This season, sophomore Trent Meacham has tried to make the most of his playing time – whether it be 40 minutes or 10 minutes. The Dayton transfer and Champaign native is averaging 6.8 points per game to go along with 2.1 assists. With guards Chester Frazier and Jamar Smith still riddled with injuries, Meacham has returned to a starting role – one he thrived in at the outset of the season. Meacham scored a career-high 24 points on eight three-pointers against Florida A & M on Nov. 19. Prior to Monday’s practice at Assembly Hall, Meacham talked about his Super Bowl prediction, running the motion offense and finding his shot.

DI: What’s your take on the Bears going to the Super Bowl?

TM: I’m definitely a Bears fan; I root for all the Chicago teams. One of my good friends, his dad is Ron Turner, the offensive coordinator. I’m always rooting for the Bears.

DI: Any predictions for the game?

TM: The Colts are probably my second favorite team – I like Peyton Manning, I like (Tony) Dungy but I’m going for the Bears. I think they’re going to win; I say 27-24.

DI: What’s best part of being a Champaign native?

TM: It’s just running into people you know all the time. A lot of times people may know you, but it’s nice (to see) the people that you actually know the people you grew up with.

DI: Explain the toughest element of the motion offense, especially considering you had to watch from the sidelines last season following your transfer from Dayton?

TM: The hardest part is you have to have a chemistry with your teammates, kind of know what guys and where they are going to be, what they want to do. And the hardest part is when you have guys that are injured, guys that can’t practice, it’s getting that chemistry. That’s something that we’ve been missing this year.

DI: Name the most important thing coach Weber has taught you so far?

TM: To compete, everyday, every play, every possession. You can’t take anything off.

DI: Filling in for people earlier in the season, you had a couple big games, and now you’ve returned to the starting lineup again. Has all the switching around been difficult?

TM: It definitely makes it hard when you don’t know exactly some games – I’ve played 40 minutes a game this year, 30 minutes, and some games, I’ve played less than 10. That makes it a little hard not knowing exactly what you’re going to do. Whatever it is, I just want to come in and help the team whatever way I can to win.

DI: Biggest thing you need to improve on?

TM: I think I need to improve on everything. Maybe, just slowing things down.

DI: Earlier today in Weber’s teleconference, he said you seem tentative at times when you have to match up with more athletic players, which leads to ticky-tack fouls. Would you say that’s accurate?

TM: One thing I’ve been trying to focus on is playing a little more aggressive. I don’t know if that has to do with fouling, but I want to be a little more aggressive – looking to make plays.

DI: He also said your shot is critical to the team, is that something you have been working on?

TM: It’s something I definitely feel like I can give this team is shooting. I think I need to be more aggressive looking to score, looking to shoot.

DI: Most teams usually have a prankster, leader, etc. Where do you fit in and how do your teammates view you?

TM: A lot of guys call me “St. Meach.” I would say I am definitely one of the more laid back guys. Almost every team I’ve ever been on, or even in the movies, they have one guy that’s kind of like the reverend or the preacher. I think myself, and Brian (Randle), fall into that role.