UclaBruins.com assistant Kaitlin Miller, currently serving a summer internship with the Brooklyn Nets PR department, recently had an opportunity to speak with Powell for a Q-and-A interview.
Q: Which game sticks out to you as your most exciting college game or performance at UCLA?
A: I performed my best against, well there are a couple of games that come to mind, but I would say against Oregon my senior year at home in Pauley Pavilion.
Q: How would your teammates and coaches describe you?
A: They would describe me as hard working, committed, focused, determined and a great leader both on and off the court.
Q: Did your team have a nickname for you?
A: Coach Alford liked to call me bowlegs. A couple of the guys called me “NP,” “Norm” or whatever else came to mind.
Q: How do you feel about making the transition from the collegiate to professional level?
A: I feel really good about transitioning to the NBA. I feel like I am ready. I spent four years at UCLA and learned a lot there and really developed my game. I also matured and I feel like my skill set is ready, and I can come in and make an immediate impact on any team that I go to.
Q: How does it feel to have the opportunity to come so close to your dream of the competing in the NBA?
A: I can’t even put it into words right now. It is still a surreal feeling being able to travel around the country and work out with all of these teams, talk with all of these NBA coaches, and see all the great players I used to look up to. It is a dream come true for me, and I cannot wait until draft day to hear my name called.
Q: What is your biggest strength that you believe will give you an advantage at the professional level, separating you from other top draft prospects?
A: My competiveness on the court and my defensive ability are my biggest strengths. I always give it 110 percent on the court, and I am able to lock down the best player on the opposing team. This is something that translates really well to the NBA game. They are looking for great defenders and that is what I bring right off the bat.
Q: You finished your senior season at UCLA ranking in the Pac-12’s top six in several categories – scoring (sixth), steals (fourth) and field goal percentage (fourth). What kind of role, both position and impact, do you envision yourself playing in the NBA?
A: I see myself playing as a combo guard. A lot of teams will ask me if I can transition into the point guard position like Russell Westbrook did, and I see myself being able to do that. I can handle the rock, set up offense, and create plays. I see myself as a dominant player. I want to be able to build my resume from my rookie season and hope to become an All-Star. With my work ethic and ability, the sky is the limit for me.
Q: What player do you look up to or aspire to be like?
A: Growing up, I really modeled my game after Dwyane Wade. I like his playing style and his size is similar to mine. A lot of people counted him out and did not expect him to have the successful career that he had. I have always admired the way he has played, with his great competitiveness and strong mentality. I strive to be like him because he is a pro’s pro. He is a professional on and off the court. You do not hear too much about him getting into trouble and he is focused on building his legacy.
Q: Who has been the most important influence in your life?
A: My mom is definitely my most important influence. She has been there to support my sisters and I. She raised us by herself, which was not always easy, but she always pushed me to do my best in school and anything I do, especially with basketball. I owe her everything.
Q: What interests or ambitions do you have outside of basketball?
A: Outside of basketball, when it is all said and done, I want to be a sports broadcaster or commentator. Also, I want to be able to open up my own training facility back home in southeast San Diego and give kids the opportunity to go play basketball and develop their skills. I also want to open up a restaurant one day.