Oregon State Basketball: Freshman Ahmad Starks Ready To Lead Beavers

There's something to be said when you go from Chicago, the city where basketball guards are born, straight to the Pac-10 Conference and play big-time hoops. Such is the case for Ahmad Starks, who doesn't care if you talk about him or not. But if you are talking, it better be good. 

There is no reason for not liking Starks or his play. Young man comes to play and then after the game just wants to continue to get better and keep a positive image. I was blessed to be able to sit down and talk with Starks about his freshman year at Oregon St. 

While you were out

Q: During the summer before you left for OSU, what were you up to? Working on your game?

A: "That's the only thing I was doing. In Chicago, I played in Sonny Parker's summer league against college and pro players. I feel that I played well against the best competition out there. More importantly, I feel more confident coming out of summer ball because that makes my transition to the college game a little easier."

Welcome to Oregon St., home of the Beavers 

Q: So you're a freshman, but you're obviously a student of the game, always studying. What have you taken from the team so far during work-outs? 

A: "I feel that, as a team, everyone is working hard to get better. The conditioning and weights are going very well overall. We all talk and communicate on how to get better and what we need to fix. There is a great chemistry build on this team."

Improving your already fluent game? That's scary. 

Q: So what will Beaver fans across the globe realize when they see Ahmad Starks, "The Starks Plug," step on the court? 

A: I am improving my ability to make plays off my penetration and my defense has picked up. Also, the chemistry can't be beat by any team in our conference. One time during the summer, we, the players, went to see a movie together and all did push-ups in the lobby after to show we work as a team."

On that note, what will they know?

Q: What should Beaver fans look forward to regarding the team overall? Is it going to be a special year?

A: " I wouldn't go out there every day if it wasn't going to be a special year. We are getting better and better every day and should make a run for the top of the conference." 

So there you have it, from the Beavers' finest freshman. Growing up in Chicago, you had to know how to play the game. Starks not only knows how but continues to learn in order to improve his game and make the team better. For Beaver fans, that can only mean success and many happy faces.