Collegiate Times

Just as the Virginia Tech men's basketball team has ascended to the forefront of the Atlantic Coast Conference, guard Zabian Dowdell has established himself as one of the league's best players. After starring at Pahokee High School in Florida, Dowdell was the first recruit of head coach Seth Greenberg. Ever since the initial game of his freshman season against New Hampshire, Dowdell has been a mainstay in the Hokies' starting lineup. He was a member of the All-ACC honorable mention list in his sophomore and junior campaigns, and is on pace to lead Tech in scoring for the second consecutive year. His 18 points-per-game average is fifth in the conference. Dowdell's scoring ability was best showcased in Tech's dramatic 81-80 overtime victory at North Carolina, as he set a career-high with 33-points against the Tar Heels. He has also managed to display his defensive skills. With 2.16 steals per game, Dowdell is second to teammate Jamon Gordon for the ACC lead in takeaways. His versatility has helped drive the Hokies to a 21-win season and a match-up withIllinois in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

Brian Wright (Collegiate Times): You have three siblings that have played or are currently playing college basketball. Is the sport just something that runs in the family?
Zabian Dowdell: Yeah, even my mom played basketball. (My family) always talked about it and we played every day, so it was just something that stuck with me.

Q: Coming from Florida, what motivated you to play at Virginia Tech?
A: Coach (Greenberg) and the Big East were two major factors in me deciding to come up and play. I was just tired of the whole recruiting process and I was ready to get it over with.

Q: You have been a starter for your entire Hokie career. How much of a learning curve was there coming out of high school and then having to transition immediately into the starting lineup of a Division I university?
A: In high school, you're a lot better than the players you're up against. You're a lot smarter and you can get away with a lot of mistakes. In college, teams watch film on you. They get to know your weaknesses and your strengths, so you really have to be on top of your game.

Q: Your scoring average has improved in each of your four years. What would you attribute to your rise in success?
A: Hard work in the summer. I really put in a lot of time at the gym during my summers. My high school coach (Chris Maxon) had a hand in that last summer, getting me prepared for this year. I have to give a lot of credit to him.

Q: How gratifying has this year been not just for you, but also for all the players who went through a tough 2005-2006 season?
A: Having success is a good thing, but to see the guys mature, see them work hard, and be able to contribute is great. Often times this year, you'll see guys smiling. Last year, however, it was a completely different mood in the locker room.

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