Kapolei Standout Has Eyes On State Title For Basketball

For Chris Dillard and his Kapolei basketball teammates, the so-called off-season seems like an extension of the regular one.

After finishing 15-3 – and making OIA runner-up – the team’s 2012-13 season can’t come quickly enough.

In addition to Dillard, the Hurricanes also will welcome back Zachary Reeves and Joshua Wills. All three players were named First Team All-Conference last winter.

Dillard, a 6-4 post player, averaged 12.9 points per game and had a season high of 23 in a loss to Kahuku in the OIA tournament. He also was a force on the defensive end as one of the top rebounders in the state. He recently took some time to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.

What is your earliest sports-related memory? I used to play in Germany in outside leagues, beginning when I was 7, and it was really interesting. I’d played basketball, football and baseball, and they all came naturally, but I always had a feel for basketball.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My mom (Karite). She’s always been there for me. She gives me the tools I need to succeed.

With Kapolei coming off its best season ever in basketball, has this helped to keep the team focused during summer league games? Our success is not really a surprise to us. We think we should have gone further last season. We’re not satisfied. Winning the (2013) state championship is our ultimate goal.

Is there a player whose game you have tried to emulate? I really like Kevin Garnett. When I watch basketball, I like the way he plays. He’s aggressive.

What website do you go to the most? Probably YouTube. I look at different highlight sites for basketball like Hoops Elite and Ball is Life. I want to be as good as those players.

What item could you not live without? My refrigerator. I could live without my phone. I need food. I love to eat.

What is in your iPod?

Mostly old-school music like Run-DMC and Luther Vandross. I love oldies.

Do you play video games? What game systems do you have? I play a lot of video games. I have an Xbox 360 and the Wii. NBA 2K12 is my favorite. The other games get dusty because that’s the one I always play.

What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning the bathroom.

What part of your individual game will you try to work on this off-season? I’m really focusing on my dribbling ability. I’m moving from the spot to the three (position), so that’s a big part of what’s going to make me successful (in a new position).

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’d like to be playing basketball, professionally, overseas. I know some coaches over there (in Germany), so I have some connections.

You are stuck on the island of Kaho’olawe and can have plenty of only one food to eat.

What would it be? I love pineapples.

Who would be your celebrity date for the junior/senior prom? Megan Fox.