Senior RJ Melendez adapts quickly to Mississippi State's program
Playing for his third Power 4 team in four years, it hasn’t taken RJ Melendez long to adapt to head coach Chris Jans’ system at Mississippi State. And Melendez knew what his role would be as soon as he arrived in Starkville last June.
Melendez has been a mainstay in the starting lineup since the start of SEC play and is averaging 8.5 points and 4.1 rebounds a game. On Monday evening, Melendez met with Maroon and White Daily among other media members to discuss his time at Mississippi State and what lies ahead for his senior season:
Q: How tough was it to go back to Georgia and face your former school?
Melendez: It was emotional and remembering me being there last year. Not thinking about it but at the same time, we had to do what we had to do to and just focus on the game. I had to make sure my mind was clear, not any distractions and make sure my emotions did not carry over to the game and keep level-headed and play hard.
Q: How big was it to get another road win in the SEC?
Melendez: It was huge. I was telling the guys all week I need this one, just personal. Now we got Riley (Kugel) with Florida. You got me so I got you. Just help me win this game and I will help you win that next game and it’s the same thing.
Q: On that last defensive play against Georgia, did you see the ball coming towards you?
Melendez: It was great. Just being able to seal the game is all you could ever imagine. It just felt really good.
Q: How fine of a line was that you were trying to play by defending but not fouling?
Melendez: When we were shooting the free throw, I was running with the point guard. He asked what are we going for and I heard Coach Mike (White) say drive the ball and get to the rim. Once we turned the ball over, all I could think of was to make sure I keep him in front of me and make it hard for him to get to the rim. I guess it worked.
Q: You also had a ally oop dunk in the closing moments of that game. How was that play?
Melendez: Josh (Hubbard) has gotten so much better passing the ball. He saw me running and I gave him a little incentive to throw it up. It was a great pass, a great catch and some people say it was the play of the game. Georgia is a good team and we just had to make sure we got back to us, showing our image and what we are and playing hard.
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Q: How do you feel like you are playing this year?
Melendez: I feel like I am playing to my role. I just have to do the extra plays, just rebounding and guarding the ball. I know Hubb is going to be our leading scorer so I have to do what I got to do to help team keep winning.
Q: Last season when you were with Georgia, you put up 35 points against Florida. Your thoughts on having more success against Florida again?
Melendez: You just got to trust the game plan and not let it get ahead of me. That was just one game that happened. I know they are going to scout really well just like we are. You got to stay level-headed, do what I got to do on the court. If the shot comes then you got to knock it down.
Q: Do you feel like you have a defined role on this team?
Melendez: Just whatever Coach tells me to do, play hard on the court and help my teammates get better every day.
Q: What is your go-to spot to eat in Starkville?
Melendez: I’m a big Chipotle guy but I haven’t liked the one here a lot. So I would say Veracruz, a little Mexican spot right across the street.
