The Exponent Online


03/04/02	Previous Edition 3/1

Freshman works to improve basketball shots

Tim Orendorff/Senior Photographer

OLD GOLD RUSH: Freshman Matt Carroll runs the floor against Illinois Feb. 9. Carroll has been practicing extra hours, trying to improve aspects of his game this season.

By Greg Conner
Staff Writer

Matt Carroll said he is not happy with how he has been shooting the basketball this season, so he is fixing the problem.

Carroll, a 6-foot-8 freshman forward, has become a common after-hours sight at Mackey Arena.

"I was struggling early on with (my shot)," said Carroll, who is averaging 1.5 points in 9.1 minutes of play. "But the way to get better with anything is to come in and put extra work into it. So, I have been working out with the coaches and coming in between classes, and working before and after practice."

Carroll’s hard work and commitment to improve have not gone unnoticed this season. Purdue junior Willie Deane said Carroll’s extra efforts are encouraging to the rest of the team.

"(Carroll) has come a long way since the beginning of the season," said Deane, who leads the Big Ten in scoring. "It’s been tough for him to get his confidence because it’s hard to play well when you have limited minutes. But Matt is one of our hardest workers, and I know his work is going to eventually pay off."

While Carroll said his shooting woes have been hard to cope with this season, he also said adapting to Big Ten basketball has been even more challenging.

"It’s been really hard at times," said Carroll, who is from Aurora, Co. "Not only from a physical standpoint, but from a mental one too. Just learning how to play with guys that are as good as you, as quick, as big and bigger — it’s been an adjustment."

Carroll was named MVP of his high school basketball team both his junior and senior seasons, and came to Purdue rated by several scouting services as one of the nation’s top-100 players.

"At that level, you’re the best player on your team and everyone looks to you, and right now you’re at the bottom of the totem pole, so to say," said Carroll. "It’s just a different level … that’s what makes it so hard, and that’s what makes it fun."

Purdue coach Gene Keady said that Carroll is one of those players that is easy to coach because he wants to learn what you teach him.

"He is a great student, both on the court and in the classroom," said Keady. "He’s learning and understanding what the offense is all about, and I think he is really starting to become a good role player. He’s really just a great kid to work with."

Another challenge that has not been easy to overcome, Carroll said, has been balancing athletics and academics.

"That’s something that is tough, especially when the Big Ten starts because you are traveling so much," said Carroll, who was a National Honor Society member in high school and is majoring in management. "After practice, I try to find a couple of hours to do homework and try and buckle down. Its tough, but you definitely learn how to manage time."

Time is something Carroll says he wishes he had more of, but in his free time he likes to relax with friends.

"To tell you the truth, lately I just like to do something as simple as watch TV," said Carroll. "I like to go to movies a lot; it kind of takes my mind off things."

One thing Carroll would like to take his mind off is the way his team has played this season.

"I think that from a mental standpoint I have grown up a lot, especially with all the adversity we have had to face," said Carroll. "I feel that is going to help me out a lot in the future. I’m pleased with where I am, but I’m still learning every day, and working hard.

"(This season) kind of leaves an unsettledness inside. I think that there is definitely a hunger for next season and seasons to come, and to prove that this was just a fluke of a year. In the future we want to bring this program back to the dynasty it once was."

One aspect of the Boilermaker program Carroll really likes is the "open-door" policy the Purdue coaching staff maintains.

"It’s kind of neat … if you are having a problem or even a bad day, they are always there to talk to," said Carroll. "I try to go in and talk to some of the assistants as much as I can, and even coach Keady. A couple of times if I was having a rough time or if I had a rough game, I would go in and they would say, ‘hey, you’re doing fine, you’re doing OK, just hang in there.’"

All the extra work and dedication seems to be paying off because Carroll is quickly receiving more playing time and the respect of those around him.

"I’m not surprised (to see Carroll come so far)," said Smith. "He was a good player when he first came here. He is tall, he has a nice body, he can run, and he is a smart kid. Those are pretty good attributes for a basketball player."

Though Keady would like to see Carroll develop into a "3 man," Carroll just wants to do whatever he can to help the Boilermakers regain their winning tradition.

"I’m just hoping to be able to contribute in whatever ways I can," said Carroll. "Whatever coach wants me to do and be, that’s that what I’m going to try and become."

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