10 Questions with Tulpehocken’s Bryce Mellen, presented by Diamond Credit Union
Each Wednesday MikeDragoSports.com goes one-on-one with a Berks boys basketball player to find out what’s on his mind — on the court and off.
Presented by Diamond Credit Union
Bryce Mellen, Tulpehocken
Senior forward
Q: Charlie Copp scored 2,440 points in his career at Tulpehocken, No. 2 all-time in Berks history. What do you think when you see his scoring totals listed on a banner, or in a showcase at school?
I think it’s cool to see the success he had at a small high school.
Q: If you could go one-on-one against any NBA player, past or present, who would it be?
I can’t decide between one of these two: The Goat, Michael Jordan, and the most influential player, Stephen Curry.
Q: Who was most influential in helping you develop your game?
Definitely my dad (Bryan, an assistant coach at Tulpehocken) for always pushing me to be better on and off the court. Also my brothers; I grew up playing against older and more physical players, which gave me an edge on playing against guys my age.
Q: If you could be recruited by any college basketball coach in the country, who would it be?
It has to be (Kentucky’s) John Calipari.
Q: If you and your brother Chandler (a senior at Tulpehocken in 2020) went at it in a 3-point shooting contest, who would win?
We’re both super competitive, so it would be close, but I’d have to bet on myself.
Q: Which of your teammates would be toughest to guard in a game?
I’d clamp all of them! But toughest, I’d say is Nolan (Sweitzer) because of his quickness and handle.
Q: You’re in charge of the lunch menu at Tulpehocken. What’s the first thing you add? And the first thing you get rid of?
Add Buffalo chicken dip; get rid of broccoli.
Q: What’s the one basketball skill you’d like to add to your game?
I’d say a better handle.
Q: Who’s the hardest-working player on your team?
Chad Henning, because his dedication in the offseason.
Q: If you could change one thing about high school basketball, what would it be?
I would add a shot clock, 45 seconds or a minute, so that bad teams can’t stall.
10 Questions, presented by Diamond Credit Union, appears each week on MikeDragoSports.com throughout the 2021-2022 basketball season.
