“I don't want to be a point guard, or a two-guard, I want people to think of me as "creative", I just want to create on the court.” - “The Answer," b.k.a. “Bubba Chuck.”
The point guard, or the floor general, is essential to a team's success. A great point guard controls the pace of the game and the emotional swings of his team. Great point guards have mastered the art of communication. In a limited period of time, they can relay a message with very few words. They read emotions and react. They utilize dead ball situations and timeouts to seek tutelage and make adjustments. As they go, so shall the team .
Below is an article within our feature series titled, "The Floor General." During the series we will link with countless point guards to pick their brains and see what makes today's point guard tick. Next up is Pope John point guard Kenna Squier. The NJIT commit is averaging 23 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 8 steals per game. - by Christian Mordi @thedribbledrop on Instagram and Twitter.
TheDribbleDrop: If you were to use one word to describe your playing style, what would it be and why?
Kenna Squier: Relentless. I never let up. No matter if we are up by 20 or down by five, from the beginning to the end my effort level is consistent. I will not let up.
TheDribbleDrop: You played your first two years at Sussex Tech. Tell us about your experience there and why you opted to move on to Pope John.
Kenna Squier: I liked Sussex Tech. It was a good school, but I was looking to be pushed a bit harder on the court. I knew I wanted to play in college and I needed to pushed a bit harder in high school to prepare myself for the next level. I felt that Pope John could prepare me best for the next level.
TheDribbleDrop: Playing point guard often comes with a bit of sacrifice offensively in regards to shots, but what happens when you are the best player on your team and they rely on your scoring? How do you provide that balance?
Kenna Squier: I know coming into games that a lot of teams will be focusing on me, especially when I put up high numbers a couple of games before. In regards to pushing the limit scoring wise, it’s more about timing than anything. You must find that back and forth balance to keep your teammates involved.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me one facet of your game your worked hard to improve on this off-season that you wanted to take to another level.
Kenna Squier: My pull up jump shot. I knew I could get to the rim when needed, but smart teams will take that away and clog up the paint. I wanted to be able to score on all levels. Finishing at the rim, from three and posting up when needed even to create easy baskets. I never want to be one dimensional and let them take me out of the game because I can’t score in different ways.
TheDribbleDrop: You have put up some big numbers, but one that stands out to me are the two quadruple doubles. I don’t think many people understand how much energy has to be put out to accomplish that. Tell me about those games and is that one of your best highlights on the floor as a player?
Kenna Squier: In order to pull something like that off you can’t coast a quarter. You have to keep your motor high and be locked in every possession. You have to hunt down rebounds. You have to push the ball on the break and find teammates. You have to play the passing lanes. Again, it comes down to being relentless.
TheDribbleDrop: One of the most interesting stats you have are the 8 steals per game you averaged your sophomore and senior year. Many people who score as much as you lack on defense, but you play hard on both sides. Are you a player who wants to guard the best player on the other team?
Kenna Squier: Absolutely. Before every game I always talk to coach about that. I want to guard the best player. I don’t shy away from the challenge.
TheDribbleDrop: You play AAU basketball for Rise As One. Tell me about that experience.
Kenna Squier: Playing for Rise As One was one of the best choices I made in my basketball career. I have been there since the 6th grade. I owe everything to the program. They spend so much time with their players. They dedicate a lot to the program. I’m truly thankful to be apart of the program.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me a moment when you saw a serious uptick in your recruitment?
Kenna Squier: My spring of sophomore year right before AAU started I got hurt and had to have knee surgery. I was worried about not being seen. Once I got cleared to get back on the court, coaches started noticing me. That’s when they began reaching out. Around that time it became a bit more clear that I could play Division Two or Division One basketball. Knowing it was possible made me push harder toward my goal.
TheDribbleDrop: You committed to NJIT. Tell me why NJIT was an ideal school for you?
Kenna Squier: The coaching staff is amazing. They are very relatable. They are very close to home which will allow my family a chance to come out and see me play often. The girls on the team have welcomed me with open arms.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me a personal and team goal for this year.
Kenna Squier: A team goal is to win a sectional championship. A personal goal is to break the 2,000 point mark.