Xavier University Athletics
Meet The New Kids: Q&A with Men's Basketball Newcomers
12.07.17 | Men's Basketball
Original article appears in the Fall 2017 issue of Xavier Nation Magazine. View online or purchase your copy!
 |
ELIAS HARDEN |
You've said baseball was your first sports love; what made you choose basketball over baseball?
The two sports are kind of active around the same time, so at a certain age, right when I started playing basketball, I was taller than everybody. I just got a great feel for the game; I really enjoyed it, and it felt like I could be much, much better at it if I just kept working.
Any tattoos?
One. It's on my chest. It's two wings and the year I was born, 1999. I was interested in art and I like seeing them. I asked my parents if they would consider letting me get a tattoo. Of course, every parent either says "no" or asks the reason behind it. Basically, they told me if I stayed on the right track in school, etc., they'd let me get it.
Last place on Earth you'd want to get stuck?
In a dungeon somewhere.
You're on a desert island. What three things other than a map or boat would you want?
Shelter. Food. Just some utensils I could use to make a small hut, and some snacks like chips. The last thing would probably be clothes.
Favorite movies?
Space Jam, Like Mike. I (also) like the Mission Impossible series.
If you were a spy, what's your code name?
"Easy" because I'd just make it look easy.
A one-of-a-kind car or a mansion?
A mansion because I wouldn't want to sleep in the car. I could make a living there, and then I could work and find a way to get a car.
|
|
KEREM KANTER |
Favorite food?
Salmon.
Least favorite food?
Shellfish.
TV show you'd love to be on?
Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out (on MTV).
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Teleporting.
Pet of choice?
Macaw.
Favorite movies?
Asterix & Obelix.
Celebrity you'd like to hang out with?
Ice Cube.
Favorite musical artist?
Meek Mill.
If you could meet anyone in the world …?
Sergio Kun Aguero (Argentinian soccer player for Manchester United).
If you could go anywhere in the world …?
Dubai.
Something surprising about you?
I have been living by myself for eight years.
Sports role model?
Muhammad Ali.
Hobbies?
Xbox (FIFA, 2k, Mortal Kombat).
Hidden talents?
Math.
Superstitions?
Right first (shoes, etc.).
What actor should play you in a movie?
Ice Cube.
Favorite TV show?
The Blacklist.
Guilty pleasure junk food?
Lay's potato chips—sour cream and onion.
Mountains or beach?
Beach.
Cook or clean?
Cook.
Any fears?
Losing a family member.
Favorite book?
Quran.
|
|
NAJI MARSHALL |
You grew up with five brothers and one sister. What's the best and worst thing about growing up in a big family?
The best? When we go out, we're always protected. The worst is probably when it's time to spend money, everyone's got to share because there's less money (to go around).
Text or talk on your cell phone?
Both, but I'm more of an in-person type of guy.
Celebrity crush?
Most definitely (actress) Lauren London. She's gorgeous.
Least favorite food?
Probably burgers, steaks, or ribs—something like that. I just never ate them growing up, so I never had a desire to. I eat cheesesteaks, but I don't eat regular steak.
Dunk for a game-winning shot or block someone to win a game?
I'd rather dunk on somebody. I just like dunking on people.
Favorite musical artist?
Meek Mill. I've been listening to him since I was young.
What annoys you?
People who don't smell good. I hate that.
If you could meet anyone in the world…?
La La (Anthony), Carmelo Anthony's wife, just to stare at her. She looks so good.
Something surprising about you?
No one on this campus can beat me in Ping-Pong.
How did you discover your love of table tennis?
My mom used to work at a rec center, and they had (table tennis) and I got good (at it). I'm one of the best players in the world.
|
|
PAUL SCRUGGS |
You've said you didn't grow up watching your hometown Indiana Pacers play. What did you spend most of your time watching instead?
SpongeBob SquarePants; SpongeBob is real. SpongeBob SquarePants and Tom & Jerry are my shows. And SpongeBob is an old-school classic now—don't get it wrong!
Describe yourself as a player?
Pass first and guard; get others involved.
Where would you most like to go on vacation?
Brazil. It's a party down there every night.
Favorite junk food?
Honey Buns. That's what I grew up eating.
If you were going to go on an adventure, what would it be?
I would definitely (go) to the island that King Kong is on (Skull Island). King Kong is the king; he's a beast. He won't try to squash me (though) because I'll be on his side.
Who would you pick to play you in a movie?
That's a hard one. Probably Kevin Hart. He'd fit my personality.
Fears or phobias?
I don't like heights and I don't like being in tight spots. Yeah, I'm claustrophobic.
Pregame rituals?
I listen to R&B, so I listen to New Edition, Jodeci, Boyz II Men before a game. It mellows me out.
Do you collect anything?
I used to collect wrestling figures and never take them out of the box. I cannot remember how many I had. Eddie Guerrero was my favorite. He had the most swagger during his entrance.
