Q&A with Frank Anselem
11/25/2020 11:11:00 AM | Men's Basketball
As the Syracuse Orange prepare to tip off the 2020-21 season on Friday vs. Bryant (3 p.m., ACCN), we begin our Q&A series to help you get to know your Orange better! For the opener, we talk with freshman center Frank Anselem.
What is your favorite high school basketball memory?
Winning the grind session national championship. It was my first national championship in high school.
Is there a reason you chose #5 as your jersey number?
I wear this number because Kevin Garnett wore 5 and he is one of my favorite players of all time.
What has been the biggest difference between the level of play you faced last year and then college basketball practices this season?
 I think the biggest difference is the physicality and skill level. In high school I was faster and stronger than everyone but in college I have to adjust to being just as strong as the guy next to me. As for the skill level, guys don't just miss shots or take bad shots. You also have to play good defense because if your hands are down, just pick the ball out the net and go on offense because nine out of 10 times, the shot is going in.
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Your position workouts, featuring four centers 6-10 or above, are extremely competitive. What is it like playing against Bourama, Jesse and John Bol in practice?
It's fun playing with those guys, especially being from different backgrounds. I enjoy the competitiveness every day.
Which ACC arena are you looking forward to playing in the most?
The Dean E. Smith Center. The Goat (Michael Jordan) played there.
Are you fluent in any languages other than English?
Yes, local tribal languages. Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin.
Favorite movie: Avengers:Endgame
Favorite book: Animal Farm
Person you most admire:Â Anthony Davis
Favorite pro athlete:Â Joel Embid
Favorite pro team: Los Angeles Lakers
Favorite musical artist: Davido
Favorite spot to vacation: Bora Bora
Favorite food: chicken wings
Who is the funniest person on the team?
John Bol Ajak, a.k.a big stepper, a.k.a the thurlest, a.k.a dreamchaser, a.k.a eagles forever.
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What is your favorite high school basketball memory?
Winning the grind session national championship. It was my first national championship in high school.
Is there a reason you chose #5 as your jersey number?
I wear this number because Kevin Garnett wore 5 and he is one of my favorite players of all time.
What has been the biggest difference between the level of play you faced last year and then college basketball practices this season?
 I think the biggest difference is the physicality and skill level. In high school I was faster and stronger than everyone but in college I have to adjust to being just as strong as the guy next to me. As for the skill level, guys don't just miss shots or take bad shots. You also have to play good defense because if your hands are down, just pick the ball out the net and go on offense because nine out of 10 times, the shot is going in.
Â
Your position workouts, featuring four centers 6-10 or above, are extremely competitive. What is it like playing against Bourama, Jesse and John Bol in practice?
It's fun playing with those guys, especially being from different backgrounds. I enjoy the competitiveness every day.
Which ACC arena are you looking forward to playing in the most?
The Dean E. Smith Center. The Goat (Michael Jordan) played there.
Are you fluent in any languages other than English?
Yes, local tribal languages. Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin.
Favorite movie: Avengers:Endgame
Favorite book: Animal Farm
Person you most admire:Â Anthony Davis
Favorite pro athlete:Â Joel Embid
Favorite pro team: Los Angeles Lakers
Favorite musical artist: Davido
Favorite spot to vacation: Bora Bora
Favorite food: chicken wings
Who is the funniest person on the team?
John Bol Ajak, a.k.a big stepper, a.k.a the thurlest, a.k.a dreamchaser, a.k.a eagles forever.
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