Q: If you had to guess, what would you say you're known for on the team?
Jahmir Young: I'm just known for being the PG (Point Guard). Just scoring and being a playmaker.
Q: What do you value most about being part of this basketball program? How has it positively impacted your college experience?
JY: I would have to say the history. A lot of great players that I look up to were here. Also, being from this area, wearing that Maryland across my chest, I'm really just trying to carry on the legacy.
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions that you follow? Any unusual ones?
JY: No, I'll just take a nap, I listen to a lot of music, and finally, I just think about my family a lot. They're my "why" - why I really play basketball, why I go so hard. I close my eyes before every game for about 10-20 seconds while we're doing the anthem. I really just think about them.
Q: Tell us about your most memorable or favorite moment that you have had with Maryland Men's Basketball?
JY: I would say our game against Purdue when our supporters rushed the court this past season after we won. They were ranked number three, so when we beat them they went crazy. I have never been a part of that, so having everyone rush the court was crazy. Then March Madness, of course, I had never been there, so that is an experience I will never forget.
Q: Reflecting on last season, what are some things you wish to improve on as a team? What are some positives you wish to expand on?
JY: As a team I would say winning games on the road, we went 1-9 on the road in conference and then went undefeated at the crib. So, being able to balance that out and steal some more games on the road is something that we need to pick up this year. For a positive we wish to improve on, I'd say how our culture was, how close we were, how competitive we were. Especially with Coach just pushing to the limit. It was his first year here, and we had a lot of new guys last year as well so being able to do what we did was special. We just want to build on that.
Q: If you had to choose one basketball player, past or present, to be your teammate in a 2-on-2 tournament, who would it be and why? You also get a sub because I was asked by another player.
JY: I'd say Kobe. Just his love for the game, and his competitiveness. I know he'll be able to teach me a lot of things. For a sub, I'd say my sister. She's coming up and I'm trying to pave the way for her. So being able to teach her while we're actually playing. It's something that I want to do.
Q: How many siblings do you have?
JY: I'm the eldest of four, I have a younger brother and two younger sisters. Everybody used to play but my youngest sister is the only one that is still playing, as a ninth grader.
Q: And she's trying to make it big as well?
JY: Yeah, she looks up to me, she's trying to go big.
Q: Outside of basketball, what are your hobbies and interests?
JY: I'll say music, fashion, and really just hanging out with my friends. I try not to do too much when I'm off the court since I'm on the court so much. Other than that, I like to watch movies.
Q: As a player with more experience, are there any values that you have or express that you would want to instill in the team before you leave?
JY: Just to not take it for granted. Obviously, my college career went by pretty fast, I'm already a fifth year. I feel like I was just a freshman. Play every game like it's your last and not take it for granted because one day you're not gonna be able to put on that jersey. I feel like sometimes, being here day to day can cause us to get tired of it or complacent. We don't always see it for what it actually is. We have access to all these facilities and support, we really just got to be thankful and grateful for it. So if there's anything that I'll leave, it's that.
Q: After college, do you have plans to keep playing?
JY: I'm trying to make it to the NBA next year. I only get to go through the draft process twice. I didn't do it this year, but I did once during my time at Charlotte. I just want to pursue my dream of making it to the NBA.
