Nov. 4, 2004
1. With the first exhibition game right around the corner, what have your impressions of the pre-season been with the squad?
MB - Pre-season has been very tough and very challenging, but I think that everyone responded well to the challenge. With seven seniors on the roster, I don't think it was a matter of getting ready skill-wise, but just acquiring the physical and mental toughness.
2. If you have to grade yourself on your performance during the pre-season - how would you do it and why?
MB - I would certainly give myself an `A' for effort. That's something that's always been there from the time I started playing organized basketball in the fifth grade. As far as everything else, I would give myself a `B' because I'm almost playing to my ability, but the pieces haven't fallen into place yet.
3. Being one of seven seniors on the squad, how have you seen the six freshmen grow through the first few weeks of practice?
MB - The freshmen have improved a lot from the very first pick-up game we played this year, but they still have a long way to go. They mainly need to learn how to play team basketball like setting up and setting good screens, giving good passes and helping out on defense.
4. Even though Coach Davenport was on staff last season - how has the transition been with him as head coach, if any, and why?
MB - I think that basketball-wise everything has been the same except there has been more emphasis on defense this year, which is something we struggled with at the beginning of the season.
5. After coming off a 9-1 record to end last season - how has the momentum carried over into the new season?
MB - If there is anything that has carried over from last season, I would have to say is our confidence. It seems that everyone is confident about their game, which can be good and at the same time bad because we still have a lot to improve on.
6. What do you think has been your biggest improvement since last season?
MB - I would say just finally being able to focus. Last year, I had a hard time getting my focus back with it being my first year back from a redshirt season and dealing with injuries. Last year, I felt like I had to work for everything, and everything is just falling into place this season.
7. In your eyes, what do you believe is your role on this year's team?
MB - I think I have one of the biggest roles on the team, which is to keep everything in tack on the court. I definitely think that scoring and getting everyone else involved is a big portion of that. Of course, there will be those game where we aren't hitting our shots, and that's when the scoring and offensive rebounds will come in handy.
8. What are your goals coming into the 2004-05 season?
MB - I struggled so much with focusing on my shot last year, and I shot the ball the poorest I have ever shot in my entire career. With all of that said - my goal for this season is just to shoot at least 40 percent from the field.
9. What's the biggest challenge that you've had to overcome?
MB - I think the biggest challenge I've ever had to overcome is just staying out of trouble as a kid so that I could get to the point where I am now. There were many temptations, but I have a family who raised me with a good head on my shoulders.
10. Who has had the greatest impact on your life and why?
MB - I have had many significant people impact my life, mainly my family. At every point from when I was a baby until now, someone in my family has had a great impact on me. To say that there is only one person who has impacted my life would be an injustice to my entire family.
1. What was the first car that you drove after getting your license?
MB - It was an '87 Camaro. I bought it with my own money, and I still have it back home.
2. What was the first concert you ever attended?
MB - I really haven't been to too many concerts, but from what I can remember it was the `Up in Smoke Tour.'
3. What is the first toy you ever remember getting on Christmas morning?
MB - It was a hot wheel racing set, and the tracks were used for more than just racing too.
4. What is the first thing you pack before going on a road trip?
MB - Um... I don't know - underwear.
5. What is the first shot that you remember draining that was really significant?
MB - It was a game against Indiana, and I hit a three in the corner. It was my first shot made in a big game, and I'll never forget that feeling.
6. What is the last movie that you watched?
MB - I haven't been to the movies in a while, but I think it was Collateral.
7. What is the last CD that you bought?
MB - I'm into the whole mix tape scene now so I bought a Juelz Santana and DJ Greenlatern mix tape.
8. What is the last book that you've read?
MB - I really don't read many books, and if I do then it's because I have no choice. I had to read my Human Resource Management book because I had a test in that class.
9. What is the last job that you held that you absolutely regretted?
MB - I used to work at this furniture warehouse back in Tulsa called Woodcraft Furniture. Although it sounded like a good job at the time, it really was not too good of an idea.
10. What is the last thing you do before hitting the court?
MB - I stretch and thank God for allowing me to do something that I love for one more day.
1. Reality MTV Show - Real World or Road Rules?
MB - I think both of them are more the same, but I like Road Rules because not only do they have to live together, but they have to live in a small little van. I respect their struggle more.
2. Adventure - Skydiving or White Water Rafting?
MB - Since I haven't been skydiving, I would have to say White Water Rafting.
3. Way to Predict the Future - Palm Reading or Crystal Ball?
MB - Crystal ball is more fantasy so I'll go with that.
4. Video Game - NBA Live or NBA Jams?
MB - Even though NBA Jams has kept me entertained for a number of years, I would definitely say NBA Live.
5. Board Game - Monopoly or Clue?
MB - Definitely Monopoly, and I have to say no one can beat me head-to-head.
6. Original Fox Television Show - Martin or In Living Color?
MB - I would have to say In Living Color because all my brother and sister would sit in front of the TV and watch it together, which made the show a lot more fun.
7. Shoes - Nike's Original Jordan's or Converse's Chuck Taylor All-Stars?
MB - I'm a Nike guy.
8. Better Actor - DMX or Ja Rule?
MB - I think Ja Rule only because DMX has a speech impediment.
9. Position to build a team around - Point Guard or Center?
MB - Years ago, you would have to say center. Now seven-footers are a dime a dozen so I would have to go with point guard with a couple of guys in mind - Jason Kidd and Dwyane Wade.
10. Basketball Moment - Game-winning dunk or Game-winning three-pointer?
MB - I haven't really had any game-winning dunks, but I have many game-clinching shots. One that comes to mind is the three I hit against Air Force last season.
1. The best moment of my sport's career?
MB - I would say beating Oklahoma in the first round of the NCAA Tournament my freshman season.
2. The worst moment of my sport's career?
MB - Not taking the game-winning shot against Oklahoma my freshman year.
3. The best advice that I ever received from somebody?
MB - `No matter how many obstacles get in your way, don't ever give up.'
4. The worst advice that I ever received from somebody?
MB - No comment.
5. The best road trip that I've taken as a Bronc?
MB - There really isn't one that comes to mind.
6. The worst road trip that I've taken as a Bronc?
MB - Every road trip that I took when I had to wear a boot on my leg because of a stress fracture.
7. The best memory I have wearing a Broncs' uniform?
MB - Hitting my first shot.
8. The worst memory I have wearing a Broncs' uniform?
MB - Getting a stress fracture against Sam Houston State.
9. The best game that I've ever been a part of?
MB - It would have to be at Indiana State against Gonzaga.
10. The worst game that I've ever been a part of?
MB - I really haven't had a worse game.
Click to view more UTPA BroncBusters
UTPA Sports Information
