June 23, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - With the National Basketball Association Draft set for Thursday, former UCF star guard Jermaine Taylor (Tavares, Fla.) is expecting to get plenty of attention this week. The All-America selection recently took time out of his busy schedule to give UCF fans a look at his thoughts before the draft.
You have had workouts for several NBA teams since the season ended. Have you enjoyed the pre-draft process?
"I have had a lot of fun. This experience, you only get to live it once. For all this to be happening now is crazy. I am loving it. I am having a real good time."
Have there been any other players from around the country that you have bonded with during the pre-draft process?
"There are a few players. Dionte Christmas from Temple is one. We have had a lot of workouts together. Wes Matthews from Marquette - we have gotten real close."
What has it been like traveling around the country to the various workouts?
"It has been real enjoyable. Everyone that I have met has been real supportive. I meet people at the airport. I meet people wherever I go. I am having a real good time. It is fun."
What parts of your game have you improved on since the season ended?
"My ball-handling the most, and my defense is not too far behind. I have been going up against some of the best players in the country. I am competitive and have been stepping up to the challenge defensively. With the ball-handling, it is a lot easier (now) to create my own shot."
What kind of feedback about your game have you received from NBA general managers, coaches and scouts?
"They can see how hard I have been working on my ball-handling. That is the talk now. Going in, a lot of people felt like I could not handle the ball. Coming into these workouts, I have tried to change a lot of people's minds about that. It has helped me improve my stock."
Have team officials recognized the improvement that you displayed from year-to-year during your time to UCF?
"Not only that, they recognize that it also happened in high school. My (scoring) average jumped like eight points every year. The same thing through college. I think that they see that as a plus. I might not be a big-time scorer once I first get there, but give me time, and just like every other place I have been, I can become a big-time scorer."
During your senior year, you received quite a bit of media coverage locally and nationally. Did dealing with the press at UCF help you prepare for the dozens of interviews that you had with NBA team officials?
"I think it prepared me a lot. I think that is why I am so comfortable going into these interviews. I know what to expect. I know to just be comfortable and relaxed and just answer the questions. I think that has helped me out a lot."
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