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1 On 1 With Khem Birch @ The Lebron James Skills Academy

Published by Gilbert Muako on July 7, 2010

Khem Birch 2012 With his new found stardom and his recent rise in American rankings, Qubec native Khem Birch is a hot commodity in the interview room at the LeBron James Skills Academy. Despite that, CROWN shook off the paparazzi and used our hometown connections to catch up with the 2012 power forward.

CROWN: Speak on your experience so far at the Lebron James Skills Academy

Khem Birch: I find its been good so far, alot of competition, and (I’m) playing hard to prove myself so things are going well.

CROWN: This is a major event! What does it mean to be in invited to a camp of this caliber?

Birch: I didn’t even know I was invited until I returned to Canada (from the U18 nationals). I couldn’t believe it so I think it means a lot, shows I’m one of the best in the country. You can’t just be a regular player coming here, not alot of players get invited to this camp so to be chosen is very special.

CROWN: In the past few days you’ve spent here, what has stood out most to you in the experience?

Birch: Lebron James. He is every where i didn’t even think he’ll be here. Usually superstars don’t show up to their camps, but he’s here at all times. I think its nice he’s here.

CROWN: Speaking about lebron last night we watched you take on an intense scrimmage versus him and some of his other Cavs teammates. Speak on how that was.

Birch: oh man I was so… it was unbelievable (to go up against Lebron). Playing against the best player in the world, its shuch an honor. I think I did good, I was nervous at first cause I didn’t want to get dunked on. He taught us a lot so it was fun.

CROWN: Being here amongst some of the top players in the nation, how do you think you stacked up against the competition?

Birch: I think I’m one of the best right now, hopefully I could show everyone.

CROWN: Your name is big right now on the circut and high school basketball scene. Your still young and progressing, what do you think are your strengths and weaknesses. What are you looking to improve on as you grow as player?

Birch: My energy and my motor (some strenghts) , the thing I need to improve is my versatility to be a complete player. Once I improve that it’s over. Hopefully I can (begin to) talk more. I’m not being cocky, but since I am one of the best players, I need to become more of a leader.

CROWN: You recently made a transfer to Notre Dame from Winchendon school. Speak on the reason behind the tranfer and your expectations at your new school?

Birch: I moved from Winchendon to Notre Dame because I find it’s better academically and the coach left at Winchendon, so why would I want to play if we can’t go anywhere. What I expect from Notre Dame (this coming season) is a national championship.

CROWN: You’ll be joining another incoming Canadian Grandy Glaze at the new school. Speak on playing along side your countryman.

Birch: Grandy’s my man. He’s funny and it makes it more comfortable since we’re both from Canada. From the first day we (met) we clicked. I didn’t even know who he was but we came (to school) the same day, we talked and everything clicked. He (grandy) has a big motor, he’s a very good player, he actually pushes me a lot. He has one of the best motors, which pushes me to work harder. We go in the gym and work out all the time.

CROWN: Now lets talk recruiting. In the past you’ve heavily favored providence, but now it seems there’s new schools in the picture. Whose currently recruiting you.

Birch: Arizona, Providence, West Virginia, Ohio state, Pittsburgh, Texas, and Florida have all offered and Kentucky is showing interest.

CROWN: And who have you visited so far?

Birch: I’ve visited UMass and Providence and will visit Pitt in August. I really like Pitt.

CROWN: Whats your schedule for the rest of the summer?

Birch: West Virgina (hoop group) Springfield (National Invitational), Orlando (AAU National)

CROWN would like to Thank Khem Birch for his time.

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