I sat down with basketball captain Clive Weeden '11 to talk Dartmouth hoops and discuss the formation of the real dream team. Weeden led the team in the win against Colgate University this weekend with 14 points and 12 boards.
You guys are coming off a win against Colgate to bring your record to 2-4 on the season. How important was that game for the team?
CW: Yeah, we've been playing well and working hard in practice so it was good to have that pay off with a win.
How do you feel the season has gone thus far?
CW: I'm very happy with the wins that we have, but also disappointed with some of our losses because we should have been at least in it at the end with a chance to win.
How has it been playing with so many different head coaches the past few seasons?
CW: Interesting to say the least. All three coaches had extremely different coaching styles so we've had to adjust.
You, along with a few other players on the team, went to basketball factory Northfield Mount Hermon in Massachusetts for high school, right? Do you guys form a posse together or have some special plays you run?
CW: I don't even really like them to be honest.
Would you believe me if I told you I played against Northfield Mount Hermon in basketball during high school?
CW: Why wouldn't I believe you? You seem like a trustworthy guy.
Would you believe me if I told you I had a double-double and six steals?
CW: See my previous answer.
I appreciate your faith in me. And I won't confirm or deny it. Moving on though, I've heard that you're known as the "Beast from the East"? Why do they call you this?
CW: I'm from Massachusetts and I have a tattoo of "beast" across my lower back.
What's the key for your guys' success on the floor this year?
CW: When we lose, we normally score less than our opponents, so I think the place to start would be good hydration.
Interesting, you can never underestimate the importance of H2O. What kind of style do you hope to play?
CW: Run and gun.
Because of your rigorous schedule, I know you guys have to stick around campus for Thanksgiving and only have a few days off during Winter break. How does that make the season more difficult? How does it bring your team together?
CW: Have you seen Hanover in the winter? Let's just say it's not ideal. Because of the cold, we are forced to share body heat crossing campus and it just sucks being paired with [Kirk] Crecco ['12].
Which part of the season is more grueling, the first half or ending with the Ivy League schedule?
CW: Well we aim to not end with the Ivy League schedule but rather the NCAA tournament. Thanks for having confidence in us
No problem. Is Cornell beatable this year?
CW: If by beatable you mean able to beat then yes yes they are.
That's exactly what I meant. Which Ivy League team do you like to beat the most?
CW: Penn. There's just something about them I cannot stand.
Hypothetical: you are LeBron James making "The Decision" this past summer. How would you go about it and where do you end up?
CW: First off, it's not hypothetical. I AM the next LeBron James. I will save my talents solely for the TDX intramural team.
What does that say about you as a person/player?
CW: That I'm a swell guy in tune with his inner self.
Another hypothetical: if the Heat started LeBron, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, you and me, could we contend for the title? I'll have you know that I'm an excellent distributor who shouldn't be left open from three. If not, how many games would we win?
CW: I think if I were player-coach we would have a shot. I have some plays up my sleeve to show off that excellent outside game you got. But let's be honest, either way, they aren't the Celtics.