INDIANAPOLIS--Cam Fuller catches up with Horizon League Freshman of the Week Kahlil Felder. Felder was named to the honor on Nov. 18 after scoring 10 points at No. 24/24 UCLA before playing all 40 minutes in each of Oakland’s next two games. At California, Felder finished with 13 points and three assists and at No. 15/15 Gonzaga, Felder posted a career-best seven assists while adding seven points.
Meet Kahlil Felder
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 180
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Detroit, Mich.
High School: Detroit Pershing
Position: Point Guard
2013-14 Season (Freshman)
- Has appeared in the starting line-up in all four contests.
- Averaging 8.5 points, 3.8 assists per game.
- Posted 13 points, three assists at California on Nov. 15.
- Against No. 15/15 Gonzaga on Nov. 17, dished out a career-high seven assists while also chipping in seven points.
After coming off a successful high school career at Detroit Pershing, one that saw you finish fourth in the Mr. Basketball race in Michigan, what drew you to Rochester, Mich. and to Oakland University?
The schedule that they play and the education is very hard here, I like to be challenged in the classroom. I know (Greg) Kampe has been here for 30-plus years and that along with a competitive schedule was what I was looking for most.
Your home games for the next four years will be so close to your hometown of Detroit, how exciting is that?
That was another reason why I came here. It’s so close to home my family and friends can come see me play and I can get that support that I had in high school. For my people to come watch me play at the next level is exciting.
The Golden Grizzlies opened the season with games at No. 12/11 North Carolina, at No. 24/24 UCLA, at California and at No. 15/15 Gonzaga. What was the experience like playing tough, road opponents?
It’s pretty exciting for anyone to go in there and compete. It’s fun, but you also want to go in there and get wins and come out on top. But overall, I was very excited and I just tried to have fun. These games will help us a lot and will make us better. When we get to conference play and the conference tournament it should be easier to get wins.
At Detroit Pershing you played a similar dribble drive offense that Oakland plays. What’s the transition been like from high school, to playing three ranked teams in your first four collegiate games?
The game is faster here. We played a dribble drive (in high school) but it wasn’t a real dribble drive. At Oakland we play more schemes. I feel like the offense here is better then what we ran at (Detroit) Pershing.
In only your fourth game in an Oakland uniform, you were named Horizon League Freshman of the Week. How special was it to be voted for such an honor so early in your career?
I had a big smile on face, but I just told myself this isn’t the end of it, I just got to keep working and be better.
Oakland has been playing shorthanded this season, suiting up just six scholarship players at No. 15/15 Gonzaga. How have you embraced this opportunity to show the coaching staff that you can be an impact player?
It’s exciting. Playing 40 minutes takes a toll on your body but it will prepare me for down the stretch and I’ll be in shape. Just helping out the team—I didn’t think I’d be able to play 40 minutes per game but I’m doing it. Kampe is believing in me and I’m believing in myself that I can run this team and be a leader this early.
Your father Kahlil, Sr. played basketball at Eastern Michigan, your cousin Steve Smith played at Michigan State and later in the NBA, and your cousin Darrius Williams currently plays at Moorhead State. Growing up, what was the typical family game of basketball like?
H-o-r-s-e. One-on-one. 21. Two-on-two. I come from a family of just basketball. Them pushing me and me being the youngest one—maybe I can push my younger cousins like that. There was bloody noses and blood on the floor but it made me tough and has helped me out in the end.
Where is the best place to get something to eat around campus?
Best place is Mongolian Grill. That’s a pretty nice place to eat. I get the stir fry, the noodles, rice, chicken, shrimp, couple sauces in there. It’s pretty good.
Off the court, what are some things you enjoy doing?
I do what I need to do with homework, going to the library and hanging out and chillin’ with the guys. I don’t know what I’m going to study but every day I’m thinking about it, my mind is everywhere but I’m really not sure (what to major in).
If you had to describe coach Kampe with one word, what would it be?
Aggressive. He likes to win, he doesn’t like to lose. He’s a hard-nosed coach and just the way his coaching style is makes him aggressive.
Tags: Oakland - Men's Basketball
