How long have you been playing basketball?

I’ve been playing basketball since fifth grade. 

What inspired you to start basketball?

Coming from a big sports family, and having people who play sports around me, and having three older D1 brothers really inspired me to want to play.

How do you interact as a player with your team?

Obviously, just talking to them, making sure everybody’s comfortable with the team, continuing to communicate on and off the court. I think it builds a relationship on the court.

 What is the hardest part of being a student athlete?

I think the hard part being an athlete is balancing work and practice, especially having AP and honors classes. Sometimes it gets hard, but I just think it’s like the balancing part of knowing when you can do your homework and when you can’t.

What is your favorite memory from basketball? 

My favorite memory from basketball is probably just meeting more people and interacting with the team. Also hanging out after games, which build our bonds on the court. 

How have you been a good team player?

Just by understanding my teammates and that we all make mistakes, I think, is a big part of basketball. Especially to emphasize that we all go through things off court, so understanding that can really build bonds and help us be better teammates with each other.

Why did you pick to play basketball?

I picked to play basketball, ’cause, well, one, it looked really fun, and I really liked LeBron James. He inspired me to play, and so did my family. It looked like a cool sport, and I thought I could pick it up and play, too. 

How did you react to getting on the team? 

Obviously, I was really excited. I think it was a huge moment. You shouldn’t really take it for granted. Not a lot of people are able to play basketball or any sport in general. So being on the team was a blessing, and it’s not to be taken for granted. 

How do you prepare before a game?

Before a game, I usually hydrate and make sure I eat  a good meal so I can be energized for the game. I also like to listen to music to call myself, and, um, I also just, like, get shots up before to warm up my shot.

What attributes have you gained from being a player?

In terms of afterwards, I think I’ve been more of an empath. Like, again, just understanding what teammates go through, and understanding the different struggles. I think it really helped me be a better teammate to others and being able to help them understand that you know, everybody has different ways of learning.

Is there any part of basketball you think you stand out in?

I’d say defense. I think it’s really fun to play in, like, having the pressure of not being on offense and having to control the ball, but pressure others. I think that’s really fun, and having to be able to create plays from that, like, assist and create offense from defense, it’s a cool opportunity.

What do you think about in game? 

In the game, I think about getting to the next play. If I make a mistake, I gotta shake it off, move on to the next play. If I do good I’m just thinking to replay that moment again and again.

Where do you think you can improve as a player?

As a player I think I can improve with my playmaking, and seeing the open player, and creating plays from just a blocker or a steal. I think that’s something everybody can improve on, but, me personally, I really want to improve on my playmaking. 

What aspects of being an athlete translate into being a student?

Probably critical thinking skills and how to respond to events ’cause I think that happens academically, and athletically. Where there’s gonna be things that happen, and you just have to make a good response to address and create a better outcome.