Richard Roby Interview

DraftExpress: You were one of the very first players to announce that they were entering the NBA Draft. Can you tell me a little about why you decided to enter this year?

Roby: I thought that I had a good enough year that…I’ve been on the NBA radar all season. I thought I had a good year, but I didn’t end the season like I wanted to. It probably put a question mark in their minds about me a little bit. I feel that if I go to camps and workouts that I’ll be able to change their minds. Plus I’m just testing the waters. I’m not hiring an agent, so I can always come back to school.

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DraftExpress: You mentioned your struggles late in the season. What was different? Why do you feel you struggled so much after having such a hot start?

Roby: There were two parts during the season that I had my highs. Right before Christmas, and right in the beginning of the Big 12 season. After I had those games where I was scoring a ton of points, teams really began to key on me and we didn’t really make any adjustments to counter that. I knew it was going to be like that after a couple of games. Teams were going to try to “X” me out of the games and we were doing the same things that we were doing before and that wasn’t going to work with the changes the defenses were making. Because of that, I struggled a little bit. When I would struggle, my team would usually struggle.

DraftExpress: Didn’t it go through your head that the struggles you just talked about could have really affected your draft stock?

Roby: I took it into consideration. It made me much more careful about whether I put my name all the way in or if I take it out. It’s really going to come down to the workouts. Plus this year, I’ve been hearing that a lot of teams need players that play my position, so a lot of teams will need two guards this year and that’s what I play.

DraftExpress: Now you spoke of about how you’re just testing the waters, but it’s been reported that you withdrew from all your classes. How are you going to be eligible at Colorado for next season if you were to pull out?

Roby: I did withdraw from all my classes, but I picked up two correspondence classes to make sure that will keep me eligible for next year. I talked to all the eligibility people and academic advisors to make sure that I did everything correctly to play next year.

DraftExpress: Earlier you had mentioned how key you felt that workouts and the pre-draft camps were. Are you open to playing in the NBA Pre-Draft Camp in Orlando?

Roby: Yes. I’m not 100% if I’m going to play in it, but it’s still definitely an option. I don’t want to close the door on that option yet.

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DraftExpress: So if you were in the situation that you weren’t a definite first round pick, you’d go play in the Pre-Draft Camp?

Roby: Yeah, definitely. I’m never nervous about playing in anything where I can showcase my game. I’m never nervous about me going up against anybody or me being exposed. Personally, I just feel that I would excel. I have a lot of confidence in my game.

DraftExpress: Where do you feel that you’ll be picked in this year’s draft if you stay in?

Roby: I’ve heard from different people, but I’ve heard 14-22, even into the early second round. Mostly what I’ve been hearing though is mid to late first round. That’s mostly what I’ve been hearing. You never know what’s exactly true or not though.

DraftExpress: What’s it going to take for you to stay in this year’s draft?

Roby: I’m going to have to have good workouts and be confident in the information that I’m receiving from people. I’m just going to put it in God’s hands basically. I feel he has a plan for me. I think if I have good workouts for the teams individually against some of the other top players…that will really determine where I go.

DraftExpress: So are you looking for a first round promise to stay in?

Roby: Definitely. If it’s even close, I’ll come back to school.

DraftExpress: What areas of your game are you really looking to improve in the period that we have now before workouts with NBA teams begin?

Roby: I could polish up a little bit of everywhere, but mainly ball handling type things and creating separation. Also, you can never shoot enough, so there’s definitely going to be a lot of shooting.

DraftExpress: Have you decided what you’re going to do as far as pre-draft training?

Roby: I’m not 100% yet, but there are a couple of options that I’m looking at right now. I’m going to talk to my mom and Kenyon [Martin, his half brother], and then make a decision.

DraftExpress: Are you looking to go back to California to train, or will you go wherever you feel you can improve the most?

Roby: If you’re going to get me ready, I’m going to be there. I’d prefer to stay in California, but if that doesn’t work out, then I’ll deal with it. I’ve been away from home since I was 14, so that’s not a problem.

DraftExpress: Thanks Richard, that about covers it all. I appreciate you taking the time out of your hectic schedule to talk to us. Best of luck with your pre-draft training and workouts leading up to the draft.

Roby: Thank you. I’ll definitely keep in touch.