Getting To Know Antwon Oliver

AMES, Iowa- College basketball teams covet athletic guards. Antwon Oliver fits that bill. The Racine, Wis., native helped lead his Horlick High School team to the Wisconsin Division 1 state championship game in 2008-09 with his outside shooting and jumping ability. He ended the year with a 16.3 scoring average and a 6.4 rebounding clip.

Oliver was a two-sport star at Horlick. He was also an outstanding volleyball player. Using his supreme athleticism, Oliver wreaked havoc as a middle blocker, garnering all-area honors. The quick, fast-twitch muscle skills he used in volleyball transferred over to the basketball court.

“You develop real good footwork by playing volleyball,” Oliver said. “You have to have good footwork as a middle blocker, because you always have to be prepared and be in position for the ball.”

Cyclones.com sat down with Oliver recently and asked him a few questions on various topics.

How excited are you to begin your career at Iowa State?
I am really excited. I have had a lot of anticipation ever since I signed my letter. I am happy to finally be here.

How important is it to start school in the summer?
It is real important. It is a smart move to do to go to summer school to get acclimated to the campus so that when fall comes, there will not be a lot of pressure on you.

What will fans see out of you?
Hard work on the court and in the classroom.

You shot an incredible 60 percent from downtown your last season in high school. That's pretty impressive.
That is what I have been known to do is shoot the ball. We will see what I can bring to the Cyclone Nation.

Favorite TV Show
SportsCenter

What's on your iPod
Jay-Z

Favorite Dinner
Lasagna

Favorite Actor
Denzel Washington

Favorite Movie
He Got Game

How important is it for our team to have Craig Brackins return for his junior season?
It is important. He is an incredible talent and very experienced. He will bring both of those attributes to our team.

First Job
Worked at Jimmy John's

Favorite Sports Idol
Penny Hardaway

What was it like to make it to the state championship game in your senior year in high school?
It was real incredible. Last season we were a game short of the state tournament when we were projected to go and to finally make it and get to play on that stage was awesome.

Players Mentioned

Craig Brackins

Craig Brackins

Antwon Oliver

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics