After the second annual Trent Frazier Basketball Camp this year at Village Park in Wellington, Frazier answered a few questions about his life as a basketball player. He is currently preparing for his fourth season as a professional basketball player, playing exclusively overseas.
Frazier graduated from Wellington High School in 2017. He just finished his third year as a professional basketball player in Europe and his second season in Russia.
His current team is Zenit, based in St. Petersburg. An NCAA Division I player, Frazier had an impressive career in the Big Ten Conference at the University of Illinois, where he set school records for most games in the starting lineup (138) and most minutes played in his career (4,885).
As a high school player at WHS, Frazier helped the Wolverines win the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 8A state championship in his sophomore year. In 2017, Frazier’s senior year, the Wolverines lost to the eventual state champions in the semifinals despite 32 points from Frazier.
As a teenager, Frazier played basketball for the Wellington Wolves.
How did your Russian team Zenit perform last season? We finished second in the regular season and third in the postseason.
What position do you play and how was your performance last season? I am the point guard on my team. I am the best scorer (15 points per game) and assist scorer (four per game). I also had about two rebounds per game.
Where have you played in your three years as a professional player in Europe? I played basketball in Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Russia.
In which Russian cities other than St. Petersburg have you played games? I have played in Moscow, Kuban, Kazan and Nizhny Novgorod.
How do you travel through Russia? We travel by charter plane.
Where do you play your home games in St. Petersburg? We play at the Sibur Arena. I love it there. At a home game we can attract up to 7,000 fans.
What is the biggest difference between NCAA Division I basketball and professional basketball? Professional sports require more physicality. In addition, every player has a higher basketball IQ. Everyone is a good player.
What did you learn from WHS coach Matthew Colin that has stuck with you? He taught me the importance of having a strong defense.
What language is mainly used in training and matches, even though your team is made up of international teammates and Xavi Pascual is the Spanish head coach? English.
What do you do besides basketball to stay in shape? I like running. I run outside or on a treadmill.
What kind of shoes do you wear to play basketball? I wear Nike Kobes. I have 12 pairs of basketball shoes.
Which form of social media do you prefer? I post on Instagram.
Which NBA players did you enjoy watching as a child? I’ve always enjoyed watching Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry and James Harden.
What are two important dates in your future? I will return to Russia on August 18th and will marry Jade Vernaci next year on June 14th at the Boca Raton Hotel and Club.
