Demetric Bennett Interview

                       By: Aaron Fischman

 

An Interview with Demetric Bennett (South Alabama)

Demetric Bennett is a 6'4" senior guard for the South Alabama Jaguars. Bennett is currently averaging 19.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game in 34.9 minutes of play. His Jaguars are tied at the top of the Sun-Belt Conference with a 16-2 conference record and a 25-5 record overall. They will compete for the Sun-Belt Conference title next week.

Aaron Fischman: What did you learn in your year at Southern Methodist, before transferring to South Alabama?

Demetric Bennett: The thing I learned at SMU was that college basketball [is] a business, because if your coach is not winning, then he is out. That's what [happened] to me. I also learned that the game of basketball [is] so much faster in college [than] in high school and if I wanted to be good, I had to work at it.

AF: What do many people not know about your basketball team and South Alabama in general?

DB: Well, over here, on this side of the U.S., we are pretty well known. But nationally, I don't think we get enough national attention.

AF: At South Alabama your numbers have improved every year. What does that say about your work ethic and ability to grow?

DB: I mean, it says a lot about my work ethic and ability to grow. I am always looking for ways to improve my game to become the best player I can be.

AF: On December 15 against Mississippi St., you scored 39 points to lead the Jaguars to a 71-67 victory. Talk about that magical night.

DB: Well, that night my team needed me to step up for them and that's what I tried to do. Wasn't anything special. I just went out there and made shots I normally take and my teammates [kept] giving the ball.

AF: Western Kentucky only has two conference losses, which have both been against your team. How important were those wins for you guys/

DB: Those wins against Western were very important to us because we want to show everybody we are the best team in the Sun Belt, and one of the top teams in the country.

AF: Your team has not lost at home this season. What is it about the atmosphere in E.A. Diddle Arena that makes it such a difficult place for road teams to play?

DB: We are undefeated at home this year. 16-0. But that game at Western [Kentucky] was tough because [they] had great fan support that night. The game had a lot on the line for the both of us and we were very [blessed] to come out and get that win against a good team.

AF: How have you been so successful from behind the three-point line in your career at South Alabama?

DB: Well, [I've] always been [known] as a shooter my whole life and have been successful here at South Alabama because I have just been gaining experience and listening to my coaches.

AF: What is your best memory of your time at South Alabama?

DB: My best memory at South Alabama was the year 2005-06 when we won the Sun Belt championship and went to the NCAA tournament.

AF: What are your individual and team goals for this season?

DB: Our team goal for this year [is] to win the Sun Belt championship and make some noise in the NCAA tournament. My goals [are] to do whatever it takes for my team to win and try [to] show the [nation] that I am one of the top unknown players in the country.

AF: How much damage can your team do in the NCAA tournament?

DB: I think our team [has] a chance to make a big run in the NCAA tournament. If we go out there and play to our ability, we are going to be [a] tough matchup for any team.

AF: What are your long-term goals (basketball and otherwise)?

DB: My long term in basketball is to play in the NBA and become [the] best player that I can become. I also want to start my own business and take care of my family.

This concludes our interview with Demetric Bennett. Catch South Alabama later this week as they compete for the Sun Belt Conference title. Hopefully, we'll see more of Demetric and the Jaguars on the road to March Madness.

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