Jeffrey Moncrief, a forward on the Wildcat basketball team, is the son of two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Sidney Moncrief. When talking with Jeff, it becomes obvious that much of his dad’s basketball smarts have rubbed off on him.
Q: Do you and your dad ever play basketball against one another?
A: Yes sir. We used to do it all of the time and these days we do it whenever he is in the country. Right now, he’s in China coaching the Beijing Ducks.
Q: Which is your favorite NBA team?
A: I don’t really have a favorite team. I just enjoy watching good competition no matter which teams are playing.
Q: With your family background, was it just expected that you would play basketball in high school?
A: I was very iffy until about eighth grade. I played in junior high and became very competitive and began to have a lot of fun. My dad kind of took me under his wing and mentored me a little bit like a prodigy. The whole scenario was very unexpected.
Q: Your dad was very skilled at defense. Did he stress the importance of good defense in basketball?
A: He didn’t really stress it to me, but I always focused on playing good defense. It is my favorite part of the game.
Q: Do you ever watch any old tapes of your dad’s playing days?
A: I watch them any time I can.
Q: What is the best thing about being on the LH basketball team?
A: The whole team experience is great. I am a part of something and I love it.
Q: What do the Wildcats need to focus on in order to make the playoffs this year?
A: We’ve been working a lot on building team chemistry and keeping up our intensity. Down the stretch, we really have to play like a team. Everybody needs to just work on getting themselves open and making their shots.
Q: Your dad became famous while playing for the University of Arkansas. Do you plan to follow his footsteps or go somewhere else?
A: I do plan on going to college there in Fayetteville. If not, I already have received my acceptance letter from UNT. My mom has also been talking about another good college in the state of Arkansas.
