TicketsDec. 22, 2005
by Elise Keeler, Sports Communications Student Assistant
A lot of things have changed from the first three years of your career at UC to this year... How have you adjusted personally and as a player?
"I've learned to play harder through the whole game, and not to play for myself like I used to. I've tried to take on a bigger role in leadership and trying to help my teammates because it is my last year."
You lost some key players last year, such as Jason Maxiell. How has the team compensated for that? And do you think it has had an effect this season?
"We really need him because he's a great rebounder and a great defender. We miss him a lot."
Can you talk about the additions of the freshmen such as Devan Downey and the impact they've made?
"They are doing a good job. Devan is still learning and he's handling pressure well. He just needs to get a little bit more experience to know what to do and not to do in certain situations."
How has your career at UC progressed since your freshman year? Do you feel like you've changed and grown a lot?
"My game has changed a lot. I've increased my scoring for the most part every year. It's down this year because I'm not shooting as well as I should be, but I know it is going to change. I have more experience and I'm playing better."
How do you think going into the BIG EAST has affected the basketball program, if at all?
"It has put more spotlight on the program. Any game on television, they end up talking about our program and the move into the BIG EAST."
After the loss to Memphis, you spoke about how it felt to lose two straight for the first time in Fifth Third Arena and that there were things you and your team had to work on. Can you talk about that?
"Everybody as a team has to play harder through the whole possession. We had times where guys would stop playing or weren't playing as hard as they should have been in certain situations. For us to beat good teams, we can't do that, and that is one thing we're working on."
What is the game you are most looking forward to?
"I'd say UConn."
Does your number have any significant meaning to you?
"No, not really. It is just a number I liked the most. I couldn't have nine because you aren't allowed to wear it."
Do you have a goal for the season?
"I'd like to win the BIG EAST Tournament and further my career in basketball."
How do you want to be remembered after you graduate?
"Somebody that did the right things on and off the basketball court, and helped the basketball program as much as possible."
What is your favorite UC moment?
"My sophomore year when we won the Conference USA Tournament, and I hit the last shot to beat Louisville."
What do you think you'll miss most about playing for UC?
"There are a lot of things, and I just can't say one thing."