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One on One With Bud Mackey

By: James Mulcahy

Georgetown, Ky- We recently caught up with Scott County star Bud Mackey and he addressed some rumors about his verbal to Indiana and much more.

Mackey led Scott County to the Kentucky state championship as a junior and was the MVP of the Sweet 16.  He is ranked 53rd nationally in the class of 2008 and he is coming off an injury that kept him out of action for much of the summer. 

Mackey is now healthy and ready to finish up his summer before he tries to lead Scott County to their second straight state championship.

HoopsReport: You had an injury that kept you out most of the summer; how hard has it been having to sit out and watch all the big camps and tournaments you were invited to?
Mackey: It’s been very hard, I was stressing cause I love the game and watching everyone run and jump and shoot just killed me.  So, it’s been very hard.

When you gave IU a verbal toward the end of last year what were some of your biggest reasons for choosing the Hoosiers? 
You know, I love IU.  It’s a great place and I thought that it was the best fit for me.

There have been a lot of rumors about how strong your commitment is to IU and that your home state school, Kentucky, is trying to test that commitment.  Talk about how solid you are with Indiana.
The rumors you hear are not true.  I will never change my commitment.  I’m 100% IU.

How did your junior season at Scott County go and what were your stats?
I was the 2nd leading scorer for the Cards averaging 20 points behind Matt Walls- a good friend of mine.  I rebounded about 8 and averaged probably 4 assists.  I had a great year and won the state title so it turned out pretty good.

Last season your Scott County Cardinals took on #1 nationally ranked (at the time) Huntington High and OJ Mayo in your backyard and came away with a big win.  Would you say that was the most satisfying win of your career and what was that experience like?
Yes, taking down a team with that much fire power, you know with OJ (Mayo) and Pat (Patterson), that was most def the best and most satisfying win in my b-ball career.

Who is the best player you’ve ever played against?
Jimmie Warren from Scott County.  He gave me hell during practice.  He worked hard everyday, never gave up, and out-worked everyone, everyday.

What is Coach Sampson (IU) like?
He is the most positive guy in the world.  Very smart and he reminds me of my grandfather.

Talk about what it’s like growing up and playing in a basketball-crazed town like Georgetown, Kentucky where hoops is so important and so much pressure is put on their star players, like yourself.
I didn’t grow up here in G-town.  I moved down my 7th grade year and played for Georgetown Middle School, but even then I could tell how important (basketball) was.

If you were to rank the top 5 players in the ‘08 class, what would your rankings look like?
I have to be 1st, followed by Lewis Jackson, Tyler Zeller, Matt Roth, and Devin Ebanks.

Who is your favorite pro team? 
L.A. Lakers.

Who was your favorite college team growing up?
Cincinnati when they had Steve Logan and Oklahoma when they had Hollis Price.

What do you feel are the strengths of your game and what areas do you need to improve?
I always work hard- since I’ve been hurt I did a lot of shooting so my shot looks a lot better, and my court vision is improving cause I’m playing point guard now.

What player would you compare your game to? 
Rajon Rondo.  I’m a better shooter, though.

Kobe, Lebron or D-Wade?
Kobe, hands down.

Nike, Reebok, or adidas?
Nike.

What are some of the goals you have for your senior season?
Win state again and try to be an All-American.

Do you have any other hobbies (other than basketball)?
I played football, but I gotta quit.  You know, big year coming up.

What do you feel are some of your biggest accomplishments so far in your basketball career?
Winning a state championship and being ranked high in the class of 2008.

Is there anything else the people out there should know about Bud Mackey?
I have a real bad shoe and tattoo fetish.

Who is the biggest role model in your life and why?
My grandfather.  He is teaching me how to be a man.

Shout outs?
My family.  Thank you.