Georgia Tech radio voice Andy Demetra chats with Georgia Tech freshman forward Kristian Sjolund
A successful and versatile high school player with international experience. Kristian Sjolund was rated a 3-star prospect in the composite 247Sports ranking (No. 56 small forward, No. 18 in Texas), as well as a 4-star by ESPN (No. 36 small forward, No. 17 in Texas). He enrolled at Tech on the heels of the graduation of San Antonio native Ben Lammers, and follows two other Texans of note in the Tech program, forwards Chris Bosh and Jeremis Smith.
Sjolund has seen his most extensive opportunity to play in Tech’s last three games, in which he has scored eight points at Notre Dame and 11 each vs. Virginia Tech and Florida State.
Here’s more from Sjolund…
How did you decide to come to Georgia Tech?
“The deciding factor, I would say was coach Pastner. He was the most eager head coach, he was on me more than other schools.”
What are three words you can use to describe yourself?
“Positive, honest and creative.”
Did you play another sport before you settled on basketball, and how good were you at it?
“I did play soccer, while I played basketball, but I did pretty well in soccer too. I think I was more interested in basketball though.”
If you could play a musical instrument, what would it be?
“I did play guitar, but I wish I could still play it. I’m just too busy to start playing again.”
Is there a story behind the jersey number that you wear?
“I can’t remember the dates, but I’m dual citizenship. So, Norway was established in the 1800’s and the United States was established back in the 1700’s. So 17 plus 18 is 35 [jersey number].”
Is there one thing that you’ve never done or tried that you would like to do?
“I don’t know, skydiving I guess.”
When you shoot alone in the gym, what music do you like to listen to?
“I listen to NF, he’s not really well known. He’s a rapper from Michigan.”
Do you have a pre-game routine you follow, or have any superstitions?
“I really don’t, but I like to stretch a lot.”
Who is the one person you would most like to play one-on-one and why?
“It would probably be Kobe or Michael Jordan.”
What is your favorite sports team?
“My favorite I think it would be Barcelona FC, the soccer team. I don’t really have a specific favorite team in the basketball universe. I like to skip around, for example, I’d like to see this team go to the playoffs.”
