Alex Zampier, a guard on the men’s basketball team, was recently elected captain for the 2009-’10 season. The speedy junior has been a significant presence on the court for the Elis since his freshman season when he played in 24 games. This season, Zampier was second on the team in scoring with 13.2 points per game, topped the Ivy League with a .848 free-throw percentage and ranked second in the conference with 42 steals.

Q What was your first reaction to the news that you were going to be captain?

A I was really excited. I’ve worked really hard to get to this point, and I’m eager to take on the responsibility that was put on my shoulders. I’m welcoming the responsibility with open arms.

Q How do you see yourself leading the team, and do you see yourself doing anything different from the previous captains?

A I’m going to try to follow in the previous captains’ footsteps. I want to lead by example primarily. If I want anyone to do something I’m going to do it because that’s how its needs to be done.

Q What do you see as Yale’s strengths?

AWe’re a very athletic team, we can run up and down all day. Last year, [captain] Ross [Morin ’09] was our best player, and he was more of a half-court player. We’re going to need to make up that production, and I think the way to do that is to run more. The guards are going to have a bigger scoring responsibility.

Q What do you think of the incoming class?

A I’m really excited. I know two of them pretty well, and they’re very talented guards, both of whom can score. I think they can come in and give us some energy.

Q What will the team have to work on for the next year?

A Coming into the year, we didn’t have an advantage in rebounding. Next year, we lose our two leading rebounders, so that’s a point we’ll need to take care of. We’ll have to get used to playing with each other and playing a different style.

Q Before deciding on Yale, could you have played baseball and basketball at Florida State?

A I was thinking about doing it; it wasn’t official. I didn’t pursue it, but it was an option.

Q What is your favorite pre-Yale basketball moment?

A When my summer basketball team won nationals, when I was a junior in high school.

Q What has been your favorite Yale basketball moment?

A Definitely being named captain.