Sophomore guard not as silent as fans think

By Lisa Koulias

Q: What is your favorite thing about Champaign-Urbana?

A: My favorite thing about Champaign? (laughing) I really don’t have a favorite thing. They have a lot of great restaurants (laughing even harder).

Q: What has been your favorite game so far this season?

A: Wake Forest because of the excitement and the fun. Everyone came. It was a hyped-up game; it was a lot of fun.

Q: What is your nickname on the team, and why?

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A: Yeah, I’ve got about a thousand. When they are serious they call me King Rich, because that is what I was called in high school. But when they are making fun of me, they call me veteran, Samuel L. Jackson, because they say I look old.

Q: I noticed the Orange Krush doesn’t have a chant for you. What would you like it to be?

A: I really haven’t thought about it.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about Coach Weber?

A: He’s straight up with you; he’s real with you. He tells you how it is.

Q: Are you superstitious at all?

A: No, nothing.

Q: What is your biggest regret in life?

A: I don’t have any regrets. I wish I could change a couple things, but it’s kind of personal.

Q: Who would you say you are closest to on the team?

A: Probably Warren (Carter) and Brian (Randle) because I came in with them. You are always closest with the people you come in with.

Q: What would you say is the best part of being on this team?

A: It’s like a family. Everyone gets along, and you don’t have that everywhere you go.

Q: If you could face any team in the NCAA, who would it be and why?

A: North Carolina, because it’s so hyped up. I think we would match up good with them. I think it would be a good game.

Q: What is your favorite Big Ten arena to play in?

A: At Michigan State, it was crazy there. I like that.

Q: What is one thing that Illinois fans don’t know about you?

A: That I can talk. People always think I’m the quietest person in the world, but I can talk.