Brandon Ingram Discussion: He Is Who We Thought He Could Be

On why he thinks he can be a leader here as a rookie:

"Be vocal and guys will follow my lead."

 

He's not opposed to coming off the bench behind Deng. I'm opposed to it though.

 

- Said he wants to start, but will understand if Luol starts ahead of him. He'll do what the coaches ask, but of course he'd rather start.
- Likes Luke and likes the conversations they've had.
- His life has changed a lot since he was drafted. Talks about people who come up and try to latch on to him, but sticks with his family.
- He's been talking to Russell and the other guys a lot. Trying to build chemistry.
- Talking to a lot of guys around the league, including Stackhouse (his mentor).
- He expects to work hard, his game will show himself. Be coachable. Never miss a day, never take a day off. Make the best impact he can.
--- I missed some stuff doing actual work----
- It's his (and Zubac's dream) come true. They both are eager to prove themselves.
- Knew it was Kobe's locker he took. Mitch reminded him. He said he liked the added pressure. (he's really well spoken) Zubac says Ingram is welcome to the pressure, he's not jealous.
- What he learned from Coach K on leadership: "lead two ways- vocally and through your game"; said he didn't talk enough in college and wants to change that as a pro.
- Got to know someone is always watching, he wants to always do the right thing on and off the court.
- Zubac said his whole town was excited about his draft to the Lakers and there were fireworks and celebrations.
- Brandon wanted #13, but it wasn't there. Went with #14 because it was closest. He said he won 4 state champs and the goal was 1 college champ. Same mindset now.
- He said rebuilding is a process (sound familiar?)
- He won't try to be Kobe Bryant, he'll do what he does well.
- on his best advice for the NBA: "you're always becoming, you've never arrived"; a quote from JJ Reddick and Coach K. Zubac says his advice was to always work hard, he earned everything he's gotten so he's continuing that.
- Hasn't found a place yet, but will find one after SL with his brother Bo Ingram.
- Zubac's cousin was playing for the Nets told him to enjoy his time and work hard. He and his cousin were next door neighbors and somehow both made it to the NBA.
- Ingram wants to compete each and every night. Saw a lot of good things, but knows everyone will fight every day on this team.
- On Kinston: Ingram says the town brings a lot of athletes, but there's a ton of athletes that nobody knows because of the streets.
- On how his game evolved as he grew: "I just got taller"; he's always been a guard, but he continued growing. He tries to attack each position.
- His size allows him to see over defenders, deflect passes, drive past slower players.
- On KD comparisons: He appreciates it, but it seemed like he shrugged it off a little.
- neither have signed their deals yet.
- They met Jim Buss right after the presser who congratulated them on the draft.

Incidentally they're both represented by the same agency.

 

So glad he'll be number 14. Sleepy eyed Ingram, just like #14 sleepy eyed Sam Perkins! Both can knock down the three.

 

He comes across wonderfully and like a dream to coach. He's got that grounded confidence that is rare in a teenager and I believe him when he says he's going to be a leader. If his game is as impressive as his interviews, he's going to start and there's nothing Deng can do about it. Wow.

Personality-wise he reminded me most of probably Randle. Confident, reserved, and focused. He's got a perfect temperament for what we need out of him. Russell and Clarkson may be the fiery ones who drive the ship, but Ingram will keep them headed in the right direction. I'm sure of it.

 

Agreed, loved listening to this young man. He's going to be our best player - maybe not next year, maybe even not the following year. But soon he will be.

 

Bresnahan thinks Deng will start over Ingram for his entire rookie year and maybe partly into next season too. Nah brah.

 

I can't stand Bresnahan for the record. Hated him as our beat writer and not happy about him being on TWC. He's not basketball savvy and he thinks he is. Always came across as a Kobe hater and an overall jerk.

 

^^ He's just always rubbed me wrong. He's smug and always seemed to kick the Lakers when they were down. I have no idea how he has a job. He isn't bright when it comes to basketball and he's not much of a writer either. Just look at what he's saying already. He's kind of a fool.