Sept. 7, 2009
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Every week throughout the school year, the staff at GoLeopards.com spotlights a student-athlete in a weekly Q&A segment. This week, senior men's basketball co-captain and Marquis scholar Michael Gruner filled Leopard fans in on his summer, upcoming semester and more.
You were the Lafayette representative for the 2009 NCAA National Student-Athlete Development Conference that took place this summer in Disney World, Fla. How was that experience? It was a four-day conference that included one or two representatives from just about every school in the nation, a total of over 600 student-athletes. To be honest, I was skeptical about how much I would get out of the trip but it turned out to be an experience I'll never forget. There were constructive seminars that covered topics such as networking and leadership skills, financial advice and body recovery tips (how to get the most out of your body physically and mentally). In between these seminars, we would meet in small groups and have discussions about our schools and the differences in the ways athletics and academics are treated at our individual schools. We were able to open up to each other and have interesting conversations I think mostly because we all shared the common characteristic in that we were all student-athletes. The conference was a memorable and valuable experience.
What's your major? Economics and Business.
What is your role on the team? Co-captain. I take great pride in my defense and that is probably my best asset to the team. I do believe I can set up teammates and score the ball well and am working hard to be more of an offensive force this year. Not being the most vocal person, I like to lead by example.
What is your earliest basketball memory? One-on-one battles I had with my older brother, Marc, at the neighborhood hoop at the top of our street. Marc, now in his pursuit of becoming a doctor involved with sports medicine, and I used to compete all the time. We would get flashlights and set them up around the court so we could play ball all night. These games would typically end up in fiery disputes over the correct score, fouls, cheating, etc. until one of us would throw the ball at the other and storm inside the house.
Do you model yourself after any particular player? Not really. I am a big fan of NBA studs; Steve Nash, Chris Paul, and Caron Butler (repping my hometown team).
What can you take from your sport and incorporate into everyday life? Everything. Basketball has taught me discipline, respect, leadership, how to work with others, sacrifice, and most importantly, the devotion and work ethic necessary for success. Like most meaningful feats, my accomplishments in basketball have come as a result of countless hours of training. Not being the most naturally gifted player, I think I have to work that much harder than others to be successful. Nothing worthwhile comes easy.
My pregame ritual is... I always have to have a shoot-around at least four hours before a game. Peanut butter sandwiches and bananas are my pre-game snack.
A talent I'd like to have is... The ability to play an instrument. Because I devoted myself to basketball at such a young age, my experiences in other fields have been somewhat limited. While sometimes I wish I could have been more involved in other activities, I love basketball, I do not regret one minute I've spent training for it and would not be nearly the same person without it.
The sport I'm worst at is... Bowling. I can get higher than a 37 though.
What teammate does the funniest impression of your coach? This year, the award goes to...bwheels (Ben Wheeler) #20. However, the all-time honor would have to go to my man Primetime Teddy Detmer, class of 08'. holla at ya boi!
What is your favorite activity outside of your sport? Why? I'm a competitive person and I love to play all types of games. I'm not really huge on videogames but I'm addicted to FIFA '09. Also, I love me an intense game of Taboo. I have an undefeated Taboo record and am always interested in potential challengers.
What is your favorite word or saying? Make somebody else's job a little easier.
TV show I can't stop watching... Entourage. Most fun show on tv.
Song I can't stop listening to... Three-way tie. Wavin' Flag- K'naan. All the Above- Maino. I Want Those Flashing Lights- Colin Munroe.
What is the greatest thing you can learn from a loss? What you need to improve upon.
What do you still wish to accomplish? To make the 2010 Men's Basketball NCAA Tournament. At this point in my life, I want nothing more. Winning Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year would be nice too.
Word Association:
Lafayette: Opportunity
Lafayette Athletics: Challenging
Basketball: Me
Early morning practices: Satisfying
Your coaches: Respect
Your teammates: Allies
Lafayette-Lehigh rivalry: Emotional
Preseason: Preparation
Strength & Conditioning Coach(es): Disciplined
