Five Minutes With the Big 5-0

In less than a week, Terrick "The Big 5-0" Waiters will face the tough test of shutting down B.C.A. big man Onyema Utti in the biggest basketball game in LMU history. Waiters was arguably the Gators' most valuable player this season, averaging 13 points and 16 rebounds per game. We spent a little time with this LMU standout to reflect on his stellar season, find out how he proves doubters wrong, and the impact that fans play on games.

Terrick Waiters: Vital Statistics

• Ranked 13th in all PSAL divisions in rebounding.
• Led Manhattan-B3 in total defensive rebounds.
• Ranked 10th in Manhattan-B3 in scoring

GN: Where would you rate yourself as a rebounder in the B-Division?

Terrick "The Big 5-0" Waiters: Is that really a question? I am number one and will always be number one. No one has the will to go snatch boards like I do. It is a craft I have made look good, especially for all of my undersized big men.

GN: Speaking of which, some say you are too short for your position, what would you say to these doubters?

5-0: My game is about proving to them that it is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the fight and the size in the dog. I have the most heart out of anyone in the PSAL.

GN: If you were to nominate an MVP (besides yourself) from the Gators, who would you choose?

5-0: Shane Richards, without a doubt, a freshman who held his own. He proved me wrong because I doubted him heavily coming into the season.

GN: It is do or die time with the playoffs coming up after vacation. Any concerns coming off a loss right before your biggest game of the season?

5-0: We might play lazy because our practices have been terrible. Also, some people on the team still lack heart and act like they are afraid to show it even after they have played 16 games.

GN: Throughout the years, LMU basketball has not had a strong following in school, but this year has been much different with the emergence of senior students supporting the team. How much of an impact does the crowd have on games?

5-0: I love the crowd, they show love. It gets me going or should I say it gets the team going, especially when we see the chest paint. It makes us feel appreciated for our hard work.