Rod Odom was a burgeoning member of Stony Brook’s basketball program from 2003-2006 before taking his skills to the Middlesex School in Concord, MA. In his senior year for the Zebras, Odom averaged 25.6 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3.1 blocks per game to help him garner Gatorade Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American nominations. Last spring Odom signed with the Vanderbilt University Commodores, a Division I program in the Southeastern Conference, and tomorrow, in an exhibition game against the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Odom will begin a new chapter in his basketball career. Here is an interview with Odom from the official website for Vanderbilt Athletics:

How has you first collegiate preseason been?
“It was a tough adjustment at first. Everything is a lot faster than it was in high school. It’s definitely going a lot better now and all of the freshmen are adjusting to the faster pace and to playing against better competition.”

Is it exciting to be playing at this level now?
“It’s definitely humbling to be out here with these guys that you see on TV and now you’re one of those guys. It’s a great feeling.”

What should fans know about your game?
“I try to be really unselfish. I like to try and get everybody involved to make my teammates better.”

What’s your mindset at the moment as you contend for playing time as a freshman?
“I just try to go out there and play hard and let the rest take care of itself.”

What are you learning from some of the older front court players?
“I’m just learning how to be more physical and tough. I don’t want to show fatigue and overall want to be a tougher player.”

What do you like most about being here?
“It’s a blessing to be out here. I just feel like I’m getting better every day and that’s the best thing for me.”

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