REDHAWK CHAT: Adam Fletcher

For this week's RedHawk chat, we welcomed men's basketball senior co-captain Adam Fletcher. Here is the archive of the transcript.

MURedHawks.com: We'd like to welcome you to this week's RedHawk chat. Senior center Adam Fletcher just arrived after their morning practice, and we will begin the chat shortly.

Jimmy Z. (Hamilton): What is the biggest difference between this and last year's team? Who will be the biggest pleasant surprise for the team this year?

Adam Fletcher: The biggest difference is the overall experience of the team. We are a lot younger than we were last year. We are faster paced team than we were last year, though.

Tim (Fairfield): How do you feel the freshmen will fit in this year?

Adam Fletcher: There is definitely a learning curve from high school to college. I think that the freshman are capable of making a positive impact for our team this year.

Bruce (St. Louis): Adam-you have become my favorite player because of your all out hustle. What one area of your game do you feel has improved the most since the end of last year?

Adam Fletcher: The area of my game that has improved the most is my ability to score around the basket. Also I'm just trying to be the best leader on the defensive end of the floor that I can be.

Cam (St. Albans): Did your summer camp in Florida prepare you for this season?

Adam Fletcher: Yes. I spent the summer at IMG Academy in Florida working on my game. Playing against top caliber players every day really built my confidence because I was able to hold my own against them. Drills that worked on my body control have helped me to become more of an offensive threat.

Terra M. (Middletown): The Beard looked good last year. What are your plans this year, if any, for facial hair?

MURedHawks.com: Since there have been a lot of questions about Adam's beard, we'll answer one of those right now ...

Adam Fletcher: The beard might be back--I'm still debating it--but I'm definitely keeping the hair under control this year. It started out as kind of a joke last year, then I was instructed that I wasn't allowed to shave it. You'll have to come to the games and see if it makes a re-appearance.

Jack (Frankfort): What are the keys to beating Towson on Friday? And are you looking forward to the match with Kentucky on Monday?

Adam Fletcher: The keys against Towson will be great guard play and help-side defense ... keeping their guards out of the paint. Keeping the game in our hands and not letting their style of play make us turn the ball over will be a key too. As for Kentucky, I'm excited but we have to get a win at Towson first.

Matt (Oxford): Is there a sense of urgency to win now since you are a senior?

Adam Fletcher: There's always been a sense of urgency to win because of my competitive nature. This year is definitely special for me. I want to leave an impact on Miami Basketball.

Bruce (St. Louis): Adam-at times we seem a bit to focused on the three point shot. What can the team do to increase opportunities in the paint not only for yourself but the other post players as well?

Adam Fletcher: Our guard play is a big part of our offense this year. Guards hitting shots will create opportunities for big men in the post. Establishing a post presences will also take pressure off the guards to be able to get and hit open shots. As a post player, it's hard to argue with the way we are shooting the ball right now. As long as guards keep hitting shots, I have no problem setting screens to get them the open shots.

Scott - Oxford: You have spent your years here at Miami largely playing a supporting role to some very good players. There are still many fine athletes on the team with you, but do you feel that you are now ready and/or wanting to take charge of the game and get support from your teammates? How has your role changed from last year to this?

Adam Fletcher: Good question ... I've had the chance to play with great players, but none of them are any better than the players that are surrounding me now. Having a chance to score points is nice, but also getting a teammate open is a big reward for me. I know that I'm capable of scoring. There will be games where I'm called upon to score, and I know I will be ready. As for how my role has changed from last year to this year, I'm more of a leader on our team this year. My main focus is doing whatever it takes for the team to be successful on the court. And for me, the most important part is being a great leader on the defensive end of the floor.

Josh (Charleston): Adam, your older brother played basketball in college, do you think that he had the biggest impact on your post game?

MURedHawks.com: (Adam's older brother, Matt, played for Glenville State College)

Adam Fletcher: Growing up, it was always nice to have an older brother who had the same love for the game as me. I definitely had my losses to Matt, but through those games I'm positive it made me a better player.

MURedHawks.com: We have time for one more question ...

Bill (Hamilton): Coach Coles always seems to create a tough non-conference schedule for you guys, as is the case this year with Kentucky, Temple, UC, etc. on the slate. How do you use those games for the MAC season and do you like playing such tough competition?

Adam Fletcher: One of the main reasons I came to Miami is because Coach Coles isn't afraid to schedule the top teams in the country. Getting the chance to play against high-caliber teams often times on their home courts definitely prepares us for MAC play because we can adjust to any environment and gets us ready for the challenges of the conference teams.

MURedHawks.com: We'd like to thank Adam for stopping by today to chat and wish the RedHawks luck this weekend. Next week's RedHawk Chat will be with women's basketball.

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