Vanderbilt Hustler: What are your goals for your senior year?
Alan Metcalfe: First, looking at team goals, we'll set our sights right now on winning the SEC Tournament. We had a good chance of it last year and messed up in the first round. And then we want to go as deep as possible in the NCAA Tournament. Personally, I just want to come out and have fun and help the team in whichever way I can. Giving A.J. a rest here and there, getting a few minutes here and there, going out and trying to give some leadership off the bench.

VH: How would you describe the run the team made last year?
AM: If you look at our record in the years before, we had the talent but hadn't got the results. But going, traveling all around getting to play the best teams in the country is always good because it's a challenge. It was a lot of fun going to the Sweet 16.

VH: How excited are you to be fully healthy and solidly in the rotation this year?
AM: I was hopefully going to have a good year last year. Obviously an injury cut that short. I'm trying to stay healthy right now; nobody knows what's going to come around the corner. I've just got to play each day like it's my last. You never know what's going to happen, like last year.

VH: What's the biggest difference between the U.S. and England in terms of basketball and going to school?
AM: Not many people go to universities in England. Once you get to 18, you get a job. It's fun to be in an environment where people are your own age and share your own interests. And then on the basketball front, you might get 50 people at a game in England, but coming here and playing in front of 14,000 is just awesome.

VH: How has rugby helped you in basketball?
AM: I get asked that a lot. Playing basketball in the (Southeastern Conference) is real physical. You have to bang with a lot of guys. The nature of rugby obviously is to hit as many people as possible. That helps you take the knocks and to try to concentrate on finishing. Obviously using your hands in rugby helps when you get knocked and trying to catch in the post.

VH: What was it like playing for the national team? Could you tell Luol Deng was going to be so good?
AM: When he first set foot on the team, you just knew he was head and shoulders above everyone else. He came in and was averaging 35 points a game in Europe. You're like, "This guy is something special." It's fun to have those memories. Hopefully in a couple years' time, we'll be playing again in the Olympics.

VH: Who has the better accent - you or A.J. Ogilvy?
AM: I'm going to be nice and say A.J.

VH: What's your hardest class this semester?
AM: My Econ 263 and 264 classes.

VH: Is it true that you are the best dart player on campus?
AM: I haven't met anyone yet that can beat me. Of the challenges that I've had so far, I'm the best.