Q:: Three things I can't live without...
A:: Family. Basketball. Chocolate Covered Donuts
Q:: Why I chose University at Albany...
A:: I chose UAlbany for a few reasons. First off, I chose it for the great combination of athletics and academics. UAlbany has a great academic reputation and it has started a strong foundation for a great basketball program. That was something I wanted to be a part of. I also chose UAlbany for its coaching staff. I really liked the coaches on my recruiting visit and I wanted the opportunity to play for them. Lastly, the University at Albany is a long way from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and I wanted to experience something different. UAlbany was a new start with a great overall environment.
Q:: Favorite class and why...
A:: My favorite class so far has been Introduction to Danish. It is fun getting to learn a new language that I have never heard before. It is interesting learning about a new culture and the professor is entertaining and keeps my attention throughout the entire class.
Q:: One thing I have learned at Albany that I will carry with me for the rest of my life is...
A:: One thing that I have learned at UAlbany that I will carry with me for the rest of my life is the importance of preparation. If you fail to prepare, you better prepare to fail. Being prepared for whatever task is at hand is extremely important. This has helped me in my experience as a student and as an athlete. I am usually successful when I am prepared for both my academic and athletics tasks.
Q:: Other than playing in the NBA, my dream job is...
A:: My dream job, other than the NBA, has to be either a college coach or a shrimp boat captain. I would have to say a college coach because I have had many coaches in my life influence me in a positive way. I love the sport of basketball and I would hope to have the same influence on other student-athletes as my coaches have had on me. My second dream job would to be a shrimp boat captain, just like Forrest Gump. I think it would be great to sit out on a big boat on the water all day. It looks fun and relaxing.
Q:: Other than my parents, the person who has had the most influence on me is and why...
A:: The person, other than my parents, who has had the most influence on me is my grandmother. Her overall personality and demeanor was similar to the way that I am. She exemplified honesty, faith, and integrity which is what I strive for in life.
Q:: The best thing about being a UAlbany Great Dane is...
A:: The best thing about being a UAlbany Great Dane is being a part of the family environment of my team and of the department. My team is my family away from home and it is great to be a part of such a close knit group. I really enjoy the camaraderie around the department as well.
Q:: Most memorable moment as an athlete...
A:: My most memorable moment as an athlete would have to be winning the America East Men’s Basketball Championship last year. Playing Vermont in front of a packed house was a great feeling. What was even better is that we won and got to go on to the NCAA round and play UConn in the first round. It was a great experience, and something I will never forget.
Q:: What I did this week as a student...
A:: This week, as a student I went to class, studied hard, saw professors during office hours, finished my assigned reading, and conversed in Danish with a classmate. Since it is still the beginning of the semester, I wrote out a calendar or all of my exams and papers so I know when they are all due.
Q:: What I did this week as an athlete...
A:: This week as an athlete I practiced hard, traveled to New Hampshire for a conference game, ran, lifted, and watched a lot of film to get ready for our upcoming games. I also got a lot of rest and ate healthy meals to prepare my body for the challenges of long practices and games.
Q:: Based upon my experiences growing up, my advice for young kids about school and athletics is...
A:: Based upon my experiences growing up, my advice for young kids about school and athletics is to start early. The harder you work in school the easier it is later on to be a great student. It is hard making up for lost time. If you start early, and develop the habits of being a successful student, they will carry with you your whole life. These skills make it easier in the long run to balance academics with being an athlete.
Q:: Why I am looking forward to the America East Men’s Basketball Championship at Agganis Arena in Boston on March 2-4...
A::I am looking forward to the America East Men’s Basketball Championship at Agganis Arena in Boston because it is a great opportunity to win another America East Championship. The post season is a whole new season so anything can happen. It is going to be an exciting atmosphere and I am really looking forward to the great competition that we are going to face.