Vince Carter
Height/Weight: 6’6”, 220 lbs
Current team: Orlando Magic
Years in NBA: 10
Previous teams: Toronto, New Jersey
College: North Carolina
I got an unbelievable opportunity to sit down with NBA All Star Vince Carter a couple of weeks ago while I worked the 2009 Vince Carter Nike Skills Academy. Vince was amazing all week; very hands on with the players and really taught them the ins and outs of the NBA game. I sincerely appreciated his time.
While he was at the gym with us he got the call letting him know he was traded to the Orlando Magic. He was super excited! Please note, I have paraphrased his answers, these are not verbatim. I didn’t use a recorder; I merely scribbled notes as fast I could when writing down his answers!
Q: At what age (or grade) did you first start lifting weights?
A: I lifted a little bit in high school, but nothing really structured. I just kind of did what I thought would help. Once I got to college I got more in to it. Coach (Dean) Smith wasn’t a big believer in the weights earlier in his coaching career; but that kind of changed around the time I got there.
Q: How do you feel like it helped your game?
A: The added strength really helped me be more physical at the college level. I was always pretty explosive; but lifting weights made me more solid. I weighed 190 pounds in high school, 205 pounds in college, and play now at about 220-225 pounds.
Q: Why do you think strength & conditioning for basketball players is important?
A: To compete at the highest levels you have to be strong and in great shape. Your conditioning is something you have total control over, so there is no excuse for not being as strong and as fit as you can be. Strength & conditioning can help you become a better athlete and become more efficient with your movements.
Q: What does your off season training program consist of now?
A: Now that I am older it is important I maintain a solid base all year round; so I don’t take much time off after the season. I follow the program my (Nets) strength coach gives me. I also make sure I stretch every day; many times twice a day, especially my Achilles and calves. I want to make sure I show up to training camp in the best shape possible. Early in the off season I focus on my strength work and my skill work, don’t run too much. Then as training camp approaches, in August and September, I start doing a lot of running and sprint work. I prefer to dribble a ball while I do it.
Q: What is the biggest difference between playing in college and in the NBA?
A: The overall speed. Guys at the NBA level are incredibly fast and quick and the game is played at a much faster pace. Guys in the NBA are really strong too. I felt very prepared coming out of UNC though. Going from high school to college was a harder transition for me than going from college to the NBA.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Vince for taking the time to speak with me as well as for taking the time to be so actively involved in his camp.
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