Peters interview: Recruiting Wiley, Terps To Big Ten

Thanks to class of 2013 point guard Roddy Peters (Maryland) for doing the interview with us. We talked to the Maryland product about the Terps moving to the Big Ten, DC Assault and future Maryland teammate Damonte Dodd, recruiting one of his friends, his Madden skills and much more.

Why did you choose Maryland? How does it feel to be signed now?

Because it was the best fit for me and I always wanted to go to Maryland when I was a kid growing up. I like the coaching staff and have a good relationship with everyone so everything kind of just fell in place. It feels really good to be signed and have everything over with. I enjoyed the process.

Why did you commit at the time that you did?

I knew I was going to commit probably before the school season or the beginning of the school year, I just didn’t know when. It just felt like the right time when I picked them.

What was your favorite part of the recruiting process?

It would have to be visits, everybody calling you and wanting to know who you are but then it started to get hectic.

What was your least favorite part of the recruiting process?

Not really having enough free time to yourself. They’re always calling everyday and calling at the wrong times.

What do you like about Maryland that isn’t basketball related?

Well I always liked the school, period, that’s one of the main reasons I picked it is because I’m from there.

What do you think of Maryland moving to the Big Ten?

I think it’s going to help us because now we’ll have a better chance of getting into the tournament. I think it will help us overall and make us a lot better team. I like the Big Ten conference too.

Since you were teammates with him, what’s your impression of Damonte’s game?

I like the way he plays. He blocks shots, rebounds and does everything I need in a big man. On the pick-and-roll, I know I can throw the ball around the rim and he’ll go get it; that’s what we did on the AAU team. We’ll do well together.

Are you recruiting anyone to join you at Maryland?

I’m close friends with [class of 2014 small forward] Dion Wiley so I’m trying to get him to commit. I’m telling him to come to Maryland and be a part of the team. We want all of the local kids to come in. I’m first, hopefully he’s second. I think I have a good chance of getting him. I don’t know how far he is into recruiting, I just know I’ve been talking to him about it and think I have a good chance.

How do you think Maryland will do this year?

I think they’re going to have a real good year. They’re going to do really good in ACC play and have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament.

What are you looking forward to at Maryland?

I’m just looking forward to having a good career and playing basketball. I’m not really looking for a lot. I just want to win and win a National Championship. That’s all I really want because everything else will fall in place.

Are there any players in particular you look forward to playing with at Maryland?

There aren’t any players in particular; I look forward to playing with the whole team. I’ve met all the guys and are cool with them so I feel really good.

Are there any guys or teams you look forward to playing against?

North Carolina and [class of 2013 point guard] Nate Britt. He’ll be there so I want to play against them. Syracuse too because they were my favorite college basketball team growing up also.

What was the coolest part of the recruiting process for you?

Just being in the atmosphere of everyone knowing who you are and everyone on campus being around you because they know you’re a recruit or you’re highly ranked.

What are you trying to improve on before you get to Maryland?

My jump shot, that’s really what I’m working on. If I can get my jump shot right, I think I can take my game to the next level. I want to do better off the dribble, off screens, pull ups, all of that.

What’s one thing people probably don’t know about you?

I’m really good at video games. I’m real good at Madden, I’ve never lost. I use the Eagles, I like the Redskins too but on the video game I like to use Michael Vick.

What’s one thing you’d change about the recruiting process?

It’d probably be the school part. I think the weighted scale and the SAT is a hard part. I think you should just be able to go to school and try to get an education and not worry about that.

Tags: Damonte Dodd, Dio WIley, Maryland, Michael Vick, Nate Britt, Roddy Peters