|
Chat Reel: Will Solomon
Instant-offense Clemson guard focused on team goals
Posted: Tuesday October 24, 2000 5:26 PM
Updated: Tuesday October 24, 2000 5:26 PM
| |
Will Solomon's positive attitude and great play will help Clemson in their efforts to get to the top of the ACC. Craig Jones/Allsport |
College basketball needs more people like Will Solomon.
A first-team All-ACC selection last year, Solomon led the conference in scoring at 20.9 points a game. He was the first Clemson sophomore to make the all-conference team in 30 years and the first of any class to make the list in a decade.
But you'll never hear him brag about it.
"I'm not looking for anything individually," said Solomon, who spent time chatting with CNNSI.com users on Tuesday, Oct. 24. "I am more interested in team goals, like the making NCAA tournament."
Continue reading for a transcript of the chat session.
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's college basketball chat with Will Solomon. Welcome, Will. Thanks for spending some time with us.
Will Solomon: I appreciate it. I love to be on-line with you guys. And I appreciate the opportunity for me to talk to the fans as well.
From Tony in Clemson, S.C.: How do you feel about the supporting cast this year compared to last year's team?
Will Solomon: Well, I think we have a bunch of guys that can do a bunch of things. The freshman class, as a whole, can do a lot of things with the ball. They can put it in the hole. They can score. Last year's returning guys were injured, but now we are ready to get started.
From Brian Carroll in Burlington, N.C.: Do you feel that the preseason pick for Clemson to finish seventh in the ACC is accurate?
Will Solomon: Well, as I see it right now, I think the ACC is up for grabs. I don't think there is a powerhouse like Duke in past years, when they had Grant Hill and Cherokee Parks. I basically think right now the ACC is wide open.
From robcorcoran: What is your role in the locker room?
Will Solomon: I want to be a leader and lead the team to something good. The NCAA tournament, perhaps. I want the guys to get fired up and play hard every game.
From Michael Andrews in Aiken, S.C.: Who is the hardest person to defend in college basketball? Also, who plays the best defense on you?
Will Solomon: The hardest one to defend was Duke's Chris Carrawell, because he has a few inches on me and runs me off screens and he curls real well. Duke makes it very hard on you. It is hard to get there when you have been dodging the curl. Plus, he knows how to read the defender. As far as defense against me, last year Maryland played the best defense on me both times.
From Greg in Columbia, S.C.: What do you think about Dwon Clifton? Is he going to start? Or will he play a lot of minutes this year?
Will Solomon: Right now, I can't say who will start or who won't start, because they are competing and playing well right now. One of the best freshmen I have seen is Tony Stockman. That's what I've seen in practice so far.
From Brad Rogers in Hendersonville, N.C.: First, congratulations on an amazing season last year. It was good to see how your hard work in the off-season paid off on the court. Now that coach Larry Shyatt has had two full years to recruit, it is apparent that we will be much more athletic than in years past. Can you comment on how the athleticism will be reflected in our style of play?
Will Solomon: First, I want to say "Thanks" for thinking about me that way and saying what you saw. I think coach Shyatt will get it done here because we have had a tremendous recruiting class that came in this year, with Dwon Clifton, Chris Hobbs, Tony Stockman and junior college transfer Jamar McKnight.
From josh: Where is your favorite place to play in the ACC, other than at home?
Will Solomon: I would have to say Duke. I love the fans there. They always are in the game and that's what I like, excitement!
From Gumbo5000 in Manchester, Conn.: Watching you grow from grade school, through middle school and through High School (even though you transferred because Kinel was frontin' on the playing time) I knew from day one you were going to make it. My main question is how far do you think you can carry these Clemson Tigers on your shoulders?
Will Solomon: (Laughs at the "playing time" comment.) I'm trying to do something that has never happened in Clemson's history. I am trying to win the championship -- like everyone else. With Coach Shyatte's recruiting and with me, I think we can do it. We can get it done here.
> From Jamey Watson in Dillon, S.C.: I am a die-hard Clemson fan for any sport. I am not going to ask if you think y'all will win a national championship, but do you think you'll make a Sweet 16 appearance?
Will Solomon: Well, this year, we have a shot at making the Sweet 16 -- maybe even further than that. We are young. We need guys who are willing to play hard and do anything for Clemson.
> From Kevin in Cumming, Ga.: After a breakout 1999-2000 season, what do you hope to accomplish this year on an individual level and on a team level?
Will Solomon: Basically, I am not looking for anything individually. I am more interested in team goals, like the making NCAA tournament. If any individual compliments come, I'll just take them with honor and appreciate them with joy.
From J: Will, I was wondering if your tattoos have any type of special meaning?
Will Solomon: Not really. They just mean stuff to me. Like my name and things.
From tsenn: Do you think you can repeat as the ACC's scoring leader?
Will Solomon: I think I can, but that's not what I really want to do. I really want to come out playing team basketball and I want to win. Basically that is what it is: I want to win.
From Rick: Do you think the football overshadows the basketball team?
Will Solomon: By far. By far, I think so. It makes me mad sometimes, but I have to support them. This is the school I am at and I wish them well, and I hope they wish us well. I just wish we got a little more recognition, though. You can tell by being here that there is a lot of tradition for football. But we can catch up, and we have caught up a lot.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Clemson junior guard Will Solomon. Thanks again for your time, Will. Good luck this season.
Will Solomon: Thanks a lot.. appreciate you for having me!
|
Copyright © 2001
CNN/Sports Illustrated
An AOL Time Warner Company.
All Rights Reserved.
|
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines.
|
| 
