Mike Terry, freshman biology major, is a combination guard/forward for the men’s basketball team. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, he has a huge presence on the inside and the capability to shoot the ball from the outside.
Terry, originally from Ohio, has been playing the sport ever since he was able to hold a basketball. But Terry wasn’t the only child in his household that loved basketball; his sister Laura played at the University of Louisville. She has been the most inspirational person in his life and is the person Mike credits for getting him started in the sport.
Terry was a big-time player at Fairview Independent High School in Kentucky where he accumulated more 2,000 points, a difficult feat for any high school basketball player. He averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game his senior year, earning him recognition from colleges. He was also named to the All-Kentucky team that plays the All-Indiana team every summer in a two-game series.
Since Terry couldn’t play last season due to a knee injury, he was immediately ready to get back into it this fall. He started three of the first four games for the Sharks this season and is continually looking to improve. There are differences between the high school and college games and Terry has noticed them early.
“There’s more competitiveness in college. Each player is a lot better than your average player you play against in high school,” said Terry.
The team is off to a rough start but that isn’t stopping Terry or his teammates from setting and achieving the goals they set for the rest of the season.
“We got to start picking things up. We want to finish the season well and do well in conference. Try to win the conference and see what we can do in the [NCAA] tournament,” said Terry.
I caught up with Terry before practice and asked him some questions to get to know him better.
What do you like about the sport?
Traveling with the team. I love my teammates. We have a good team here and good chemistry.
How would you describe your game?
Diverse, a little bit inside and out. I like the inside mid-range, post- up game but I like to think I can take it outside and dribble a little bit too.
What aspect of your game would you like to improve on?
Ball-handling and my perimeter game.
Have you ever dunked on anyone before?
Yes, a couple of times back in high school.
What was your most memorable moment playing basketball?
Making it to regional championships when I was a sophomore in high school. We had a lot of fun. It was a good team and a good year.
Do you do any pre-game rituals or have any superstitions?
I don’t. Just like to stretch a lot before games.
Would you rather make a game-winning shot or have a game-winning block?
Game-winning shot definitely.
Who would you like to play one-on-one with?
Kobe Bryant. He would probably cross me over too many times but it would be fun.
What do you like about living in Florida?
I like it a lot. You can’t beat the weather down here. It’s a lot better [than Kentucky and Ohio].
What is you favorite movie?
“The Other Guys” with Will Ferrell.
If there was a movie about your life, who would play you in the movie?
I have to keep it real and say Will Smith. I like his movies.
