ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland's
Chris Conway played in 15 games as a freshman, which included minutes against Xavier, Purdue, and Michigan State. Heading into his second year with the Golden Grizzlies, he will look to take his game to the level as a post presence and rim protector. The NCAA Division I council granted an extra year of eligibility to winter sport student-athletes, meaning that Conway will retain his freshman status and four years of eligibility for the upcoming season.
We sat down with Conway to discuss his recruitment, first year of college basketball, and goals for next season.
As a Naperville, Illinois product, what is the high school basketball scene like around there?
We are not necessarily known for basketball. To be honest, it is more of a football town. In the last couple of years of high school, there were a couple of competitive teams in the area. Before Covid-19 halted sports during my senior year, we were two games away from being the first Naperville team to make the state tournament. That was tough, but overall, I think the city is on the incline when it comes to high school basketball.
How frustrating was it for your senior season to be cut short, especially with the run your team was on?
It was rough. I knew it was coming, but I just was not sure exactly when it would happen. I felt like we were not going to play at the state tournament, but I thought we could at least get another few games in. I knew there was nothing I could do to change the result, so I just tried to be happy with the season we had and memories made.
Were you always the "tall" kid growing up? Or did you have a late growth spurt instead?
I have always been tall. Ever since I was a baby, I have been known as the tall guy.
Has anyone else in your family played basketball?
My mom played college basketball at North Park in Chicago, but no one else in the family played sports at the competitive level. Pretty much, it is just my mom and me, which is kind of weird to think at times.
People from northern Illinois are notorious for saying that they live in Chicago when in reality, they live close to an hour away from the city. Do you tell people you are from Naperville or Chicago?
I have learned to say Naperville. If I say I am from Chicago, they ask where, and I say Naperville. People seem to get mad at me once I tell them that.
Transitioning into your college career, why did you choose to attend Oakland?
My mom grew up 10 minutes away from campus, so she was familiar with the school. Since the beginning of the recruiting process, they were the most invested in me. They were telling me what they honestly thought and could see me doing. I felt the most comfortable attending Oakland, which made it an easy choice.
Did the coaching staff travel to watch you play, or was it done at a virtual level?
Most of the recruiting that took place happened during my junior year before Covid. They came out to some high school and AAU games that I was playing in. I also took an official visit to Oakland during my junior year.
What was the most significant selling point for you to play for the Golden Grizzlies?
The coaches were straight up during the entire recruiting process. Other schools did a good job of recruiting, but they were not as transparent about what they saw me doing at their school.
What was the most substantial thing you learned about Division I basketball as a freshman?
There is a lot that goes into being a college basketball player. The schedule, the practices, the work that goes into being able to practice and play. Every day, you have to be focused and on your game. You cannot take a practice or play off. You always have to be dialed in because everyone around you is just as good.
While it was not a lot of minutes, how important was it to get experience against Power Five teams such as Michigan State, Purdue, and Xavier?
It was huge. Getting in for those 5-to-10 minutes against high-level guys shows what you need to work on and things that you do well and can capitalize on. It was essential to play in those games and get a feel for what it is like at the Division I level. I believe it has set me up for success as I continue my playing career.
If last season were a regular year, you probably would have just redshirted and not played at all. Will last season's playing time give you an advantage in the coming years since you will technically still be a freshman?
Getting an opportunity to play without losing any eligibility is ideal as a basketball player. I am not happy that Covid happened, but I think the circumstances worked out in my favor because of the additional experience I received.
You probably did not play too many guys your size growing up. Was it different to match up against opponents who were either the same size or taller than you?
Every college team has at least one guy who is my size or bigger. It is different playing against someone who is stronger than you, bigger than you, and just as skilled. You have to be smarter on defense along with being more aggressive. Before Oakland, I would occasionally match up with someone my size in AAU, but that would not be every game.
Was it tough to travel to various new places while being confined to your hotel room and the basketball court the entire time?
When you are in the middle of the season, you do not even think about it. Once it got around to February, it hit me that we have been doing this since September. We started practicing in September and could not go anywhere because we were trying to be careful. It was challenging toward the end, but it was all worth it once we got to the conference tournament.
Did it help to have a group of newcomers like Trey Townsend and Micah Parrish to be around?
Trey was my roommate last year. We became super close within three or four days of getting to know each other. He is someone that I stayed with on road trips, and we would keep each other company at the dorm when we are just bored, so that was nice. Micah and the other freshmen also made the transition to college easy since we always had each other around.
Before you know it, the team will be back on campus, getting ready for the 2021-22 season. What are you looking forward to most?
I am looking forward to having a full summer workout schedule. Last year, we did not get any gym time, so I believe the changes will result in a beneficial summer for my teammates and me. I plan to put on some weight and get stronger this summer, which should help my game.
Have you set any personal goals for yourself on the court?
My main goals are team goals. The most important team goal is to win the Horizon League. As an individual, I want to get between 240-to-250 pounds. I am not too far off, as I am around 235 pounds right now. I also want to help the team in any way possible, whether it is rebounding, blocking shots, clogging up the paint, and finishing off pick and rolls. Next year, I believe I can make an impact as a rim protector and rebounder. I still need to improve on areas of my game, but rebounding, rim-protecting, and running are things I can do well when I am on the floor.
I heard that you are a big TikToker. Do you consider yourself the best TikToker on the team?
That award goes to Trey. He is the original TikToker on the team, so if you hear anyone say it is me, that is a lie.
