The Mark Acres Interview
By:
Michael D. McClellan
|
Friday, May 6th, 2005
You
played collegiate basketball at Oral Roberts. What was it like playing for your
father, Dick Acres?
It
was a pretty natural transition, since he’d been my basketball coach pretty much
my whole life. So that part was easy. I was used to his system, and the way
that he coached. I knew what he expected out of me both on and off the court as
well. It was a great experience.
You were
a four-time All America selection. Which season was the most satisfying for
you, and why?
Probably
my junior year. We went to the NCAAs, which was only the second time in
school history – I think it’s still only the second time that that has
happened. So that was probably my most rewarding season.
Playing
well during the NCAA Tournament always draws attention. What was it like
for you to excel against players such as Joe Kleine of Arkansas and Keith
Lee of Memphis State?
I
played them both my junior and senior year, and it was always an honor to
match up with the top talent that was out there. It was always good to see
how you stacked up against the best players in the country.
You were
drafted in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks, but decided to play two
seasons in Europe first. From both a cultural and athletic standpoint, what
was this experience like?
My
first year in Europe was not a very pleasant one. I was homesick, and I
missed my family, and it just seemed like I was missing a whole lot back
here in the United States. But I eventually got used to it and learned what
to expect, and it became a lot easier for me the second time around. I
really enjoyed it that second season. Actually, if I had time I wish I
could get back to Europe every year.
