Exclusive Interview: Jack Taylor

Jack Taylor, a shooting guard out of Grinnell scored an NCAA-record 138 points on November 20th, 2012. Taking 108 shots, Taylor made 52 baskets, including 27 threes. Taylor, the 5'10'’ sophomore had 58 points at halftime, which means he scored a whopping 80 points in the third and fourth quarters.

Playing only 36 minutes, he broke the record by 25 points as Grinnell went on to win 179–104. Taylor was also battling a shooting slump before the game against Faith Baptist Bible.

As you can tell, that didn’t hold him back. Here is a few questions right time news asked this stud a week or so after this unforgettable night.

Question One:

Me: “What was racing through your mind as you approached the 100-point mark?”

Jack: “I really wasn’t thinking much as I approached the 100 point mark. I was fatigued but I was very focused on simply scoring the basketball and didn’t have much time to think about what was happening.”

Question Two:

Me: “When you hit 100 points did your mind set on breaking the record change after that?”

Jack: “I had no idea how many points I had, so I did not know when I reached the 100 point mark. I just kept shooting!”

Question Three:

Me: “Are you treated differently after the big game?”

Jack: “I have been treated differently, especially right away. My friends and family were in awe. Now that the craziness has settled in, things are returning back to normal.”

Question Four:

Me: “Playing in the NCAA, do you have a dream to keep playing or do you plan on taking on another career.”

Jack: “I plan on playing professional basketball after college. I hope to play overseas. However after basketball is over, I plan to go to graduate school to be a pharmacist.”

Question Five:

Me: “Did anyone inspire you to play basketball or is there a certain NBA player that is your role model? Why?”

Jack: “I have always admired Kobe’s passion for the game. He hasn’t always conducted himself in a respectful manner but his passion for the game of basketball and his desire to improve as a player is undeniable”

Question Six:

Me: “Many scouts are in awe of your 138 points game, have you gotten more scouts at your college looking at you after this amazing performance?”

Jack: “No scouts have come to watch, but I hope when I am a senior in college I will have some interested coaches overseas!”

Question Seven:

Me: “When did you start playing basketball?”

Jack: “I started playing basketball in the 3rd grade.”

Question Eight:

Me: “Was the game plan shaped around you scoring? Why or why not?”

Jack: “Going into the game I knew I was going to put up more shots than I normally do so that I could get my confidence before we head into conference play. However I don’t think anyone ever imagined I would score so many points!”

Question Nine:

Me: “What were some of the other schools that tried to recruit you and why did you choose Grinnel?”

Jack: “I was recruited by a few of the ivy league schools such as Columbia and also had division two schools interested. However I chose Grinnell because of the up-tempo style of basketball that they played. I loved it!”

Question Ten:

Me: “Has the big game influenced your treatment greatly? Has it motivated you to make significant changes in your future plans?”

Jack: “The big game has influenced my treatment. I hope to use my newfound fame and respect to encourage and inspire others and to also spread the gospel of Jesus Christ which is so dear to me. I hope I can use this game as a stepping stone to play professional basketball!”