Matt Mullins, who is from Binghampton, N.Y., is off to the hot start this year with multiple double-digit point games. He recently scored 30 points against cross town rivals King’s College
Year: Senior
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Binghampton, N.Y.
You started your career at Binghampton University, How were your experiences there?
It was a great experience. It was a Division I school, but I didn’t play a lot. We did go to the NCAA tournament and playing against Duke was great.
Was playing time a big factor in deciding to transfer to Wilkes?
Yes it was. I figured you only get four years to play, so why not take full advantage of it and actually play instead of sitting on the bench.
How has Wilkes treated you so far?
Wilkes is awesome, I love it here. Coach Rickrode originally recruited me out of high school. I was going to come here right out of high school, but Binghampton came along and offered me a spot on the team, so I decided to try that route out first. After that I went to a junior college and starting talking to Coach Rickrode again and came on a visit, and here I am.
So was Duke the biggest school you played against at Binghampton?
Yes definitely. It was awesome.
When was the first time you realized you wanted to play basketball at the next level?
I would say in middle school. I was really into baseball all the way up until middle school. Then I got to eighth grade and really started focusing on basketball and realized that I wanted to pursue that, and eventually play basketball in college.
Whom do you attribute all your success too?
I’ve had a lot of great coaches, but I’d have to say my dad. He’s been my teacher as far as basketball ever since I was younger.
In the game against King’s you dropped 30 points. How did that feel?
It felt great. I really caught fire against King’s. It felt awesome to do that against our rival, it felt even better to beat them though.
The team is currently 6-1 , as of Jan. 26, in the conference and sitting in first place. What are the teams goals to finish out the season?
Our teams goals are to definitely win a MAC championship. We feel as though we have the team to do it. We have all the right guys. Besides the loss last night too Eastern, we just need to keep playing like we have, and we can definitely make our goals happen.
Why do you wear the number four?
To be honest, I really don’t know. My freshman year of high school, the freshman got to pick their jersey numbers last, and no one wanted number four. I was basically given number four, and I was like why not stick with it ?
What was your best high school basketball memory?
We went to the New York State final four one year. We started the season off 2-5. We wound up winning 12 games in a row, and made a run for the New York state final four.
How do you feel about the Wilkes cheering section, the “Blue Army?”
The “Blue Army” is definitely a home court advantage. With the screaming and yelling and everything. We are the only team in the conference that has something like that. Its really been good.
How do you feel about the giant Coach Rickrode head the “Blue Army” holds up?
(Laughs) The head is great. I won’t say who made it, but I really think that’s awesome.
Favorite athlete?
Kobe Bryant.
Favorite team?
The Lakers.
Favorite food?
Chicken wings.
Gatorade or water during a game?
Water.
If you could defend any player ever, who would it be? Why?
Probably Michael Jordan just to say that he crossed me up.