In preparation for the WCU Men’s Basketball season, I sat down with senior forward Carlos Dotson for a Q&A, recorded for The Sports: Plus Podcast, part of the WWCU Podcast Network.
How’s your second year here at Western going?
Pretty good, we’ve had a productive start to fall practice, so we’re really looking good this year. I actually had no summer break, I stayed over to practice with the coaching staff, work on my game.
Were you a Wizards fan growing up in Maryland? What team did you watch the most growing up?
I was actually more of a football guy growing up. I grew up rooting for the Redskins, played some football myself, a defensive end from seventh to tenth grade before deciding to focus on basketball. I definitely think I would’ve gone on to play football if basketball wasn’t presented to me.
You obviously had quite a different path from most of your teammates. You ultimately ended up here, but you’re a transfer from Junior College, and before that you played for Anderson University (SC). How do you think this unorthodox path to Division I ball has helped you develop as a player and as a person?
I definitely think it’s helped because I’ve played at all levels, and worked a lot of different people over the years that have pushed me to be better.
Who do you think helped you the most to get you where you are today?
Without a doubt, my mom, my uncle, and Coach Ryan at Dorman.
How do you think being a student athlete from so young helped you balance that lifestyle right now?
I’m still trying to learn how to balance, it’s tough. Practice all day, then class, study halls. It’s a lot. The school does do a good job of helping us, though.
Scouts often miss the little details in search of the big picture, like say your potential; you’re the team’s leading scorer now. Why do you think you weren’t touted as a bigger prospect coming out of high school?
Biggest factor is probably my height. I was way shorter coming out of high school, like three inches, and just overall not that good. I’ve lost a good amount of weight, too, so it’s just been steady improvement since coming out of high school.
I’ve seen some clips of the team last year and looked at the box scores and I’d like to think I have a good feel for how most of you play, but for the listeners out there, describe your game and style of play. Do you have any player comps?
I’m an all-around player. I can take people off the dribble, shoot the mid range, rebound, score in the post; I can really do it all. For the player comp, a lot of people bring up Zach Randolph. We’re both lefties, work in the post, can barely jump.
I talked to your teammate DJ earlier, and he told me about how Coach Prosser runs a sort of loose offense, where he lets everybody do their thing and is quite unpredictable. He also told me about the pack defense you play, which, for those who don’t know, is a variation of man-to-man defense where everyone packs in an imaginary line. How well do you think your skill set fits in Coach Prosser’s system?
On offense, I feel like I fit because I can play with freedom. There are few restrictions on that side of the ball, except maybe stepping out to the three point line. As for defense, I’m a good fit because I know how to protect the paint. Obviously in the pack, you’re trying to make it hard for the opponent to get to the paint, so when they have the ball we pressure and slowly back up to the paint. Protecting the paint is my role, and I do it well.
Are you planning to add any new moves to your repertoire of offensive moves?
I’ve been working on my right hand this offseason. I’m a lefty, and having that two-handed versatility is a real plus.
What are you most looking forward to this season? Any expectations?
Winning the conference. That’s the bar we strive to reach, no question.
What’s a superstition or weird routine you follow before or after games?
I always pray during the national anthem.
Why do you wear number 0?
One of my favorite post players right now, DeMarcus Cousins, wore number 0 for the Golden State Warriors, now with the Los Angeles Lakers. I’ll be rocking the headband this year like him, too.
Who’s your favorite ball player ever?
Favorite player of all time, definitely Tracy McGrady. I do, however, want to mention DeJuan Blair, who’s been a mentor through the years.
What were your college choices coming out of high school?
I had like thirty Division II offers, no Division I offers. The final two were Anderson College and Lincoln Memorial University. Ultimately, I ended up Anderson due to it being so close and also having a high school teammate decide to go there as well. After that, I ended up at the College of Central Florida. I wasn’t trying to leave D-II originally, but the coach blocked me from all the D-II institutions in the region, so it was happenstance. After that year, I was surprised to receive all the D-I offers I got.
Is the plan to go pro after you graduate?
That’s the plan, yes.
Alright, last question. Settle the score, best player ever. Who’s the GOAT?
LeBron James.
No hesitation?
No. He’s all-around the best. The stuff he does outside the courts is great, too.
To hear our conversation, I encourage you to listen to The Sports+ Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or the WWCU FM Website.
Dotson had 17 points and 15 rebounds in Western’s season debut against the Georgia Bulldogs on November 5th. Our Catamounts first hit the hardwood at the Ramsey Center on November 9th at 12:00pm against the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs.
