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Sunday Sit Down: Frank Kaminsky talks Wisconsin, MSG, karaoke, more

Player of the Year candidate Frank Kaminsky sits down with SI.com to talk Wisconsin hoops and more.

A frontrunner to win the 2015 Wooden Award, Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky made a name for himself last year when his versatility and stellar footwork helped the Badgers to the Final Four.

Described by his father, Frank Sr., as “a goof,” Kaminsky is also known for some good one-liners. After scoring 22 points and grabbing nine boards in Wisconsin’s 69-64 overtime win at Michigan Saturday, he is the first to take part in our new weekly Q&A, the Sunday Sit Down. 

SCHNELL: Kaminsky finally finds his moment

SI.com: Eight seconds left, game on the line -- which current college basketball player do you want taking the big shot? You can’t pick a teammate.

Frank Kaminsky: Oooh, that’s tough. Chasson Randle from Stanford.

SI.com: Who do you want defending the big shot? Also can’t pick a teammate.

Kaminsky: I pick Aaron Craft. He can come back for his NCAA-approved fifth year.

SI.com: Why is your team better than people think?

Kaminsky: Man, I thought you said this wasn’t going to be hard.

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​​SI.com: Come on, aren’t these questions better than "what’s your favorite color?"

Kaminsky. True. OK, we’re better because we over-prepare for everything.

SI.com: What one weird thing do you keep in your backpack or basketball bag?

Kaminsky: I keep a shell that I found on the beach in high school.

SI.com: Does it have any significance?

Kaminsky: Nope, just found it and it was cool and just haven’t taken it out.

SI.com: Who’s your favorite follow on Twitter?

Kaminsky:The Iron Sheik.

SI.com: Who’s your celebrity crush?

Kaminsky: That’s tough, because she just had a baby, so I might have to throw her away. It was Blake Lively but it can’t be anymore.

SI.com: Because … you aren’t into people who have children?

Kaminsky: Yeah, kids make it complicated. So we’ll go with Katy Perry.

SI.com: Best dunk you’ve done/seen live?

Kaminsky: Vince Carter jumping over that guy in the Olympics.

SI.com: Favorite March Madness memory?

Kaminsky: Going to the Final Four last year.

SI.com: You’re an NBA GM with the first pick in the 2015 draft. Who are you taking and why?

Kaminsky:Jahlil Okafor from Duke, because he has the most potential.

Mailbag: Is UConn a tourney team? What's wrong with Sam Dekker?

SI.com: In their primes, are you taking LeBron or Kobe?

Kaminsky: Kobe.

SI.com: What’s the dumbest mistake you’ve ever made on a basketball court?

Kaminsky: Hmm. Probably scoring for the other team. I’m sure I’ve done that at some point.

SI.com: Uh, recently?

Kaminsky: No, when I was younger.

SI.com: What is Coach Ryan’s favorite saying or phrase to yell in practice?

Kaminsky: “It’s a white warsh!” It’s supposed to be a white wash but he says it warsh. He loves saying that for some reason.

SI.com: Which venue do you most want to play in?

Kaminsky: I’ve always wanted to play at Madison Square Garden. I think that would be awesome.

SI.com: I think you’re right. Who on your team would make the best coach someday and why?

Kaminsky: (Senior guard) Josh (Gasser), because he’s a great leader.

SI.com: Which teammate are you singing a karaoke duet with, and what’s your song of choice? 

Kaminsky: This is tough. (Junior guard) Jordan Smith, and we’re singing “No Lie” by 2 Chainz.