Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q & A With Saluki Center Sylvester Willis
03/04/2004 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
www.SIUSalukis.com
March 4, 2004
What went through your mind during the last timeout versus Bradley when Coach Painter called the play for you?
"If it's a good pass, I hope I can catch it."
Describe what it was like when you caught the ball, hit the shot and the crowd went wild.
"It was crazy. Everybody ran on the court, but it was fun to go out like that,
being my last game at the Arena. It was all fun for me. All the reporters
were there, my family was there. It was just good having a game like that my
last home game."
Have you felt like the new hero on campus?
"It haven't felt any different. I made the shot over there. Other than that, it
was just another game."
What do you think you've improved upon the most this season?
"My free throws and leadership."
What was the transition like being a holdover from the era of Coach Weber, Kent
(Williams), and Jermaine (Dearman) to playing with Coach Painter and a new
lineup?
"It wasn't any different. That's why we wanted Coach Painter as opposed to a
coach from anther school. That's all a part of our success because we knew
what the system was like and what kind of guy Coach Painter was. As far as
Kent and Jermaine, guys graduate every year; it's a cycle. I'm going to be
leaving, Brad's going to be leaving this year, two guys will be more than ready
to fill our roles. It's a part of life. They did their four years, we're very
grateful for that, and now it's somebody else's turn.
You have a reputation as a great storyteller.
"I don't tell stories. I tell the truth. I just speak my mind."
How do you feel about the crowd at SIU Arena and the fan support?
"The crowd here is great. We try to use them whenever we can. We had three
straight sellouts for the first time ever, and that makes all of the team feel
great. We just try to use them as our sixth man because we feel like we've got
the best fans out there. We're just thankful for them filling the seats."
What has been your most memorable moment during your SIU career?
"I guess since it's fresh in my mind, making that game winning shot on Senior
Night. That's probably something I can't forget, just because it was the last
game and it was a buzzer beater. I've never done something like that before. I
can't really remember anything else. Maybe the Creighton game last year when I
made some pretty big plays."
Describe what it was like growing 13 inches since high school? Did it alter
your plans of being the next Allen Iverson?
"That didn't alter my plans, the coaches did. They told me I had to go on the
block. I still wanted to be a guard. It's not weird to me, I'm just me. You'd probably have to ask other people around me. I know my clothes were smaller. Everybody says you're goofy or clumsy, but you really can't figure that out 'till you you gain some coordination. It was definitely a different
experience. I know a lot of people don't go through that, but it was just
weird. One day you go to school and you're bigger than everybody else."
What's one thing people would be intrigued to know about you?
"I pretty much lay it all out there. No secrets. What you see is what you get. Maybe that my favorite food is chicken."
What do you like to do besides play basketball?
"Sleeping. That's about all I've got time for. They work you hard enough, and I
need my rest after that."
You have plans for the NBA, but if that doesn't work out will you use your
comedic talent for something like Def Comedy Jam or Second City?
"I'm looking forward to the NBA, but I might pursue Hollywood. I've been talking
to some people and been trying to get my face out there on Sunset Boulevard."
If you could write a script for the rest this season, what would it be?
"I'm saying National Chamionship. But the only sure way to get to the Tournament is
to win the MVC Tournament."
