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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Steve Bergum: He definitely made cut with Zags

Matt Bouldin has burst upon the Gonzaga University basketball scene like few freshmen in school history.

The 6-foot-5 guard from Highlands Ranch, Colo., made his first collegiate start in Saturday night’s 97-77 win over Washington and responded with a career-high 21 points, raising his scoring average to 8.5 points.

Bouldin sat down with The Spokesman-Review earlier this week for a question-and-answer session.

S-R: Growing up so close to Denver, you have to be a big Broncos fan, right?

Bouldin: A little bit. My parents are hard-core Broncos fans, but ever since I got here I feel like I need to support them, really, just to cope with all the Seahawks fans.

S-R: What do you think of Mike Shanahan’s recent decision to replace quarterback Jake Plummer with rookie Jay Cutler?

Bouldin: I think he (Cutler) is going to be great, just like everybody thinks he’s going to be great. I’m just a little bitter that it’s going to take some time. I understand that, but I’d like to see some numbers right now.

S-R: Do your teammates give you a bad time about your hair?

Bouldin: Not really. Sometimes, though, they’ll comment about how much more nappy (Adam) Morrison’s was. But I’m kind of on a different level than Morrison when it comes to the long hair thing.

S-R: Ever consider adding a mustache like Morrison did?

Bouldin: No. I don’t think I can grow one, No. 1, and, No. 2, I don’t want to.

S-R: How does the long hair play with the girls?

Bouldin: They don’t say much about it, really. But I hope they like it.

S-R: Have you had any problems with homesickness?

Bouldin: I miss home, sure. But my parents (Ron and Dana) made it to our NIT games and they’re going to be in New York (for the Duke game on Dec. 21). My sister (Brittany) lives in New York, and I had Thanksgiving with her the last time we were there (for the NIT semifinals and finals), which was great.

S-R: I suppose having the kind of success you’ve had on the basketball floor so far helps, as well.

Bouldin: Without a doubt. I came here hoping to make an impact as early as possible, and the coaches have been right behind me all the way. And we’re winning, too, so I’m just having a great time.