By Christian Mordi (@Mordi_TheComeUp on Twitter, @AskChrisMordi on IG)
A Swiss army knife is a valuable and versatile tool to have in your arsenal. It may not be flashy, but it sure is powerful. While many people overlook the weapon, it can be used at any moment and save you in countless situations.
In regards to Gil St. Bernards, Paul Mulcahy is their Swiss Army Knife. Like the Knife, Paul isn’t the flashiest during lay-up lines and warm up drills, but once the ball in is the air, his dynamic skill set is unleashed.
Paul (or as I like to call him, “Do it all Paul”) is one of the most electric players in New Jersey. He is a tenacious rebounder, great shooter, willing passer and strong defender. While he may not have the greatest vertical in the state, Paul is one of the most creative finishers in the state (if you think i'm joking, checkout his jelly-fam inspired finished this weekend at the New Year's Jumpoff.)
Recently we sat down with Paul to discuss his unique skill set, his summer on the AAU trails and why Gil has the potential to go all of the way.
NJHoop: You played 15U this summer with the Tim Thomas Playaz. Tell us a bit about your experience with the team this summer.
PM: This year was my favorite AAU year. We did a lot of traveling. Boo Williams, we played in the Peach Jam. It was great playing Al Amir Dawes, Cartier, Anas, all the guys.
NJHoop: With the transfer of Jake Betlow to Montverde, everyone expected you to take on a bigger role in the offense. Has coach done anything new to free you up more?
PM: Losing Jake was big for us. He’s a great player and really good shooter. This years team plays a lot better together though. We move the ball a lot better. The ball moves quicker. We don’t rely as much on set plays for any one person all game. With Jake gone, I do have the ball in my hands more to shoot and pass to others for open shots more.
NJHoop: Tell us one facet of your game that you worked on this offseason that you wanted to improve.
PM:I wanted to get better at backing down small guards and creating scoring opportunities for myself and others in those situations. I also worked a lot on my shot and becoming a quicker defender.
NJHoop: If you were to use one word to describe your offensive game, what would it be and why.
All-Around.. Does that count? (laughs).
NJHoop: What position do you see yourself playing at the next level. If you could model your game after one person, who would it be and why?
PM:Point guard. In regards to a player I want to model my game after, it would be Rajon Rondo. I love Rondo. He’s my favorite player.
NJHoop: With a strong freshmen year and solid AAU campaign, it is rumored that schools are starting to reach out. What’s something that’s very important that a school must have for you to play there?
PM:Honestly I don’t get too excited over letters. I have gotten a lot of letters from schools, but unless it’s a full offer I hold off on my excitement. At this time everything goes through my coach, he talks to schools and what not. In regards to something the school must have, I want to play point guard on the next level. I want to be able to run the offense and move the ball. I’m a true point guard and I love to pass.
NJHoop: You guys were dominant in the Christmas tournament again this year, as you have won the championship in back to back years. How would you describe your team's style of play.
PM:Well for starters I’m proud of all of our guys. Everyone steps up and hits big shots. The ball doesn’t stick. I think we will improve a bit on the fast break, but I think we are defending well also.
NJHoop: We ranked you guys #6 in the state coming into the season. Tell us why you guys can go all of the way.
PM:I think we play as a team more than anyone else. Our basketball IQ is a lot higher than the majority of teams. We play together and it’s hard to stop us offensively. I think a lot of teams sleep on us. You guys ranked us 6th but a lot of our competitors don’t believe that. They judge us off lay-up lines and all that, but once the ball is in the air it’s another ball game.