March 10, 2000

by Kara Stachowiak
Athletic Public Relations Student Assistant

KS: How does it feel for you to finally be at the University of Illinois?
MG: "It feels great. It took a lot of hard work to get here. I have finally realized my dream to play with Serg and Frank again."

KS: What it like for you to play with your former teammates again?
MG: "It feels good. It's different though. A lot of times we are not dominating like we did in high school, so we have to work harder."

KS: What was it like to get your first career double-double?
MG: "I don't like to focus on the individual stats, but I worked hard over the summer and at practice. It paid off."

KS: How is the Big Ten competition different from the other basketball games you have played?

MG: "It's more like the NBA. It is very physical. The refs only call the obvious fouls, so I'm not in foul trouble as much."

KS: Are you at all surprised by the success you have had early on?
MG: "Not really. I knew what I could do on the court, and I knew what the coaches expected from me. I have given the effort night in and night out in order to be ready for the challenges."

KS: What are your goals for your career?
MG: "I want to be successful, on and off the court. Most of all, I want to graduate."

KS: If you had to use one word to describe your experience here so far, what would it be and why?
MG: "Challenging. Most players don't look forward to going up against top competition night in and night out, but I do because it shows me where I am in my game and where my team is. No matter how big or small, it is the challenge that I look for."

KS: Who has had the most influence on your athletic career?
MG: "My mother. She was there at the beginning when I started playing in eighth grade. She was there when I wanted to quit. She wouldn't let me give up. She stuck with me through junior college, and she has followed me here."

KS: How is it different to balance school and basketball here than it has been before?
MG: "It's a lot harder. In high school there was always time to do homework in study hall. In junior college we didn't practice as much. Here I have to have a schedule and manage it out perfectly. On top of practice and school I still have to find time for myself. It's not hard as long as I keep a schedule and stick to my plans."

KS: Who on this team are you closest to?
MG"Frank and Serg. We've been through everything together. We grew up together. They are like my brothers."