NBA Draft Blog Interview with Cor-J Cox

I have noted a few times in the last few weeks, the odds are stacked against players from small mid-major and low major schools getting to the NBA.  That doesn’t mean that there isn’t a great deal of talent at those schools.  It just shows the part that exposure plays in the process.  2 weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking to a member of the Mississippi Valley State team that went to the NCAA Tournament this past season, Terrence Joyner.  Last week, I had the chance to talk to another member of that team who is ready to take the next step in his career, Cor-J Cox.  Cox, 6’5 and athletic, can play any number of spots on the floor.  He is an excellent rebounder for his size, plays tough defense, and can score in a variety of ways.  He capped of his career by being named First Team All-SWAC.  You may know Cox from any number of SportsCenter-worthy dunks he has had in his college career, but he will also bring a lot of toughness to any team he plays for.  I spoke to Cox about how his game developed, working towards playing pro, and much more:

Cor-J on how his game developed at Mississippi Valley State:

“My game really developed a lot in college.  Coming out of high school, it was a big adjustment to me.  Such a drastic change made me work hard to improve every part of my game.”

 

Cor-J on playing for Sean Woods:

“It was an honor to play for Coach Woods.  He was a great player himself, and he is a great person.  From the time I got there, he told me, I can be the best person on and off the court if I put my mind to it, and he was right.  I was able to have a great year on the court and I just graduated with my degree.”


Cor-J on playing in the SWAC
:

“It is definitely tougher coming out of a small mid-major conference, but there was a lot of competition there.  Everyone is competing to make a name for themselves, and you need to do what you can to get noticed.  I know playing there has made me tougher and given me a chip on my shoulder.”


Cor-J on his strengths as a player
:

“I think my biggest strength is my versatility.  I played more than one position, and at different times I guarded 2’s through 5’s.  Whatever it took for me to help the team, I went out there and did it.  In terms of skills, I would say my ability to rebound is probably my best.”

 

Cor-J on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“I need to work hard on polishing every part of my game.  I think I am a good all-around player, and my game is solid, I just need to keep improving on what I can already do, and be prepared for whatever I need to do on the court.”

 

Cor-J on playing in the NCAA Tournament:

“The experience itself was great, and playing in front of President Obama made it that much greater.  Obviously, it didn’t go the way we wanted it, but you can only move forward and work harder.  It was the beginning of the next level of my career.”

 

Cor-J on what role he can fill for a team immediately:

“I think I can go in right away and be an aggressive rebounder, create for my teammates, really do whatever a team needs me to do to be successful.”

 

Cor-J on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I am a winner, and I am a leader.  I will play my heart out every day for any team I play for.  I want to thank God and all of the fans.  I couldn’t be in this position without them.  I know I am an underdog, but I am not going to quit.”


I want to thank Cor-J for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  While most people will recognize Cor-J’s name in relation to some of his highlight reel dunks, but when you go back and watch the film of him playing, you see him doing on a lot of things that players need to be successful.  What I have learned from talking to him is this – he is not going to quit, and even if he doesn’t get to the highest level immediately, he is going to keep working until he gets there.

Make sure to check back up until the draft for more interviews and scouting reports.  Follow me on Twitter – @NBADraftBlog – for updates, or email me at [email protected]