TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

What is the biggest difference in basketball at the collegiate level from the high school level in your opinion?
The number one difference that I notice is in strength. Everybody is so much stronger at this level. It’s also a collection of the best high school players, so naturally the competition is much tougher. All of the players are just as good as you in college – you’re not able to dominate like you could in high school.

You are averaging the third-most minutes per game on the team this season. Are you concerned that some fatigue is going to set in at some point?
Not really. I feel real good at this point. I played a lot of AAU ball growing up – and sometimes you played three or four games a day. So I think I’m well prepared to play a full season. I love the game so much, so mentally I am never tired playing basketball.

How much have your experiences in summer camps and playing AAU basketball helped you out in the long run?
They’ve both helped a lot. It’s prepared me to play at this level. You play against some of the best in AAU ball – some of those players turn pro or go to major college programs. So there’s no question that they have both helped a great deal.

As you get more and more comfortable in the offense, are you going to look to score more? Is that something that Reggie Witherspoon and the rest of the coaching staff would like to see more of?
They want me to lead the offense on the floor – making sure that guys are going in the right direction. If I’m left open to score, I will. My first priority though, is to stay in my role as the point guard and run the offense.

Is there any one item that the coaching staff has helped you out with the most?
All of the coaches on the staff have helped me out a lot. It’s hard to single out any one lesson that I’ve learned. They helped me through the transition and made it a lot easier for me. Maybe what I benefit the most with from our staff is being prepared for a specific opponent. They let me know exactly what to do against a specific opponent in order for our team to be successful.

Has it helped to be on a team with experienced guards?
Yes, definitely. Having guys around like Louis Campbell, Gabe Cagwin and Davis Lawrence, who have a lot of experience under their belts at this level makes a big difference. I’ve picked up something from each of them.

From behind the three-point arc, you’re shooting a pretty impressive 43 percent. However, you’ve only taken 30 three’s all year. Are you going to look to take that shot more often in the second-half of the season?
I just take what the defense gives me. If they are going to leave me open I will take that shot. But if it’s not there, I’ll go to the basket or look to pass. I won’t consciously enter a game thinking, ‘I’m going to take X-amount of three’s today.’ It all depends on what the situation calls for.

Who is your greatest athletic influence?
My father. He’s been there for the ups and downs. My dad is always there to bring the best out in me. I couldn’t really picture anyone that has influenced me more than my father has. He’s been with me every step of the way for my whole life.

How important was the home win over Kent State and the road win over Marshall for the UB basketball program?
Those wins have put our program on the map. People are not classifying us as an easy win in the Mid-American Conference anymore – UB is no longer an automatic win. Those wins gave our team a significant amount of confidence. We know that when we come to play, we can beat any team in the MAC.

On the team, you have picked up the third-most rebounds. Is that something you take a lot of pride in as a point guard?
I really don’t ever look at the statistics or set any goals in terms of stats. My philosophy is just to go out there and play as hard as I can. The team is first, and wins are the only stat that matters.

-The ’10 Questions with…’ feature is compiled by Geoff Nason.