MBB: Devonte Bandoo on Why Baylor?

Better late than never.  I've been trading messages with Devonte Bandoo since he committed to Baylor last week.  I finally caught up with the 6-3 195 lb combo guard who averaged 17 ppg; 6 reb and 3 assists while shooting 50% from the field; 44% from 3 and 81% from the foul line.  Bandoo is an athletic guard who should help Baylor shore up some much needed skill and depth in the backcourt over the next 2 years.  Here is my conversation with him:  

You had a lot of good programs offering you this spring.  Oklahoma, Minnesota, West Virginia, South Carolina, Kansas State, Houston, New Mexico, Buffalo to name a few.  Why did you choose Baylor over those other options?

Devonte:  I connected with the staff.  I felt like they had a plan to push me and help me reach my potential not only on the court but off the court as well.  I trusted Coach Peterson's plan to help me refine areas of my game and get me prepared for not only high D1 basketball but hopefully a professional career afterwards.  

What do you do well?  What needs work on your game?

Devonte:  I've improved every year in the areas that are important- athleticism, ball handling, passing, shooting and defense.  But I also realize that I have a long way to go and need to improve each day.  I'm looking forward to getting down to Baylor and getting to work.  

Baylor has had some outstanding teams in the last 10 years, but their best teams have had great leadership from unselfish guys that care about the goals of the team over personal accomplishments.  You have two guys this year that have exemplified that in Jake Lindsey and King McClure.  You have played on great teams at Hutchinson CC where you won a national title last year.  How important is having a team that cares more about winning than individual goals?

Devonte:  It is crucial.  It is everything really.  We lost 7 games in my two years at Hutchinson.  Guys have to put aside egos and do what is best for the team.  When I get to Baylor, I want to get to know the players and what their strengths are and figure out how I can make them better.  

What do you plan to study at Baylor?

Devonte:  Business communications most likely but when I get down there in July, I plan to take an assessment that will help me dial in to what direction I want to go.  

I ask every player this question.  I'm somewhat wingspan obsessed.  Do you know what your wingspan is?  

Devonte:  I was measured at like 6-5 in high school but I was only around 6-0 back then.  So maybe around 6-7 to 6-8.  I would have to get it measured.