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Not all summers are about sleeping in and closing the books. ULMAthletics.com caught up with men's basketball player Tony Hooper to see what he has been doing this summer to get ready for another exciting season on the hardwood.
Hooper recently returned to the ULM campus after spending the first part of the summer at home in Houston, Texas. He had been spending his days on the court studying under John Lucas with the likes of J.R. Smith, Glen Davis, Sean Williams and other players Lucas has been working out.
Hooper was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District 8 Second Team, All-Sun Belt Third Team and All-Louisiana Second Team after the 2006-07 season. Hooper led the Warhawks with 15.4 points per game and was fourth with 3.8 rebounds per contest. Hooper totaled 20 or more points in nine contests and finished in double-digits 21 out of 32 games.
Hooper finished the season averaging 26.0 points per game in ULM's last four outings. He posted 29 points against Denver, added 24 points at New Orleans, dropped 26 points again against the Pioneers and then closed with 25 points against North Texas. Hooper was also 19-of-20 (.950), from the charity stripe, grabbed nine steals and recorded 10 assists in the same span.
ULMAthletics.com caught up with Hooper to see what he has been doing this summer to get ready for another exciting season on the hardwood:
How is the summer going?
Pretty Good.
What have you been focusing on this summer?
I have been working on maturing and on my game to make it as simple as possible.
Describe what you have had to overcome to get to this point...
There is a lot of adversity from coming in as a freshman and working to be a leader. You have to learn the game in order to help your teammates to do the best they can.
What did you take from ULM's first season in the Sun Belt Conference?
I think we can take a lot of confidence from our first season. Everyone didn't predict us to do as well as we did. We just came out with a chip on our shoulder and performed.
What restaurant do you find yourself at the most this summer?
When I was at home I went to Papadeaux but now that I am back on campus I will most likely be at the SUB a lot .
What have you done to relax this summer?
I have gone to some movies and chilled out with my friends from home. So far my favorite movie of the summer is 1408, but I am still waiting to see Rush Hour 3.
How are summer classes going?
I just started classes. They are longer during the summer but it is an opportunity to improve your grades without basketball practice and games in the evenings. I am taking a music class and this will be my first time actually learning how to read sheet music.
Take us through one of your typical days...
When I was back home, I would sleep all the way until 10 a.m. and get up to eat a really good breakfast. Around 11 a.m. I would head to the gym and work with an individual coach at the camp then we would come together and work with the other players. The John Lucas Camp is an invitational workout with about 50 people, some from other colleges.
Have you had a chance to catch up with your teammates not in Monroe?
I have talked to everyone this summer. Some I talked to more than others, but I was able to get in touch with everyone.
What are you looking forward to this summer?
I just want to continue to rest up and get my body right for the season and be able to get the team going right away.
Describe your relationship with coach Early...
I think we have a pretty good understanding about one another. I understand my role on the team and what he needs to do as our coach.
