ODU Sports is continuing a series of questions and answers with student-athletes at Old Dominion University. This week’s edition features senior forward Denzell Taylor from Brampton, Ontario Canada. Last season, Taylor led the Basketball Monarchs in offensive rebounds with 153.
One on One with Denzell Taylor:
Q: What other sports did you play growing up?
A: My first sport was actually soccer. I played soccer until middle school and then that’s when I started playing basketball.
Q: Why did you choose Old Dominion?
A: I felt like it was the best fit for me. It had that “family feel” and all of the coaches made me feel at home. My main thing was to find a school where I felt comfortable, so I came here and it turned out well for me.
Q: What was it like playing with the national team and representing your country in Canada?
A: It was a great experience. I had a chance to play for two years, both U18 and U19, while traveling around the world and representing my country. It was a great opportunity and I was honored to play for my country. Being put on such a platform is pretty amazing.
Q: Favorite non-basketball memory here at ODU?
A: I would have to say just hanging out with my “brothers” (teammates) and my friends. We have such a great bond and we make a lot of memories together, so it is a lot of fun.
Q: Can you believe you have only one more season left in an ODU uniform?
A: No, it’s crazy. I actually came in at the same time as Coach Jones and these years have flown by so quickly, so for me to only have one more year left in college is shocking.
Q: How would you describe your time at Old Dominion so far?
A: I have nothing but great memories. I think my freshman and sophomore years I had more ups and downs, but overall I have really enjoyed my time here. I have one more year to go, so I’m just trying to live it up and enjoy the moments I have left here at Old Dominion with my teammates.
Q: What did you work on the most this offseason?
A: Mostly my ball handling, but also to be able to do more on the floor; I want to be able to create more for myself and for my teammates.
Q: What do you consider your greatest strength on the hardwood?
A: Probably defense and rebounding. I pride myself on those two aspects of the game.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish personally and as a team this season?
A: As a team we have one goal, and that is winning the C-USA championship and getting a ring. Individually, I just want to make sure I play hard every night and give my all on the floor. Not having any regrets at the end of the day is very important for me.
Q: Social media of choice?
A: I would have to say Twitter. It is so entertaining and every time I go there I get a good laugh and will be entertained for a long time.
Q: Favorite place on campus?
A: Honestly, I would have to say my room. I’m not really a social butterfly and I like chilling by myself most of the time.
Q: Favorite restaurant in Norfolk?
A: Sweet Teas. It is delicious.
Q: Favorite food?
A: My favorite food would have to be lasagna. My aunt makes the best lasagna, so every time I go home, I always make her cook it for me. I also love pasta.
Q: Favorite dessert?
A: That is an easy one, definitely cheesecake. It is the best dessert in the world!
Q: Who is your favorite NBA team?
A: Toronto Raptors.
Q: Who is your favorite NBA player?
A: My favorite all-time player is definitely Allen Iverson because I just always looked up to him for some reason. Right now, my favorite player is LeBron James, though. I have been rocking with him since high school.
Q: Which C-USA opponent do you get most excited to play against?
A: Probably Middle Tennessee. They have kind of like been our rivals ever since we got into the C-USA. We never seem to beat them, but it is always a very close game.
Q: Favorite musician or band?
A: My favorite artist is definitely Drake. I have to represent Toronto and he just so happens to be the best artist.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: The Fast & Furious series. I love all the action and the cars in the movies.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence while playing basketball?
A: My mom. At first, I didn’t take basketball very seriously, but my mom made me realize all the opportunities it would give, such as a free education. She taught me to work hard and has been a big inspiration for me to play basketball. She is someone I always look up to.
Q: Dream job?
A: My dream job is obviously to play professional basketball. After that, I would like to be an athletic director of a high school, where I could just run the show.
SEASON TICKET INFO
Season tickets for Old Dominion men's and women's basketball are now available for purchase to new customers. Returning season ticket holders will receive their renewal information soon in the mail. Returning season tickets holder can renew immediately by contacting the ODU Ticket Office or logging into their ticket account at: www.odusports.com/seasontickets. The deadline to renew is Thursday, Sept. 1.
Season ticket packages are now available for purchase online at www.YNotTix.com or by using the link below and also through the ODU Ticket Office. New customers will be seated following the season ticket renewal period.
For more information or to order season ticket packages, contact the Old Dominion Ticket Office at 757-683-7087.
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