The UC Irvine men's basketball team ended last season winning 12 of their last 15, enough to propel them to the Big West Championship game and a sixth consecutive winning record. This year, the Anteaters are off to one of their best starts in school history as they won six straight before eventually falling to Toledo in the Gulf Coast Championship game. With all five starters returning, the 'Eaters look to continue building on their recent success in hopes of raising a championship banner.

As one of the nation's top rebounding and defensive teams, UCI will continue to lean on the efforts of graduate student Jonathan Galloway, the reigning Big West Defensive Player of the Year. Currently sitting at seventh in the program's all-time records with 761 rebounds, he already has six games with eight or more boards, and is second on the team with nine blocks. In this segment of our Q&A series, Galloway shares what makes him the player he is today, and how he will continue to make an impact on and off the court.


Q: What are some of your goals for the team and yourself this season?

A: The primary focus for our team is to win multiple championships. We have the potential to exceed expectations and become one of the best teams in school history.  Personally, I want to place my name in the record books as the #1 rebounder in school history. I also aspire to become an all-conference player and receive the Big West Defensive Player of the Year award.


Q: You've been named Big West Defensive Player of the Year the last two years. Who is your biggest professional inspiration for the way that you play defense?

A: There isn't a particular player that I focus on. I try to pick up little things that I can add to my game from any player. Some current players that I like to watch are Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green and Paul George.


Q: Why did you decide to pursue collegiate basketball over football and track?

A: The reason I decided to pursue basketball over track and football was because of my passion for the sport. Basketball is by far my favorite sport. After my collegiate career is over, I plan on playing professionally for as long as I can. Basketball has been great to me so far, I want to see how far I can take it.


Q: What are your career aspirations after you finish your graduate program?

A: I still intend on playing basketball after my graduate program is complete. As of now, I plan on becoming a police officer. After interning at the UC Irvine Police Department, I can see myself pursuing a career in that field of law enforcement. I'd love to work with the community and make an impact on the people around me. However, I haven't completely made up my mind yet.


Q: As a student-athlete in a graduate program, free time might be hard to come by. What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: Being a student-athlete in general, free time is hard to come by. Most of my time throughout the week is consumed by team activities such as practice, lifting weights, or receiving treatment in the training room. Now that I'm in graduate school I have a little less time for leisure, but I still make it work. I love to hang out with my teammates and friends. Whenever I get a chance I will check up on my family back home. I also love spending extra time in the gym.


Q: What was it like growing up as the middle of three brothers? How has that experience contributed to the person you are today?

A: First off, I give all the credit to my parents because they made life easy for my brothers and I. Growing up as the middle child helped me grow as a competitor. While I was young, my older brother was always a step ahead of me and my younger brother was right behind me. At some point in our lives we all played basketball. I just wanted to be the best player in the family. Now that I am older and nearing the end of my college years, I constantly try to carry myself as a role model for my younger brother and cousins.


Q: What helps you get ready for game day? Any favorite songs or rituals?

A: My pre-game routine is nothing abnormal. A hearty pre-game meal is essential! After, I'll try to take a 30 minute to an hour nap. Then, on the way to the games I'll get my mind right by listening to some music. A couple of the artists that I like to listen to on game days are Meek Mill and Drake.


Q: When all is said and done, how would you want your career at UC Irvine to be remembered?

A: My time here at UC Irvine has been such a blessing for my family and me. In regards to basketball, I want to be remembered as a winner. I want people to remember me as a player that helped elevate our program. So far, I have been a part of three championship teams here and our team plans to hang another championship banner up this season. Life is bigger than basketball, with that being said I want to be remembered for my character and how I've been able to help others.