TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

I think that coming back was the easy part. Finally getting back on the court was a relief. Last season and the year before were both extremely hard with the surgeries and sitting on the sidelines not being able to do anything but cheer. But everything is paying off, all of that time waiting is worth it and now that I’m back out playing I’m having more fun than I ever had playing basketball.

2. With conference play now beginning, is the mindset or the preparation different than it is for non-conference play?

It’s definitely very different. Up until now we’ve always practiced and played hard but now that conference play is starting the intensity has been taken to another level. We are just trying to get our minds right and our bodies right for MAC play.

3. You have been playing the role of sixth man this year. Is there a different mindset to being that first guy off the bench as opposed to being a starter?

Yeah, it’s definitely different. Coming off the bench I just try to bring more energy as soon as I get in there. I’m trying to look for my shot, but still take what the defense gives me, and just play hard the whole time that I am in there. If I can bring a little extra energy from off the bench when the starters come out we’ll be in good shape.

4. Basketball is one of the few sports whose season continues during the break between semesters. What is that period like between semesters for the basketball team?

I love it. It’s living the life, eating, sleeping and playing basketball. Growing up that is what you dream about. You have some long days in the gym but it’s a lot of fun, just living the dream.

5. Do you have a pre-game routine and if so, what is it?

I don’t have anything crazy or real superstitious. I just try to keep it consistent game-to-game if I can. I try to make sure I get to the gym as early as possible, get loosened up and get enough shots up so that I feel good once the game starts.

6. There are four guys on the team from the state of Pennsylvania. Is there a special bond between the four of you, being from the same state?

I definitely think so. I played against John Boyer’s team in high school. I played against Drew’s team (Andrew Atman) and I played against Jawaan (Alston) in a few tournaments. It’s kinda cool coming here and knowing some of the guys already that are on the team. There are always things to talk about sometimes that Buffalonians don’t know about, it’s definitely fun.

7. In back-to-back games earlier this season against Tulane and Evansville, you scored a combined 40 points including 10-of-11 from three-point range. What is it like on those nights when seemly every shot you take is going in?

It’s a great feeling. That’s what you play for. That is why you go in the gym all summer long, everyday or come in late at night during the season. Those are the things that you dream about and those nights when it all comes together…it’s a great feeling. The fact that it all came together a few games in a row…it was a great week.

8. You were named to the All-Tournament Team at the Sun Bowl Tournament in El Paso, TX. What was your experience at that tournament like?

That tournament was probably the most fun that I’ve ever had playing basketball. The whole atmosphere down there, the people and how they treated us. They have a great tradition down there with Texas Western and the history of all of that. They treated us great and it was a lot of fun. I wish we could have won both games but it was the best experienced I’ve ever had playing basketball.

9. Your family travels to a lot of the games, including some of the longer road trips of the season. What is it like to have them traveling all over to support you?

It’s the best. It’s great just always knowing that someone is there in the stand supporting you. Whether it is my parents or my uncle or anyone else. They have always been there and the fact that even when we travel far away they are still there, right behind the bench, it’s nice knowing that someone is always there.

10. What are your goals for the rest of the season, both for the team and for you individually?

We need to win a MAC Championship this year. Once we get that done, you never know what can happen in the NCAA Tournament. Personally, I just want to keep having fun. If I can just keep having fun and playing hard then I’ll have no regrets.