TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

What is your outlook for this upcoming week, with a Tuesday game at Rutgers and a home contest against Penn State on Saturday at 7 pm?
We really approach every game the same way. Even when we play very good teams, if we play our basketball, we believe that we can beat anybody. The only way we lose a game is if we beat ourselves. But it's definitely good for us to go through the experience of playing big time teams.

Last season, you averaged 16.0 points in your final four games. Why do you feel that you ended the season on such a personal high note?
I started off the season slowly - I feel now that I was thinking too much out on the court. Eventually, I felt I had settled into a groove and was playing the way I wanted to.

How important is the high level of experience that exists on your team?
Our experience will be key for us throughout the season. With all of our starters returning, there is sort of a comfort level. We're going to use that to our advantage.

Having led UB with 42 three-pointers last season, how do you go about looking for an open three-point shot? Do you find it more difficult to get those shots off versus a man-to-man or a zone defense?
Our goal on offense is to get a shot that we are comfortable taking. So if I get an open look, then I'll definitely take the shot. As far as comparing our approach between a man and a zone defense, it's really the same - the principles are similar. If you get it down low, a lot of times it will open things up on the outside.

Do you believe that being left-handed is an asset to you on the court?
I have always viewed that as an advantage to a certain degree. At this level, I think that perhaps it isn’t as big of an advantage because teams are more prepared for that. But I still feel that it serves as some sort of advantage for me on the offensive end of the floor.

Is there a special connection between you and the recruiting class you entered with - Turner Battle, Mark Bortz and Daniel Gilbert?
Those guys are some of the best friends that I have. It shows on the court, as well - we have great chemistry. Being together for a number of years results in that.

Aside from the experience factor, what do you feel is different about this year's team as compared to last season's?
Since we basically have the same group and most of our key players are back from last year, it really does just come down to being more experienced. All of us have improved and we are definitely a smarter basketball team. We've taken our bumps and bruises and we're ready to move forward.

What do the additions of freshmen post players Brian Andre, Andrew Atman and Yassin Idbihi mean to your team?
It adds a lot to our team. You can never have too much depth in the post. We're going to be able to bang a lot more down there and play a much more physical brand of basketball. For those of us in the backcourt, things open up a little more for us when plays are being made in the post.

How encouraging is it to know that a lot of your team will return once again after this season, since only one player - senior Jason Walcott - will be moving on?
We're looking to improve each year. We set our goals high and with each step along the way those goals become more easily attainable. It definitely is reassuring to look down our roster and realize that almost all of our guys are coming back next year.

Discuss your family's athletic talent - including your cousin Derrick Bird, who played basketball at Auburn. How has your family's athletic influence affected you?
We're really a close-knit family. Derrick just finished up his college career at Auburn and is now playing for the Columbus (GA) Riverdragons in the NBA's Developmental League (NBDL).

My brother is a high-school senior and is currently being recruited to college play football.

My basketball inspirations have always come from my dad. He has trained me and taught me how to play for as long as I can remember.

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