Kiwi hoops phenom Tai Wynyard is settling well into life in Lexington as the young forward continues his pursuit of a berth on the hallowed Kentucky basketball program.
The 17-year-old has yet to take the floor for the Wildcats so far in this his freshman season, his focus remaining on getting his conditioning to the level required to compete at the highest echelons of college basketball with a squad considered favourites to raise yet another national championship banner to the rafters.
"I was a little out of shape when I arrived'", admitted Wynyard. "I wasn't expecting all this running, but coach Payne has been working with me a lot, and I'm starting to feel really good."
Despite having spent time in the Tall Black and Breakers environments, the most challenging aspect of his transition into the college realm has been the increased level of competition.
"It's really high," he notes. "Back home I played a lot with men in that competition which prepared me a lot, but this is just another step up. Everyone's a lot more athletic and physical."
Wynyard is well aware of the areas in which he needs to improve in order to make an impression on a demanding staff, which includes arguably the best coach in the NCAA in the legendary John Calipari.
Calipari is a renowned motivator and relentless competitor. With three coach of the year awards, a national championship to his name, and a host of NBA stars groomed under his tutelage, Wynyard is well aware of the impact his mentorship alone could have on his career.
"I've got to get better, get stronger. Push everybody around and try to assert my physical dominance. I'll be ready when he (Calipari) calls my name."
In spite of such daunting stakes Wynyard's self-assurance hasn't wavered, displaying a confidence he attributes to the lessons learnt from his father, world champion woodchopper Jason Wynyard.
"It's all in the mind, that's what my Dad has taught me my whole life."
The suggestion of any pressure inspires a mere shrug of the shoulders from the 2.01 metre Aucklander.
"I don’t feel pressured. I don’t know if that's because I'm a New Zealander and we don’t feel pressure."
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