Junior forward Gabe Eldaye has helped Niskayuna to a 7-2 start this season.
Gabe Eldaye is a junior forward for the Niskayuna boys’ basketball team.
Friday night, Eldaye led all scorers with 18 points as the Silver Warriors posted a 38-35 Suburban Council victory over Christian Brothers Academy. Niskayuna (7-2 overall, 5-2 league) return to action Monday when it hosts Ballston Spa.
Q: Your team has been one of the aggressive teams to already have nine games in, so how are you feeling about the season so far?
A: It has been going pretty good. We just lost one to Bethlehem (49-45 Saturday). That was a tough one, but besides that it has been really good. We are just happy we are playing as much as we are.
Q: Prior to Saturday, you had to be feeling good. What happened against Bethlehem in a low-scoring game?
A: We were not taking the best shots. We did not play as intensely on defense. We had been locked in and a had a bunch of days to prepare for CBA. Bethlehem was back-to-back and we weren’t as locked in. I would say that and poor shot selection.
Q: The activity level remains up with three more games this week. What has to happen to enjoy a good week?
A: We just had practice (Sunday). We know what we have to do. We have to take better shots, take care of the ball more and be super locked-in on defense. That is how we win games: playing really good defense.
Q: From your prospective, what do you try to bring to the team?
A: I try to space the floor. I can shoot 3s when I am open. Driving and trying to find an open guy. Me and Darian (Parker) play the back of the zone, so communicating and helping out the wings to make sure everyone knows where the cutters are.
Q: How old were you when you started playing?
A: I got a late start. I was really into soccer as a kid. I played travel and my first year was fifth grade. I just loved it so much more than soccer and it is my favorite. I have been playing ever since.
Q: One of the newer teams on the off-season circuit is the Adirondack Wild. How do you hook up with them?
A: Coach (Frank) Hart reached out to me on Twitter. They were having tryouts this summer. I showed up and loved the way they play.
Q: What has it been like for you having coach Mike Grassso and assistant Jim Giammattei at Niskayuna leading the program?
A: Coach Grasso is a super passionate guy. Niskayuna basketball has not been a big thing in our community. He has amplified that and now it is. Coach Giammattei, with all the experience he has, brings so much knowledge to our team. They have done a lot.
Q: How satisfying is it to be out there playing when a month ago things were very much in doubt?
A: It is so awesome. Jaden (Giammattei), Leo (O’brien) and Kenyon (Coleman) are seniors I have played with the last four years. This is the last season for them. There was a point that I thought I would never be able to play with them again. This whole season, I am not taking for granted because I get to play with them again.
Q: You only have this week and the
Suburban Council tournament the following week left. It is hard to believe the season is almost over?
A: It didn’t hit me until (Sunday). We only have a couple of weeks left. It is crazy. Last year, we had like 30 practices before our first game. Last year, we had a few days to prepare for an opponent. Now, the games are clumped together. I am so happy we are playing.
Q: When you were growing up, was there a player you liked?
A: I went to overnight camp and Joe Cremo was my counselor. Coach ‘G’ coached him and I have always been a big fan of him. Seeing him play at Albany and Villanova was great. We have kind of stayed in touch. Watching him, he isn’t a super athletic guy and I am not either, but he still finds ways to make the right play. He was one of my favorites along with Kevin Huerter.