6 Questions With Holy Cross Hoops Forward Dave Dudzinski

Thursday, January 31, 2013

John Barone, GoLocalWorcester Sports Contributor

Junior forward Dave Dudzinski.

Dave Dudzinski is enjoying a career year for the Holy Cross men’s basketball team. After averaging 9.4 points last season, the junior forward has raised his scoring average to 15.9 points per game in 2012-2013, while once again leading the Crusaders in rebounding at 6.9 boards per contest. The 6-foot-9, 227-pound Elburn, Ill., native has shot 48.8 percent from the field and 84.7 percent from the free-throw line.

GoLocalWorcester: How do you strike a balance between schoolwork and playing a sport?

Dudzinski: It’s tough finding time for everything, especially being an accounting major. Paying close attention to deadlines and planning each day the night before helps.

GoLocalWorcester: What are the biggest differences between playing high school and college basketball?

Dudzinski: The speed of the game is so much faster at the college level. There is a much bigger time commitment. And your teammates become your family in college, rather than just your friends in high school.

GoLocalWorcester: What are your strengths as a player?

Dudzinski: I can score against all different types of defenders. I am a versatile offensive player. I also try to beat my guy down the floor every possession.

GoLocalWorcester: What areas of your game need improvement?

Dudzinski: I’ve gotten better at it since my freshman year, but defending perimeter-oriented players. In the Patriot League, few teams start two post players like we do, so I often am guarding a perimeter player.

GoLocalWorcester: Who introduced you to basketball?

Dudzinski: My dad grew up in Indiana, where basketball is huge. He got me into the sport. Then obviously I am a big Chicago Bulls fan and grew up watching and idolizing Michael Jordan. I also liked watching Tim Duncan growing up.

GoLocalWorcester: Who are the best coaches you’ve played for and why?

Dudzinski: I’ve been lucky enough to play for a number of great coaches who have made me into the player I am today. My high school coach, Brian Johnson, taught me how to be a leader. My AAU coach, Sean Connor, really prepared me for the college level and I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. And then Coach [Milan] Brown and all the staff here at Holy Cross, who challenge me to be better today than I was yesterday. The success I have had this season has been because of them.