JACKSON- It is time for another installment of "Meet a Major" where we interview a member of the Millsaps men's basketball team. Today, assistant coach Drew Guidice caught up with freshman wing Mac McElveen, Drew's questions are in bold.
You're from a small town. Describe Franklinton, Louisiana for our fans.
"If you are not from Franklinton, you probably don't have any earthly idea where it is located. Its population is around 3,500 people. However, we do have five red lights. We rarely see traffic, unless it's the third Wednesday of October. This is when the town welcomes the Washington Parish Free Fair, which is the largest free fair in the world. My dad always told me when you see that "Entering Franklinton" sign, don't blink because you might miss the town."
What has been the biggest transition from playing high school basketball last year to being a college freshman this season?
"The biggest change for me would have to be the pace and the physicality of the game at the college level."
When a good song comes on, you have been known to say "Turn it up or turn it off". Does this mantra carry over for you to the basketball court?
"Turn it up or turn it off was a saying I heard from a good friend of mine and it just kind of stuck with me. It can mean multiple things. For example, it can mean go big or go home or you got to risk it to get the biscuit. You would rather turn it up rather than to get 'shut down'."
You have had some highlight-reel worthy dunks this season. Talk about those moments.
"The dunk against Oglethorpe was by far the best dunk I have ever had in a game. When I stole the pass, I told myself I was going to dunk it. I honestly didn't think he was going to go up with me. All I remember after the dunk is turning around and seeing Marc making the face and looking over at the bench seeing Rajan hold the team back."
Who is an older teammate you look to for leadership on this year's team?
"I look up to all three of my seniors. I respect everything they have done and went through their four years of playing ball. But the person I look up to the most would have to be Tully Gilligan, also known as Daddy. Pretty much everything we run offensively goes through him and puts him in a situation to make the best play for our team."
Describe the classroom experience here at Millsaps.
"The classroom experience for me so far is a great one. The classes are small so you have less distractions and more one on one time with you professors. I love it here at Millsaps, because the professors know me by my name, whereas if I were to have went to a state school I would just be another statistic."
