Between the more surprising players in this first month of the basketball season in the Pac 12 there’s certainly Oregon State senior guard Roberto Nelson.In his last year of Ncaa eligibility at Corvallis ( Oregon) , Nelson has finally become the leader of the Beavers both on and off the court with some very good offensive performance in particular in the success away with the Maryland Terrapins in front of President Barack Obama and his family for the satisfaction of coach Robinson ( President Obama brother-in law) that has always believed in this california native.The highly recruited Nelson ,who struggled to adjust to Ncaa basketball when finally cleared to play after nearly a year and a half of inegibility after high school , broke out last year to become the scorer the Beavers were looking for after the departure of Jared Cunningham.His importance on the team has continuosly increased over the years and at the beginning of November he has been named Player of the Week in the Pac 12 with an average of more than 27 points per game that has kept until the surprising loss against De Paul in Chicago two weeks ago.
I want to thank you so much Mr. Schoeffler Assistant Director for Athletics Communication at Oregon State University for his help and in particular Roberto Nelson for his collaboration to make this interview possible .
Could you tell us something about the great start of the season for you and the Beavers and in particular your victory away against Maryland in front of President Obama and his family ?
“I think it was a great overall team win. I think the team had opportunities where we could have lost the game, but we persevered and got the win. It showed that all of the hard work we put in was worth it to beat a great team like Maryland on the road and in front of the President and First Family.”
Roberto Nelson ( Oregon State) photo Michael Ciaglio / Oregon Daily Emerald
Your role in the team has increased in these years and now as a senior what coach Robinson expect from you ?
“Coach Robinson can expect me to go out there and maintain a high effort when I’m on the floor. I can be someone who will be a team leader and help the young guys continue to grow and get better.”
Why you choose to attend Oregon State coming out of high school ?
“It was because of Coach Robinson and how everyone made me feel right at home. Coach talked to me about life and not just about basketball. That meant a lot to me. Plus, there’s such a family atmosphere in Corvallis and at Oregon State. I really like that.”
When you started playing basketball ?
“I started playing basketball when I was one. My dad put the ball in my hands and I used to lean on the couch and made shots on a little basket.”
Could you tell us about an ordinary day for you in Corvallis during the basketball season ?
“I wake up, practice, go to school, lift weights, study, hang out with my dog and girlfriend and get up the next day and do it all again.”
What are your expectations for the Beavers this season ?
“I expect us to get better every day and work hard to achieve our goal of making the NCAA Tournament.”
How about your teammates ? Tell us something about them ?
“They are funny. I have great teammates on and off the court. They are funny off the court, but come game time they are all about business.”
In your opinion what’s the team to beat in the Pac 12 ?
“Everyone. There’s not one team you can overlook.”
