CBS SportsLine
Chat Transcript
June 17, 1998

Bryce Drew dropped by CBS SportsLine's chat room June 17 to talk to fans about entering the NBA Draft. The point guard shared his thoughts on this year's NCAA Tournament and Valparaiso's first ever Sweet 16 appearance.

Find out what Corey had to say in the full transcript of his chat below.

Question: Drew, do you shoot better with someone guarding you or wide open? Everyone down here in SA, can't shoot when they are open.

Bryce Drew: Definitely with someone guarding me. I concentrate more.

Question: Bryce, what do you think the success of you and Valpo did for your stock in the draft?

Bryce Drew: I think it has helped pull me up in numbers in the draft.

Question: Who do you want to play for the most?

Bryce Drew: As a Midwesterner, I'm biased to the Bulls and the Pacers, but I will be happy with any team that takes me.

Question: What is it like playing for your dad as a coach? Any drawbacks?

Bryce Drew: It's really fun playing for my dad. There are more advantages than disadvantages.

Question: Any thoughts on going to the Pacers and falling into the same obscurity as Damon Bailey?

Bryce Drew: Actually, I'm a Damon Bailey fan, and I think he's a terrific player. Being a point guard means hopefully that I can help right out of college.

Question: Bryce, do you see yourself mostly running the point in the pros or are you looking at playing more at the two-guard position?

Bryce Drew: Being 6'3", I think I have to master the point. I've worked hard at handling the ball better and creating more off the dribble.

Question: If your dad was not a coach, would you have gone to a major college program with more exposure?

Bryce Drew: If my dad weren't coaching, I probably would have gone to Notre Dame. I really like Coach MacLeod and that university.

Question: Compare yourself to an established guard.

Bryce Drew: As far as current players go, I think I'm mostly like Steve Nash.

Question: What is the toughest college arena that you've played in?

Bryce Drew: The toughest arena was probably Central Connecticut State. It was cold, there were no fans, and lots of dead spots on the floor.

Question: What is your guess at your upcoming draft position?

Bryce Drew: I have no idea about draft position. I've talked to a lot of teams and won't believe anything until I'm drafted.

Question: Who is the toughest player you have faced?

Bryce Drew: The toughest player I ever faced was Antoine Walker.

Question: Bryce, did you or do you have any idols in the NBA?

Bryce Drew: My NBA favorites are Mark Price and Steve Nash. Mark was my hero when I was growing up. He's a great player and a Christian man.

Question: You have proven that you are a great shooter, but do you consider yourself "pass first, shoot second" point guard?

Bryce Drew: I'll do whatever the situation calls for. If someone else is open, I'll pass it.

Question: What do you think of Mike Bibby? Is he deserving of the first overall selection?

Bryce Drew: I've never played against Mike Bibby, but I've seen him on TV and he is fantastic. With his credentials and taking his team all the way he'd be a worthy number one pick.

Question: We asked this question to both Cory Carr and Michael Dickerson last night on this chat. What are your thoughts on high school players going straight to the NBA?

Bryce Drew: As far as high school guys going straight in, I think college is a great time to grow and mature. I wouldn't trade my college years for anything, but I know other pople are in other situations.

Question: What do you expect to be the biggest challenge for you in the NBA?

Bryce Drew: I would say my biggest challenge will be 82 physical games after 30 games of college. The daily beating on my body will be the biggest adjustment.

Question: Do you think your game is similar to that of Hornacek?

Bryce Drew: I'm more of a point guard than Hornacek.

Question: What team will take over in the Mid-Con with your departure?

Bryce Drew: Valparaiso!!! We have seven new guys coming in, but some good ones returning. We'll surprise some people.

Question: Are you doing any special physical preperation for the NBA?

Bryce Drew: Yes. I'm still doing weight work with the team, plus speed drills and just staying sharp physically.

Question: Bryce, as a coach's son, do you have any aspirations of getting into the field yourself (after your playing career is over)?

Bryce Drew: I think I might want to coach because I've been around it all my life, but I'm considering business, too, after I'm done playing.

Question: Where did you grow up and what is your favorite NBA team?

Bryce Drew: I was born in Baton Rouge, but basically grew up in Indiana. My favorite team is the Bulls.

Question: Can you dunk the ball?

Bryce Drew: Yes, on a good day I can dunk!

Question: What do you think of Jason Williams of Florida, Bonzi Wells of Ball State, or Larry Hughes of Saint Louis?

Bryce Drew: All those guys are great guys and will be great players in the NBA.

Question: I was at Grant Park yesterday. It was a great celebration. Do you ever picture yourself at the podium getting a ring?

Bryce Drew: That's definitely one of my goals going into the NBA, to win a championship.