because we don't have their athletes. Our coaches say they're like an NBA team, or as close as we'll get. Their style is.

BB: Who do you like to win the Super Bowl this year?

BR: Ha, ha. I don't know. Cause the Niners have been out for a while and the Packers just lost last week. I haven't been paying much attention to it.

BB: Should Pete Rose be in the Hall of Fame?

BR: Yeah, I think he should. Just because it doesn't take away what he did as a player. He should be in the Hall of Fame as a player, not as a coach, ya know?

BB: That's true. But should he be able to manage again?

BR: No, I don't think so. He already messed up one time.

BB: So, you played against LeBron [James]. What was that situation?

BR: It was ABCD camp, a lot of the big players go there.

BB: Did you ever have to guard him?

BR: No, never happened. Different positions, thank God.