In tonight’s post, I caught up with SubZero Gaming’s RiskClaw to discuss his excitement for the upcoming UPA Tournament in New England and more!
Q: What are some of your biggest strengths and weaknesses as a player and how do you plan on improving those weaknesses?
A: “I believe my strengths on the court outweigh my weaknesses. Some of them are bringing energy to the team. I'm very good with the ball in my hands and can score well off ball too. Also, I run the break pretty well, but on defense, I believe I’m good but can be better by calling more rotations and playing more team defense! Another weakness I have is that I feel like I can be better at keeping me and my team's confidence up even when we are trailing in a game, which can be fixed by keeping my composure a little more. The last weakness that I have been working on is slowing down and looking at the floor completely.”
Q: With UPA New England just around the corner, how excited are you to play in that atmosphere and what are your expectations for the tournament?
A: “With UPA being less than a week away, I can’t wait. I am hyped to show off my talents on the stage and meet the guys. I expect to bring home some money with my team!
Q: If you had to rank yourself among Shooting Guard prospects this pre-draft, where would you rank yourself and why?
A: “If I had to rank myself among Shooting Guard prospects this pre-draft I would definitely put myself top 3 realistically, but top 5 humbly. What I bring to the table isn’t a complete package yet, of course, I’ve got more work to put in, but I believe I’m more consistent than every Shooting Guard except one, arguably two. I run great breaks and I can take control of the game if my PG is ever struggling. I make plays on defense and I communicate, although I could do more. I feel like the difference between me and some of them is that they excel in just one thing, but lack a lot more in the other aspects such as defense or shot IQ, etc.”
Q: If given the opportunity to explain to an NBA 2K League Head Coach or General Manager why you deserve a spot on their roster, what would you tell them?
A: “With the opportunity of talking to an NBA 2K League Head coach or GM, I would tell them first how determined I am to win and grow in 3s and 5s. Also, I feel I deserve a spot on a roster because of my ability to adapt to any team quickly and my potential. But more importantly, off the court as well. I have a great personality and I definitely know how to get along with everybody and keep chemistry up while building bonds and trust with my team, which will translate to the court. Any team that takes a chance on me won’t regret it!”
Q: Which NBA 2K League player do you watch the most when you are trying to improve your gameplay and what are some of the major differences between amateur players and professional players in your opinion?
A: “When trying to learn the game and the small things that some professionals do, I watch JohnnyRed. I feel like he has the complete package and he’s established that as he has been playing for a while. The difference between some professionals and most amateurs isn’t often the stick skill and the ability to be able to do something, it’s the mindset and knowledge they have. Also, the way they see the court. Really, It’s just the small things that push certain players over the edge.”
Q: Which series has been your favorite throughout this pre-draft and why?
A: My favorite series had to be against Zero Gaming in WGB a couple of weeks ago or the WR Playoff series against No Look. Even though we lost both series, they definitely were gritty series that I learned from.”
Q: When did you start playing NBA2K competitively?
A: “I have actually been playing 2K since 2K13. I didn’t start taking it seriously and playing competitively until 2K21, where I was only playing 3s. My first time being introduced to 5s was around October in 2K23.”
Q: If you had to build an all-time starting five of current or former NBA 2K League Players, who would your starting five include?
A: “ My starting 5 would be
PG: JBM
SG: JohnnyRed
SF: Dawsix
PF: Seese
C: Dimez. “
Q: What’s your favorite NBA2K of all time?
A: “My favorite 2K of all time is 2K21, but the 2K I had the most fun on is 2K17.”
Q: Which team are you most excited to play at UPA New England and why?
A: “At UPA, the team I’m looking forward to playing the most is Spicy Boys. I would love to see how they translate from playing over the internet to LAN!”
Q: Do you have any final thoughts as we wrap up this Q&A?
A: “ I wanted to add to my weaknesses, another one is making the pass on time. I’ve gotten better and better at this, but it’s still a weakness and can be better.”
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