Q&A: Jordan Bachynski of the Westchester Knicks

It’s usually a good thing when you’re the only person in history to do something. But with Jordan Bachynski, that’s not necessarily the case. As a senior at Arizona State, Bachynski is the only player in NCAA history to average at least 11.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks in a major conference and not be drafted the following season.

I’m sure he would rather not have that distinction, but it is what it is and Bachynski is working hard in the D-League to reach NBA via an alternate route.

The 7-2 center is averaging 12.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in almost 26 minutes per game for the Westchester Knicks this season. Those numbers may not scream “NBA player” on the surface, but when you watch him play it’s clear that he can be a rotational player in the league.

Last season Bachynski joined Westchester in February and had to learn the triangle offense in short order, resulting in some growing pains. This year he was in training camp with the team and he has started all 19 games thus far. The difference in his play has been night and day, too. Last year he looked robotic in his movements and didn’t know where to be most of the time on offense — one of the many reasons the 10-40 Knicks struggled to find an identity.

He showed enough promise to earn Summer League invites by both the Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, however, and played well enough there to earn a training camp spot with the Detroit Pistons. While the team eventually parted ways with him, Bachynski entered the 2015-16 season with a newfound confidence, which has translated into the way he runs the floor, rebounds and blocks shots for the Knicks.

Recently, Bachynski chatted with U&M about his journey, this season and, of course, food.

U&M: So, you had a great senior season with Arizona State University. You won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Award and the team played well. Were you expecting to hear your name called in the 2014 NBA Draft?

Bachynski: Definitely, I was. That was a tough day for me. I worked hard those four years and thought I had shown enough to warrant a selection but it didn’t happen and that was pretty difficult to take.

U&M: You signed a deal to play in Turkey, but that was pretty short-lived. Why didn’t that work out?

Bachynski: You know it just wasn’t the right fit for me. I play a pretty specific type of basketball and I was a young player, so I didn’t really know how to adapt to that style. But me leaving there led to signing with Westchester and the rest is history.

U&M: You are really having a breakout season in Westchester. What is the biggest difference from last season?

Bachynski: I think it’s the team chemistry. This is a team full of talented guys and we all truly like each other both on and off the court. Recently the whole team went out to watch the new Star Wars and everybody went. That kind of chemistry is hard to come by and it helps the team on the court as well because we all want to see each other succeed.

U&M: You played summer league with Toronto and Orlando, then had training camp with the Pistons. Did that give you added motivation coming into this season?

Bachynski: Definitely. I believe I’m an NBA player. My confidence level is higher after getting those opportunities last summer and I’m just trying to show what I can do out there on the court and this team in Westchester is consistently helping me in that aspect.

U&M: How was it battling against Andre Drummond? What did you learn from that experience?

Bachynski: I had a great experience with Detroit and I’ve made some great friends. Andre is a great guy and I’m proud to call him a friend of mine. When I got there the coaching staff told me my job was to frustrate Andre, so I did my best to do that every single day just like the coaches wanted. Of course, I had a goal of making the team but Stan Van Gundy talked to me and told me they were really impressed with me there just wasn’t enough spots unfortunately.

U&M: Last season you signed with the D-League after the Showcase and now you’re heading there soon. Are you excited to play in that venue?

Bachynski: I’m definitely excited. I just love playing basketball, I love the big stage, big crowds and high pressure situations are a lot of fun so I’m looking forward to it. One of my favorite memories is playing at ASU vs. our rival Arizona in front of a packed house. I just live for those moments.

Note: ASU won that game, 69-66, in double OT with Bachynski posting 13 points, seven rebounds and eight blocks!

U&M: What are your goals for the rest of the season?

Bachynski: Biggest thing for me is consistency. In the past I haven’t always been consistent in terms of my production on the court, so that’s my main focus right now. I need to continue to show my mental maturity and just go out there, remain consistent and do whatever my team needs.

U&M: How cool is it for you to be part of the Canadian basketball surge and to see all of the recent growth of basketball in Canada in general?

Bachynski: It’s really cool to see. I spent a couple summers playing with the national team and I have friends like Dwight Powell and Rob Sacre who are in the league, so it’s definitely fun to watch from my viewpoint.

U&M: Alright, man, you lived in Tempe for four years, so I want to get a food take from you. What is better: In-N-Out or Whataburger?

Bachynski: Oh, it’s In-N-Out, man. No doubt.

U&M: OK, now the final and probably most important question of the day — do you like pineapple on your pizza?

Bachynski: You know what my parents ate it a lot on their pizza when I was growing up, but it’s not for me, man. I just can’t do it.

The NBA D-League Showcase tips off Wednesday and Westchester play the Texas Legends. They also play the Reno Bighorns on Jan. 8.