Name: Julian Mavunga Hometown: Indianapolis, Ind. Sport: Basketball

KG: When was the first time you picked up a basketball and knew you wanted to play?

JM: Summer before sophomore year of high school. The first time I ever played basketball was my freshman year, and I wasn't sure if I liked it, but when I played AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) the summer before my sophomore year, I fell in love with it.

KG: What made you a standout player in high school?

JM: I played multiple positions and was surrounded by great teammates. I scored on the inside and outside, so my versatility gave me a number of options to score the ball.

KG: What position do you play?

JM: Power forward.

KG: What is the most challenging part of that position for you?

JM: The most challenging part is (adjusting) to playing either inside or outside.

KG: You received a lot of offers from other schools, what made you decide on Miami?

JM: I felt comfortable with the coaches-they're good guys. I really enjoyed my visit. The campus is beautiful and close to home.

KG: What are your goals this season?

JM: Get used to a college game and help the team as best as I can in the way that they need me to.

KG: What are some of the team goals?

JM: Win the MAC and go to the NCAA tourney.

KG: What are your pregame rituals?

JM: Before every game, I listen to a play list of songs, drink a Gatorade and eat a Powerade bar

KG: What are your long-term basketball goals?

JM: My long-term goals for basketball are to continue playing basketball after college. Before I leave Miami, I want to become a team captain and win as many championships as possible. I also want to be named to the All-MAC team sometime in the next four years.

KG: What do you like to do off the court?

JM: Off the court, I enjoy relaxing. I can fall asleep almost anywhere. I also like playing XBOX. I play sports game like Madden and NBA games, and online games like Halo and Call of Duty.

KG: What's your major? What are your career goals?

JM: I'm undecided on a major because I'm not 100 percent sure what I want to do, but I was looking into something to do with coaching because that's what I want to do after my playing career is over.

KG: If you weren't playing basketball what would you be doing?

JM: I would undoubtedly be playing football. I was a standout in football as well until I dropped it for basketball. 

KG: What's your favorite thing about the game?

JM: Winning.