 |
| Join Saluki forward Jermaine Dearman stopped by the Chat Room Friday. |
Saluki Forward Jermaine Dearman Chat Wrap
Welcome to the SIUSalukis.com moderated chat room. On Friday night at 5 p.m., Saluki forward Jermaine Dearman stopped by the chat room. He will play the final game of his career at SIU Arena on Saturday night before a sold-out crowd as the Salukis battle #17 Creighton for the MVC regular season title. For those of you who missed Jermaine, here's a wrap-up of his chat.
|
 |
| Moderator: Thank you for joining the chat room this evening with Jermaine Dearman. The team just finished their afternoon practice, and we are about 27 hours away from tipoff of the sold-out game with Creighton. Jermaine, along with fellow seniors Kent Williams and David Carney, will be playing their final game at SIU Arena. We have many questions to get to, so let's get started. |
|
| Todd (O'Fallon, MO): What is the biggest game you've played in as a Saluki? I would say tomorrow's game with Creighton would be one of the biggest since the confrence title is on the line and a tournament berth. |
 |
|
Jermaine Dearman: I'd say so far Georgia, because it's the game that sent us to the Sweet 16. But tomorrow's game is going to top that ! |
|
|
| Alex (Chicago): What will you miss most once your days as a Saluki are over? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: All the Saluki love I get around town and playing games at the Arena. And can't forget about the Dawg Pound. I love you man! |
|
|
| Ian (Madison): Do any of the guys on SIU's roster have a good chance of making an NBA team some day? If so, who? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Dave Carney, Tony Young, Ryan Walker and Coach Watson. He's getting in shape. He's already lost 50 pounds. |
|
|
| Heather, Herrin: Other than Korver, who do you think is the most difficult player on Creighton to guard? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Larry House. Because he's probably the most athletic guy on their team. I'm going to do my best to shut him down. |
|
|
| Tom McGovern (Springfield): Do you think that this team gets a little over confident at times? Do you think that this might have something to do with the Salukis not putting teams away? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: No. I think we just get relaxed sometimes. But we won't have the luxury to do that tomorrow. It's going to be a 40-minute war. |
|
|
| Raul (Senegal): I am from Africa and just wanted to know how I can do my hair like yours? I was a big fan last year when your Saluki dogs were in the Sweet Sixteen. Girls must love that hairstyle. |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Thanks. My hairstyle is never the same. If you see me with one that you like, let me know, and I'll tell you the secret. |
|
|
| Paresh (Atlanta, GA): Jermaine, congrats on your great career. What is it going to mean for you and Kent to play your final home game against a Top 25 team in CU in front of 10,000+ thunderous fans? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: It's going to mean a lot. It's the biggest game of our lives. It's going to be an exciting game and could decide whether we go to the Tournament or not. |
|
|
| Scott - SLC: Is it true you are really "Ludacris" you know i've never seen the two of you in the same place at the same time ;o) |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: You caught me. I am really Ludacris. Anybody want to challenge me to a freestyle session can step up. Just kidding! |
|
|
| Jason (c'dale): What's your favorite thing to do or place to go in C'dale when you aren't playing ball? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: The Rec Center. I grew up playing street ball, and that's the best place to work on your one-on-one game. |
|
|
| Pete (carbondale): What ugly jokes would you say to Korver? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Which jokes can you not say about him? He's not your typical American idol. I had a good joke ready, but me and him are pretty cool, so I'll tell him after the game. |
|
|
| Terri (O'Fallon): Is Kent really that cute in person? And would you have his number by chance, I am sure he'd like me:). |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: No, he's not cute. He's even uglier than Korver! I only get girls numbers, I don't have guys numbers. |
|
|
| Bob (Carbondale): Why do you think Creighton is getting so much more publicity(and respect) this year than you guys got last year? Should they give some credit to SIU for helping to put the MVC on the map last year? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I think we've both helped each other out, because we both made it to the NCAA Tournament. If they didn't beat us, they wouldn't have went. But it's all good pub for the MVC. |
|
|
| porkchop (santa cruz, ca):
What was your favorite class this year? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Marketing 390. I had a cool teacher. His name is Dr. Sumney. I got a chance to do a project with some fun team members. It was about electronics and places people shop at. |
|
|
| Hank (Marion): Why not just shave your head for the game? It would freak the BlueJays out. I bet you'd be pretty intimidating bald. Time for change big guy. |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: That wouldn't be a good idea. I've got a peanut head and big ears. I'd probably look like a cartoon character! |
|
|
| Lokey (Cdale): Hey, does it sound funny when Coach Weber yells with his squeeky voice? What is up with that? He is like 50, shouldn't he be passed puberty.jk |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: (Laughing) I don't know how to answer that question! It's pretty funny sometimes, but you can't laugh during the game. We save those jokes for off the court. |
|
|
| Alec (Herrin): Did you get a chance to play ball against any of the new recruits? If so, which one of them impresses you the most? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I only got a chance to play with one of the recruits, Randal Falker. He's got potential to be a pretty good player. |
|
|
| Jamie (Benton): Sure enjoy watching you play. Love your enthusiasm and seeing those ocassional 3 point bombs (along with Coach W's reaction! Now what will you be doing next year? Graduate this spring? Major? GO DAWGS |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I'm scheduled to graduate in the summer with a marketing degree. Then I'm going to pursue my career as a slam-ball player. |
|
|
| Benzinger (Carterville): How would you compare yourself as a freshman in your first SIU game to how you are today, one day before your last SIU game? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I think I'm a smarter player now. I have two different gears that I can change. I also understand the game a lot better. |
|
|
| kate, carbondale: Hey Jermaine,
Just wondering how many pairs of contacts you have gone through this season? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Too many. It seems every time I go up for a shot, I get poked in the eye. I've probably went through a hundred. |
|
|
| Dave, C'dale: How mad are you about the article Carney wrote for the DE, J. Doofus? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: They really don't call me that name a lot, but we joke with each other a lot, and he probably didn't tell you some of the names that we call him! Like "Dave the Jockey". We always talk about how his feet swing from his chair on the plane and on the bench. Short jokes from a short man. |
|
|
| Chris (Peoria): Now that MTV has moved in and filmed your lives, what do you think your chances for being incorporated into the "Real World"? What character would you be on that ? nice guys, playa, or jerk?
peace |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I wouldn't mind being on the Real World. I'd be the playa, I guess. Because I've got game. It's been pretty cool being a part of the MTV show. It's been good exposure for our team and our school. I hope they come back next year. |
|
|
| Matt (Urbana, IL): Jermaine:
Are you going to be able to sleep at all tonight? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Yes I will. I'm going to be relaxed and treat this game like any other game, just with a little more focus. |
|
|
| Brett (Staunton): You have been my favorite player since you came to SIU. I've enjoyed watching you play. Do you think you can elevate your game like you did last year at this time? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Thanks! That's the plan. You want to be playing your best ball at the end of the year, and that's what I'm going to try to do. |
|
|
| Yvette (Chicago): Hey, JD! This is your girl, I wanted to know what are your plans are after you graduate? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: What's up Yvette. I know you. When are you coming back? I plan on trying to go pro. You bet. |
|
|
| Tim (Carbondale): What's goofier about Korver. Is it the hair or the socks? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: The hair. It looks like he's a surfer from California. |
|
|
| Jennie (Herrin): What do you think about students camping out all night to get tickets for the Creighton game? Do you feel any extra pressure because of that to win? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: No. I don't feel any more pressure. I think it's kinda cool. It reminds me of some of the Duke home games. |
|
|
| Jeremy (Murphysboro): What's going to be going through your mind as you take the floor at the SIU Arena for the last time? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I want to end my last game on a positive note. I want to leave here a champion. |
|
|
| Danny (Carbondale): When are you going to start shooting some 3's? Most of your jumpers are far enough that it'd just take another step or two. |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Well, whenever Coach Weber gives me the green light! I feel comfortable shooting them. |
|
|
| Frank (St. Louis): I've heard road fans call you everything from Ludacrous to Sprewell. Does that ever bother you, and if not, what are some of the more creative names you've been called? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I guess I look a little like both. I wouldn't mind comparing my game to Sprewell, I guess. But some other names are Snoop, I've been told I look like IceT, but he's too old to look like me! |
|
|
| Fran (Anna): Who looks better in high socks, Korver or Sly? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Neither one! They're both ugly. |
|
|
| Joan (Marion): Who do you think will take your and Kent's place as the most-often interviewed players next year? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Stetson and Darren. I think they're going to be providing us with the most highlights next year. |
|
|
| Lindsay (Carbondale): Hey Jermaine! It's always great watching you guys play. I wish you the best against Creighton. So how about a game of one on one? I'm 5'3 so we have some rules: no dunking, no lay-ups you can only shoot 3's. What do you say?? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Sounds like you're trying to play ping-pong to me! I'm a basketball player. Just kidding, thanks for the challenge. |
|
|
| Karen (Marion): What advice do you give to the recruits who are thinking about coming to SIU to play ball? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Come! We have the best school and the best fans. |
|
|
| Greg (Carterville): Will you have new braids for the big game tomorrow night, and is there anything in particular that determines what kind of pattern your braids will be? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: No. I leave it up to my stylist. She's only 13, and she just does whatever she feels like, and it looks good every time. See you soon TT! |
|
|
| Mark (Crystal Lake): Congratulations on a great season & good luck against Creighton. Just one question: Have you cleaned up the kitchen yet? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Thanks. Yes, I have cleaned up the kitchen, but Sly still hasn't cleaned up his room! And it's starting to spread throughout the house. |
|
|
| Jeff (Newton): Do you really sleep with your eye's open like Carney said in the Daily Egyptian? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: That only happend one time, and they haven't let me forget about it yet! |
|
|
| Jackie (Carbondale): Does the Ignition remix pump you up for a game? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: No, it would probably relax me too much! That's a song for your lady friends. I'd rather listen to Eminem or 50 Cent. |
|
|
| Todd (Decatur): Jermaine, Congrats on a great career. How about you let the "fro" out for tommorow's game? Let the younger saluki fans see the old school fro! |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I'll have to talk to Coach Weber about letting me wear a head band so I can keep the hair out of my face. |
|
|
| Sabrina (Carbondale): Do you have a girlfriend? What are your plans after graduation? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: You're putting me on the spot, aren't you! Yes, I have a friend, and I plan on playing for the Indiana Pacers. |
|
|
| Badger (Carbondale): JD, You're awesome man! I really think you're a classy guy, and I'm sure gonna miss watching you play. |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Thanks for the support, man. I hope you support the rest of the players in the future like you've supported me. |
|
|
| Russ (chicago): If you are the Cleveland Cavaliers and your sitting with the number one pick in the draft in your hands, do you take Lebron, and take the chance on a high schooler, or do you go for the seasoned 4 year college player and take Carney? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I take Carney because he has the veteran experience. Except for when it comes to girls.
|
|
|
| Tyrese Buie (Savannah,GA): Since the NCAA tournament you have been labled "Big Game Jermaine", being that this is a big game, what kind of performance will you have, (double/double), (triple/double) or take 10 charges & let Kent shoot all the shots? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Speaking of cleaning up, you don't clean up either! (They are roomates) I'm going to take 10 charges and get 10 rebounds.
|
|
|
| Dean (Las Vegas): Have you talked with Rolan Roberts at all this year? Hows he doing over in Europe? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I talk to him all the time. He's actually back home now. He's trying to find somewhere else to play at. He was a little too close to Iraq (in Turkey).
|
|
|
| Dean (Las Vegas): Are you going to be able to avoid crying on Senior Day tomorrow??? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: I'm not for sure yet. I'm going to try to hold my emotions back for after the game.
|
|
|
| Benzinger (Carterville): I read in the media guide that you want to own your own business some day. What kind of business? |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Anything that will make me a lot of money. I'm not sure yet. |
|
|
| Doc - Benton: Congratulations Jermaine on a great career @ SIU. You have been fun to watch and a real treat to know. Go hard tomorrow against the Bluejays and keep it up during the tournaments. |
|
|
Jermaine Dearman: Thanks Doc! Let the Big Dawg Eat!!!
|
|
| Moderator: That will do it for tonight's chat session. On behalf of Saluki fans, thank you JD for spending time with us. Good luck tomorrow, and we know you'll make us proud. Go Dawgs. Or as Doc Knapp would say "Let the Big Dawg Eat!" |
|
|
