BJ Orr
Millbrook basketball player — senior
What BJ Orr's nickname lacks in creativity, it makes up for in substance.
According to Millbrook head boys basketball coach Scott McInnes, the Wildcat sharpshooter is affectionately called "BJO," a small gesture of admiration toward former Wakefield guard Darius Johnson-Odom — DJO — who is now starring for Marquette University. If Orr can deliver in the clutch like the nickname namesake, the Wildcats should have plenty to celebrate this season.
Through the first three weeks of the season, Orr —who is averaging eight points a game — and teammate Danny Mizerk have given the Wildcats the outside presence needed to help teammates gain good looks inside. With only two players over 6-foot-3, Millbrook needs to stretch the floor to run at full speed.
Orr spoke with NorthRaleighSports.com about his squad's 2009-10 season, about teammate Tyrrel Tate's improvement and playing for Coach McInnes.
This is your third year on varsity, how is this team different than in years past?
We have a lot of seniors, and pride is a big thing for us this year. We got to go out every night strong. We started off the season with a loss and I'm not finishing the season with a loss.
Who is the most reliable guy on this team?
Both Tyrell Tate and Jarrick Brown are reliable.
What are they like?
Tate brings a lot of energy to the team. We can always count on him to get a block or a dunk and hype the team up.
And Jarrick, he's clutch. He'll hit those free throws you need at the end of game.
Tate didn't make the school team as a freshman. How much has he improved in these last three years?
He has improved tremendously. From getting cut his freshman year to getting a full ride to Fayetteville State, it's just crazy.
You've played for Coach McInneis for a few years, what is he like?
He's a young coach. He's not going to sit on the bench and point at people. He's up and in your face. He's loud, he's aggressive. But he's a fun guy to play for.
What's your favorite memory from your career at Millbrook?
Probably last year, beating Enloe on senior night.
Biggest rival in the conference?
Sanderson.
Why?
They are just right up the street, less than five minutes away. It's like Carolina and State. That's us and Sanderson.
What's the Cap-7 Conference going to be like this year?
Pretty much every team in the league is going to be strong. There is no easy games, where you can take the day off and still win. Everybody is gunning for everybody.
How would you describe this squad's style of play?
We're a little bit run-and-gun. We're talkative and loud. We just get after it. We don't sit around worrying about the play that just happened, we just worry about the next play. Some of us have been playing together for four or five years, and we all know each other's games.
Who is the most clutch shooter on this team? Who's going to hit the big three?
Either me or Danny (Mizerk).
Who is the best dunker on this team?
Tyrell Tate. And Donzell Hill. Donzell throws it down pretty hard.
Is there a game you are really looking forward to?
Probably the Enloe game. Everybody has been saying that Enloe is going to win the conference, and we want to open some eyes.
Editor's Note. The Wildcats host the Eagles Jan. 15 and travel to Enloe Feb. 12.
You guys play in the GlaxoSmithKline tournament, which is one of the nation's best holiday tournaments. What are your thoughts on playing it in?
We're going to get to face a lot of good teams. Teams that are nationally ranked and that we've never played before. And it will be fun going out and playing them.
Orr and the Wildcats start Cap-7 Conference play Thursday, Dec. 10, at Wakefield.
