The state’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior at Central Catholic, Tyler Nelson had an impressive debut on the court at Fairfield University last season. He led the Stags in 3-pointers, was second on the team in scoring (10.2 points game) and earned a spot on Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference all-rookie team. As a a sophomore, the 6-foot-3 guard from Bradford has been even better. In 29 starts, Nelson is delivering 15.8 points per game and paces the MAAC in free-throw percentage (87.9) for Fairfield (18-11 overall), which is gearing up for next weekend’s conference tournament at the Times Union Center in Albany. He was introduced to the game at a young age. His father, Jeff, a former head coach at Reading and Tewksbury high schools, is an advance scout for the Philadelphia 76ers after a stint with the Utah Jazz.

Q. What are your best memories from high school athletics?

A. I was fortunate to play for good high school teams in basketball. We were always in the state tournament and senior year we lost in the finals to Putnam by 4 points. They had a powerhouse. We had a great year and won a couple of close games in the tournament . . . That state tournament run was pretty memorable. I also golfed in the fall and senior year I think we came in fourth or fifth in the state and I was in the top five as an individual. That was memorable, too.

Q. What’s your role on the team at Fairfield?

A. I’m still only a sophomore, but I think I’m becoming one of the team’s leaders. It’s been an adjustment for me. I’m doing whatever I can to help the team win, largely in a shooting role.

Q. Has shooting always been your thing?

A. I’m a shooter. That’s my mentality in the game. I’ve always been in the gym playing basketball and I’ve got a good shot. That’s been my bread and butter since I was a little kid. I’ve never been the fastest, most athletic guy, but I’ve always had a good shot, so that’s helped me.

Q. What’s the key to being a good shooter?

A. The best thing for me has been repetition, getting in the gym whether it be in the summer or late at night during the season and getting a lot of shots up. It’s always been about repetition.

Q. What’s your approach from the foul line?

A. I have a routine that’s pretty simple. I feel the simpler the better. I go in and take two dribbles and shoot right away. I try not to do any wasted motions. Dribble and shoot.

Q. Your best tip for young shooters?

A. Besides the repetition and getting a lot of shots up, the main thing about shooting is confidence. If you think it’s going in, it helps a lot. If you’re hesitant, the chance of making it is pretty slim. Being confident is pretty important.

Q. What do you like most about basketball?

A. I like the team aspect of it: a group of five guys trying to accomplish one goal and working with each other to do the best they can and get the win. It’s a little different from golf that is a more individual sport.

Q. What’s the most important lesson/message your father has passed on to you?

A. To be humble and work hard and good things will happen.

Q. Do you have role models?

A. I’m lucky my dad is a scout in the NBA and I got to develop a good relationship with one of the players on the Utah Jazz, Gordon Hayward, who played at Butler . . . we talk almost every week. We’re always talking and I follow him and when they come to New York or and Boston, I try to go to their games.

Q. How would you assess your golf game?

A. I hit the ball pretty straight. I don’t hit it right or left, I keep it in play and I chip and putt pretty well. It’s a real mental game. I wouldn’t say basketball and golf are similar, but I think golf helps me be more mentally tough in basketball.

Q. Do you have a major yet?

A. I’m in the business school, but undecided. I’m thinking maybe marketing or management.

Q. What are the expectations for the team as you head into the MAAC tournament?

A. I think we’re hitting a good stride right now and playing good basketball. Whoever we play in the tournament, we want to play hard and anything is possible.

ALLEN LESSELS

For full interview, go to bostonglobe.com/north.