Tiger Q&A with Freshman Jimmy McKinney
12/10/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 10, 2002
Tiger freshman Jimmy McKinney enters the 2002-03 season as a crucial part to the Tiger's plans for success. The 6-3, 200-lb. guard out of St. Louis' Vashon High School looks to make his transition from the high school level, where he was the Missouri Gatorade State Player of the Year last season, to the collegiate level as smooth as ...... well ... his jump shot.
After a successful summer conditioning regimen, McKinney was injured in the second half of the Tiger's first exhibition game, but looks to return early in the season. Tough as nails, McKinney continues to work in shooting and conditioning drills during practice and is a constant source of energy and encouragement for his teammates.
The Nelly fan who enjoys eating chicken sat down and talked about everything from his nicknames to what it takes to be #1 in Tiger Court Side's Q&A.
Q: Do you have any nicknames? A: "Yeah, J-Rock."
Q: How did you get that nickname? A: "One of the guys from Vashon High School gave it to me. I guess they said 'who rocks the party' and since I got the crowd into the games with my energy, they gave it to me."
Q: What CD is in your CD player right now?
A: "Nellyville of course, all day everyday." Q: You have to stick with the guy from St. Louis eh? A: "No doubt."
Q: If you weren't playing basketball what would you be doing with your time? "Bowling" Q: Bowling? A: "Well bowling and spending time with the family, bowling."
Q: If you could have lunch with any athlete, celebrity or historical figure, living or dead, who would it be? A: "(Actress) Halle Berry or (singer) Ashanti." What would you ask them? A: I don't know what I'd ask ... probably nothing. I'd probably be too nervous."
Q: What's your favorite food? A: "Pizza and Chicken." Q: Would you say you eat a lot of those two foods during the season, or do you change your diet? A: I don't change, I eat a lot of it during the season."
Q: What NBA player do you emulate or compare your game style to? A: "I wouldn't say I compare my game to him, but Michael Jordan. Q: So what would you say links your game to his? A: I model my game after Jordan's. He is a great competitor and I want to continue to improve and hopefully compete at a high level."
Q: What are the biggest strengths of your game? In other words, what do you bring to this team? A: "I bring energy, energy and encouragement. "
Q: Who do you think the funniest person on this team is? A: "I think everybody has their own little sense of humor, but I think the funniest person is Arthur Johnson
Q: Tell me what the hardest part of adjusting to collegiate sports has been?
A: "That's pretty hard, it's a tough question. I would say the time management. Balancing school and ball is tough."
