One on one with Curtis Bobb
By Jason Turner, sports writer
Utah Statesman: How does it feel to be named Big West Conference player of the week?
Curtis Bobb: It feels real good to be named player of the week, but I wouldn’t have gotten that award if it wasn’t for my teammates coming out and performing like we did the last two or three games. I’m thankful I got that reward, but now I have to put it behind me and go on to the next ball games.
US: When you first arrived at USU from the College of Southern Idaho, could you have possibly envisioned the team being this successful?
CB: I knew we were going to be good, but with eight new guys coming in, I didn’t think we would be this good. I thought we would struggle a little bit my junior year, and then my senior year I thought we would really come out and make some progress. Now that I look at it I’m not really shocked because we all contributed as a team and got better and better every day we practiced.
US: What area of your game do you feel has improved the most?
CB: I think rebounding and shooting the ball. Last year I think I averaged one and a half, maybe two rebounds a game, if that. This year I’m averaging like six and a half rebounds a game during league action. My defense has really improved a lot and I’m getting better trying not to reach in so much.
US: In your opinion, what play deflates an opponent the most, such as a steal, a blocked shot, or a trey in someone’s face?
CB: I think a blocked shot is, because a blocked shot is like telling your opponent, ‘If you come in here, you’re not getting anything; you’re going to have to settle for an outside jump shot.’ So, I think the blocked shot is more intimidating than hitting a jump shot in somebody’s face.
US: Which opposing arena do you consider the most challenging and why?
CB: It’s kind of hard to say because we didn’t play at Pacific, didn’t play at Irvine last year. I would probably have to say Boise State, because Boise State had a nice arena and had fans who were up on their feet and cheering and making noise. In the (Big West) Tournament last year against (Nevada) Reno. Reno had a good crowd and they gave us problems. So, I’d have to say Reno and Boise.
US: Is there someone outside of basketball that you try to emulate?
CB: My grandma. She’s a great person. She raised me and a couple of other people in my family. She’s always been there. She’s an honest, hardworking, independent women and a lot of people come to her for advice. My grandma has kind of been my role model.
US: Do you have a nickname, and if so, how did you get it?
CB: Well, everybody calls me C-Bo. Not too many people call me Curtis anymore. Last year it was like, ‘Curtis, Curtis, Curtis,’ but as the year progressed, people started calling me C-Bo.
US: What other sports do you enjoy?
CB: Football, of course, I like playing because I played it in high school. It was fun to play when school first started because it was in the fall. Summer was just getting over, so it wasn’t too hot and I didn’t have to deal with the cold days. I also like going to the driving range.
US: Where would you like to go on vacation?
CB: I would love to go to Jamaica. They’ve got great water over there. I heard they have great food. I would just love to go over there and spend four or five days and just relax and enjoy the sun and the nice weather.
US: Do you consider yourself a ladies’ man?
CB: Oh my goodness! (Laughing). Next question … I’ll get in trouble tomorrow … I don’t really consider … Naw, I ain’t even going there. I’m not going to answer that question.