Bulldogs forward slowly returns to form

Gonzaga junior forward Josh Heytvelt has played in eight games since recovering from foot surgery. He’s averaging 11.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and was shooting better than 50 percent before making just 1 of 6 shots in Monday’s win over San Francisco.

Heytvelt had something of a built-in excuse – a bout with bronchitis has seen him drop nearly 15 pounds – but he refused to use it when discussing the game.

“I played horrible,” he said.

Three days before Gonzaga faces No. 1 Memphis, Heytvelt talked about his health, his relationship with teammates and his future in this week’s Q & A.

S-R: Where did you watch last year’s Gonzaga-Memphis game?

JH: I watched it on TV. It was the second game after I got into trouble (and was suspended last February) so it was difficult. There were points where I was angry, points where I was happy, a whole bunch of emotions. I felt the guys played hard and put up a good fight.

S-R: What percentage are you at physically?

JH: The foot is fine, the foot’s 100 percent. It’s just getting in shape physically. I’ve only been playing 2-3 weeks and these guys have been playing 2-3 months. My wind was pretty good and then I got a head cold and congestion and all that, so I’m a little behind again.

S-R: What’s been the slowest thing to come back after your surgery?

JH: Leg strength, trying to be explosive.

S-R: Evaluate your play so far.

JH: Up and down. I’ve had some good games, some bad games. Obviously, I haven’t played to where I think I can. Hopefully, I can get there soon.

S-R: There has been a lot of discussion that you are different this season around your teammates – more talkative, more involved. True?

JH: I’m more open. I try to do things with the guys. Years’ past it was basketball and then it was social life. Now, I’m living with guys (David Pendergraft and Abdullahi Kuso). We’ll go out to the movies as a team or sit and play dominoes or card games. I would say my life is a lot different overall.

S-R: You are listed on some NBA mock drafts, usually late first or somewhere in the second round. Have you thought about leaving early?

JH: Right now I’m just focusing on us, Gonzaga. That stuff will come when it comes. It’s going to be a decision that has to happen with the coaches and me. It’s going to be something we have to figure out if it’s a good idea or a bad idea.

S-R: How is this team playing?

JH: We’re just scratching the surface with some things. I definitely think we have room to grow, improve and get better.