WPIAL Alum Q&A – Austin Dedert

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, January 4, 2016 | 8:58 PM

Over the past several years, the Plum boys basketball team has been one of the most consistent squads in Class Quad-A. The Mustangs have captured consecutive Section 2 Championships, including in 2013-14, when Plum finished 18-4. The Mustangs also allowed the fewest points per game in the classification that season.

One of the integral parts of the team was senior center Austin Dedert, who averaged more than 15 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Dedert, a three-year starter for Plum, now patrols the paint for St. Vincent College.

As a freshman with the Bearcats last year, the 6-foot-6 forward started 15 games, and shot better than 62 percent from the field in his limited offensive opportunities. This year, though, Dedert has compiled more significant stats, averaging 6.5 points and 5.1 boards per game. Perhaps most impressively, he’s blocked 13 shots in just 11 games.

St. Vincent just returned from Las Vegas, where the Bearcats posted a 2-1 mark in a holiday tournament. Overall, the team boasts a record of 8-3, including 4-0 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference action.

Austin took time from his busy week to chat about his play on the court, as well as other aspects like his favorite moment while at Plum, and the best Christmas gift he has ever received.
 

Q: After contributing as a freshman, mostly in a reserve role, you have become a fixture in the stating lineup this year. How have you adjusted to the increase in minutes and responsibility?

A: I adjusted simply by understanding my role, playing within my game, and playing within the system. 

Q: You are averaging more than one blocked shot per game. Other than your length, what has been key to your success in that area?

A: Timing; knowing when a good time to jump is, and not falling for pump fakes easily.

Q: What’s a better feeling, blocking a shot emphatically or throwing down a dunk?

A: Throwing down a dunk, by far. Nothing is a greater energy booster.

Q: What is the biggest area in which you’d still like to improve this season?

A: I would like to see myself become a more aggressive offensive player when I get my opportunities.

Q: The Bearcats have had three straight 20-win seasons, as are on pace for another after a strong start this year. What are the team goals for the campaign?

A: The main goal this year is not just to have a successful regular season, but to make a run in the NCAA tournament, as well. 

Q: What was your deciding factor in attending St. Vincent?

A: St. Vincent provided me with the best opportunity to better myself as a person and player out of all schools that were interested.

Q: What was your best memory at Plum High School?

A: When my teammates and I dyed our hair red during the playoffs in my senior year.

Q: Do you still follow Plum and the WPIAL closely?

A: I always check Twitter to find the final scores of the Plum games, and in the process I’ll look at the other scores of the WPIAL.

Q: Who was the most impressive player you faced in the WPIAL?

A: Matt D’Amico from Fox Chapel; He always found a way to give us buckets in high school.

Q: You were recently in Las Vegas for a tournament. Did you or the team do any fun activities there when you weren’t practicing or playing?

A: We had some down time to explore the strip and I thought that was really cool to see all the lights.

Q: What is your major, and your ideal future profession?

A: I am a finance major and I’m not exactly sure what type of job I want to get with that yet.

Q: What is an interesting or little-known fact about you?

A: I’m a very tough opponent when it comes to Madden 16.

Q: What was the best Christmas gift you have ever received?

A: The hover board I received for Christmas this year was the best.