Ahmad Grant, a junior guard on the UNCW men's basketball team, recently sat down with sports information intern Kristina Morrison to discuss his move from Olney Junior College to the Port City and life with the Seahawk hoops squad.

Kristina Morrison: Why did you choose to transfer to UNCW?

Ahmad Grant: Well, I was recruited by some schools and just really liked UNCW. They did a great job of recruiting me. UNCW seemed really nice academically and I just felt a connection.

KM: What are the differences between your Olney Junior College and UNCW?

AG: There's a big difference. I used to play in front of smaller crowds. Now I play in front of thousands. Everything is just great, and so are the fans. It gets you pumped when you hear them yelling and cheering.

KM: As a new player to the team, you've seen a lot of playing time. What has it been like to come into a program that is well-established, with most of the players already familiar with the program?

AG: It's been different. In junior college, I was the key player. Adjusting to any team is going to be difficult, especially when guys have been there for a while. You really have to make some adjustments to fit in.

KM: You're currently a psychology major. How have you been able to fit school and your busy basketball schedule in this semester?

AG: It's hard. We study on the road, so we can keep up. Our coaches stay on us to make sure we're studying and that we're staying in touch with our classes and teachers. It's hard to be away from the classroom when you know you're missing important materials.

KM: Is there anyone on the team that you have looked to for particular guidance?

AG: Chad [Tomko] and I are really close. We talk before and after games. We keep each other motivated to play hard. Although we're not having the best season, we try to bring each other up.

KM: What has been your biggest accomplishment this year?

AG: When we beat William and Mary on the road (February 11). We played really hard and together, and no one really expected us to win because they were the number one team in the conference at that time. We got a lot of support from our fans when we got home. It really motivated us. It was really a great feeling.

KM: What gets you pumped up for a game?

AG:  Knowing my opponent, listening to music, and just visualizing myself doing great things. Once I get to the locker room we sit quietly and think about the task ahead, and the plays that we need to remember. In the mornings on game day I listen to classical music like Mozart. It's something I listened to when I was a kid before I went to sleep. It's something that has stuck with me.

KM: What is the last movie you saw? Love it or hate it?

AG: Valentine's Day. I took my girlfriend to see in on Valentine's Day as a surprise. It was ok.

KM: Did you always want to be a basketball player?

AG: Always. Ever since I was little. My other brothers played basketball and I followed them. My oldest brother [Anageon Grant] played for Lincoln.

KM: If you could be any person in sports (player, coach, commentator) who would it be and why?

AG: Ray Allen. Pure jumper. Pure stroke. Good athlete. Just the way he plays gets me going.

KM: You have 10 pieces of body art to date. What is your favorite piece?

AG: Well, I'm going to get two more soon. I'm getting two scripture readings on both sides of my ribs. One is going to be, "God is for me, who can be against me" (Romans 30). I'm not sure about the other yet. My favorite piece is on my chest and it says "Born Talented" in flames. I got it about a year and a half ago.

KM: What do you think is in store for Ahmad Grant after you graduate?

AG: Hopefully, I can play basketball overseas. I've always wanted to play in Spain. But if not, I'd like to begin another career and just continue to enjoy life.