In a post‑game locker‑room interview after the Spurs’ win on December 8, 2024, Charles Bassey discusses his "next man up" mindset, emphasizing constant readiness whether he is in the lineup or not. He explains how he has focused on health, film study, and following staff guidance over the past two seasons to seize opportunities when teammates like Victor Wembanyama or Zach Collins go out. Bassey highlights the bench’s collective 40‑point contribution, describing how bench energy fuels the team and how he strives to catch the coach’s eye each time he steps on the floor. The conversation shifts to celebrating veteran point guard Chris Paul (CP) reaching second‑all‑time in assists, with Bassey noting the learning impact of Paul’s leadership and preparation. Throughout, he underscores the importance of adaptability amid injuries and the team’s collective effort.
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Did you just apply the next man up mentality when you saw, you know, Wemby goes out, Zach goes out?
Uh, I mean, yeah, to be honest. Like, regardless of them going out or even though they stay in the game, you know, my mentality is just going to every game knowing I'm going to play regardless of if I don't play or not, you know, just staying ready. at any time, so you never know what's going to happen. So that's the mentality I take to every game regardless of whether I play or not.
Having this significant time over the last couple of seasons, what does it mean to you to kind of get these opportunities and have a chance to, you know, change the game for your teammates?
I mean, it means a lot, you know, just, you know, the past maybe 2 seasons with the Spurs and I've been, you know, watching from the sidelines and Uh, they begin coming towards the end of the season and middle of the season. So just this year, you know, I've just, you know, focused more on my body, you know, just making sure I'm, I'm healthy this year and just doing everything they told me to do, you know, the trainers, the staff, and watching a lot of films with them either I play or not and just doing everything I got to do so I make sure I'm ready every game, play or not.
It's much better on the court versus the sideline?
Uh, yeah, obviously, of course, every player, everybody wants to play, man. Like, every player wants to play, but Like I said, man, we don't, we don't pick the lineups and we just got to come ready to play, you know, every game. So you never know what's going to happen. And, you know, we've had a couple of injuries here and there. It's like, what, 24 games? So we are obviously a lot of, you know, nags and injuries here. So just next man up mentality. So, and for sure.
Bench had 40 points tonight. Can you talk about the bench?
You said what?
The bench had 40 points tonight. Collectively, you know, can you talk about that production that you're getting all season?
Oh yeah, it's just, it's just bringing, you know, bringing the energy from the bench. Sometimes like our starting 5 usually start the game, I'll probably say slow, and, you know, we come back in, pick it up. Sometimes they start the game with the energy and we just got to match that energy. We're coming up from the bench and just pick up the energy and then going back to finish the game. So I mean, just like I said, man, you know, you never know when you're going to play and just we guys that Like I said, man, I never know when I'm gonna play, so every time I'm out there I'm just trying to make sure I'm catching the coach's eye, making sure I'm ready to play every game. So, just the energy, you know, the all-outness, the activity and the effort, everything I just got in me and just going out there and making sure I help the team to win. And like I said, man, the bench is doing a good job this year.
Ordinarily when you guys win, the team is celebrating loudly in the locker room and today it seems a lot longer than normal. What were you guys celebrating? What was it about celebrating that was a little bit extra?
Of course, CP, man, you know, second all-time in assists. And, you know, of course it's big time having him on your team. Obviously I grew up watching him and watching his past, you know, when he was playing for the Clippers, Love City with him, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan. So, you know, just watching those guys and just having the opportunity to play with him this year, learn from him, you know, it's been big time, man. You know, he's taught us a lot. You know, just lock how we lock in in the game, going matchups. You know, I'm not even gonna lie. I've been watching a lot of like NBA games this year than I did in the past because of him. Just knowing what I'm gonna do going to the next game, who I'm playing, I'm guarding. So you know, he's installed that in every player on the team, and I feel like this year we've been we've been doing a good job with with that. So yeah. Thanks, Bass.
