Nov. 4, 2004
Chad Toppert is a 6-6 freshman, guard from Albuquerque who planned to walk-on this season for the Lobos. However, just prior to the start of practice, head coach Ritchie McKay granted Toppert a scholarship, but the Academy graduate will still redshirt the 2004-05 season. His stroke from long range has impressed the Lobo coaches and players and Toppert will certainly be a valuable addition to UNM basketball for years to come.
Here are some of your questions and answers for Chad…
Q: Chad, has your brother Cody, also a Division I basketball player (Cornell), given you any good advice on what to expect this season and over your career? (Mike S., Albuquerque)
CT: He practices with me in the summers, and he really pushes me in the weight room. He tells me that you have to improve your game, work on getting stronger, and that you can’t be satisfied with your skills now. You have to also try to improve to play at this level.
Q: How does the team treat you, being a rookie and all? Is it an easy transition?
CT: The team has treated me really well…it’s been an easy transition. I thought that it would be hard, but all the guys have great character and they are fun to be around.
Q: How hard is it going to be to sit out this year? (Dave, Albuquerque)
CT: It’s going to be real hard having to sit and watch the team play, but it will help me out for next year. I’m looking forward to next year, after having a year of improvement under my belt.
Q: How has it been adjusting to college basketball after high school? Hope you are doing well. (Chris Travelstead, Albuquerque)
CT: Thanks Chris…It’s been real hard…everyone on the court is just as good or better than you, and everyone on the team has great skills, so there is not really a weak link on the team…but playing around so many good players pushes your game up as well.
Q: How much have you grown since your last high school game? (Albert, Rio Rancho)
CT: I’ve grown about an inch and a half since my last high school game. I’m around 6-6 now.
Q: Who is better: you, your brother, your mom, or your dad? (Mark, Albuquerque)
CT: My mom is real good, she can stay outside all day and shot free throws and threes and drain them on you, so you have to watch out for her…but I will have to give it to my brother. He’s a senior this year at Cornell and with four years of college basketball experience…my dad is old so he can’t really do much…so, yeah, I’ll give it to my brother.
Q: What’s it like continuing the family tradition by playing at this level? (Steve, Albuquerque)
CT: It’s great, but my parents would love me even if I didn’t play basketball…but by being around them they have really helped me out with the transition to college basketball. I’ve been around it all my life, and it is really what I love.
Here are a few more random questions for Chad…
Q: What’s your major?
CT: General Business
Q: What’s the last movie you saw?
CT: Wow, I haven’t seen a movie in so long…Spiderman 2.
Q: What CD is in your player right now?
CT: A mix with a little rap, hip hop, and rock
Q: What was your best game in high school?
CT: I’d have to say playing in the East-West All-Star game with Darren Prentice. I scored 27 points in that game.