Ex-Wofford and BBL star targeting 2013/14 return

Former BBL star, Cameron Rundles, recently revealed to UKASF.com that he is aiming to return to the hardwood for the 2013/14 season.

Rundles, 25, is looking to resume his playing career after taking a year out last season to become an assistant coach for his former college team, the Wofford Terriers. During Rundles’ sole season on the sidelines, the Terriers finished 13-19 and now Rundles, who averaged 18.6ppg and 4.6apg for the Leicester Riders in 2011/12, is eager to get back to playing.

Cameron, it’s been a while since we last spoke, what was it like going back to Wofford?

“Being back at Wofford was great! Seeing old friends, staff members and of course becoming part of the coaching staff was an experience that I will keep with me forever just as I do every adventure in my life.”

You had a clipboard and a suit when you returned to your former college. How was your first season as an assistant coach?

“I believe my first season went well. Learned the game from a different view, met many great coaches along the way and working with our players who are Grade A in class was a blessing.”

What changes did you need to make to go from being a pro-baller to being a coach at college level?

“The biggest change was separating actually being out there on the floor communicating with my family to communicating from the sideline the whole game.”

After making the transition from player to assistant coach last year, what’s behind your decision to return to playing this year?

“My decision to play again is simply the fact I missed the game WAY more then I thought I would. I knew it would be hard early but never knew I would miss basketball so much. And because I still have the ability to play, it’s even worse because I’m sure I’ll miss it when I’m totally done but hopefully when that day comes I’m really old and
I stopped because physically I can’t play anymore.”

What did you learn from your experience as a coach that you can use on the floor?

“I learned that drawing up plays on a grease board is much tougher than you think! It’s pretty easy when you’re just messing around but when you have to draw something up in 30 seconds it’s a little tougher. But the little bit that I did of that I enjoyed because it was like a pressure situation and I thrive in those situations. As a coach you need to know everything about players; their strengths, their weaknesses etc. and as a PG it’s the same – you have to know all positions, what each guy does on each play and where/when they wantthe ball.”

What do you think will be the biggest obstacle you’ll face in your comeback?

How have you changed as a player since the last time we saw you?

“After taking a year out to coach, I’ve become a much more patient player and I also found a lot more motivation and desire. It was already there but I’m going to need it as I try and climb back into things.”

Did you get many opportunities to train during your year at Wofford?

“Yeah, I trained daily with a couple buddies that live in Spartanburg who play overseas so I haven’t lost much of a step.”

Have you spoken to (former Leicester Riders teammates) Ayron Hardy and Brett Royster about their experiences overseas?

“I talked to Ayron about his experience and he said he liked it, mainly cause he was only there for four months instead of nine. I didn’t talk to Brett – I think his knee was bothering him out there though.”

Where are you looking to play when you come back?

“I’m looking to play wherever a club wants me and hopefully that place will have great fans as Leicester does, but maybe I’ll be back in Leicester! I guess only time will tell…”

Have you made any enquiries with coaches to see where your opportunities are?

“I have just been working with my agent on the upcoming season, no personal talks from any coaches.”

Did you catch many of the Riders scores last year? What did you think?

“I followed the Riders the whole season and tweeted several times shouting out Rob and Drew and the other fellas. I was very impressed but not surprised. Rob has always been a great recruiter and with Drew at the core they were destined to do big things! Very proud of those guys and happy for the city because those fans and the community
deserved it!!”

If the opportunity arose and it suited, do you think you’d play next year in the BBL?

“If the right opportunity came along I would play in the league. I’ve got nothing but good memories so I wouldn’t be opposed to checking any opportunities out.”

And if it was another BBL team that came in for you and not the Leicester Riders, would you still want to return to the UK?

“I’m a Rider at heart. If I came back to the BBL I would want to play for the Riders first and foremost but I guess time will tell.

Anything else, Cam?

“To all my fans in Leicester and the UK, I would like to say thank you for keeping up with me even when I was done playing there! True fans, true friends and for that, saying ‘Thank you’ is an understatement of what that means to me!!”