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Last season is his first year at Miami after transferring from UF, Kadji averaged 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds. 1.6 blocks, and shot 42% from downtown. He seemed to get better as the season progressed, and has worked really hard this summer to get even better.
Here is our Q&A with the exceptional senior forward:
SOTU: Where did you learn to shoot like that? Are you now the best 3-point shooter on the team?
KK: Actually I learned from my dad, and I reaized I could shoot that well freshman year of high school. I liked it so I kept doing it. I would say I am top two on the team, between me and Rion Brown.
SOTU: We've heard you have dropped 20 pounds, how will this change/improve your game?
KK: I think I will be more of an athlete. Shooting threes will not be my only attribute, I will do other stuff, like running the floor, finishing under the basket better. I can jump higher and run faster, which will help me guard quicker players and quicker forwards.
SOTU: Which returning player in the ACC is the most difficult to match up with?
KK: I think, (Kadji pauses) C.J. Leslie from NC State. He's tall, quick, he has a small forward body but at 6'9 has the size too.
SOTU: Which teammate has really impressed you so far in practice?
KK: I would say Reggie is playing well. But Julian Gamble is playing well too. Coming off an injury I didn't expect everything he is doing. But he is playing really well.
SOTU: Coach L mentioned you in the same breathe as Chris Bosh. Is there a pro player you feel your game is reminiscent of? Or an NBA player you model your game after?
KK: I like Chris Bosh. I like Lamar Odom as well. I think Odom is the guy I model my game after. He is a forward who can do a lot of things. He's been my favorite player for a long time.
Thanks to big # 35 for letting us catch up with him. This season promises to be a huge one for Kadji. Be sure to check him out in action starting November 9th, and through out the season. Here's a little look at his beautiful outside stroke: