Aug. 9, 2007
GoRedbirds.com: Is there any special reason why you chose to wear number 0?
Osiris Eldridge: I was being recruited by a former assistant coach who suggested I wear number 0 for the "O" in my (first) name.
GR: Coming from Chicago, are you a Bulls fan or not?
OE: Yeah, I'm definitely a Bulls fan.
GR: What is your least-favorite training exercise the team does?
OE: I like the weight room; but my least-favorite training exercise would be running in the upper bowl of Redbird Arena.
GR: How does the team prepare for a big game? Any rituals?
OE: Everyone is kind of going at his own pace. The guys are listening to music, and doing anything to get their head straight for the game.
GR: What was your favorite memory of last season?
OE: Probably the Northern Iowa game. The Panthers were the number one team in the conference at the time, and we beat them. Also, the game against Creighton was big for me personally because I had 28 points.
GR: When you are on the road, where is your favorite place to eat with the team?
OE: We eat at so many places, but my favorite place to eat is probably at the hotel because you get to eat and then lay down.
GR: Besides playing basketball, how have you been spending your summer?
OE: Paying parking tickets! That's it ... playing basketball, and trying to work to pay parking tickets.
GR: If you could choose one famous basketball player to play one-on-one with, who would it be?
OE: I would like to play one-on-one with Gilbert Arenas. He is a player that is about the same height and weight as me. We're very similar to each other.
GR: What helped you decide to play at Illinois State?
OE: Playing time was a big factor. When I was being recruited, I was confident that I'd be able to come in and play as a freshman. It didn't really matter to me what school I went to, big or small, it was just about playing.
GR: Who on the team can you rely on for comedic relief?
OE: Last year it was Ronnie (Carlwell), but this year it will probably be Brandon Sampay, a newcomer. He's funny.
GR: What was it like to be awarded the MVC Freshman Player of the Year award last season?
OE: Winning the award felt good. I worked hard for the award, and it's a great compliment, but it's only a stepping stone. Later on, I'd like to be selected as (Valley) player of the year, so that's how I'm using it: as a stepping stone.
GR: Have you seen any good movies this summer?
OE: Yeah. I saw "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry," and I wanted to see "Transformers," but I haven't had the time to go see the movie.
GR: What part of your game would you like to improve on this season?
OE: I'd like to improve on seeing the court, as well as ball handling.
GR: What kind of dorm food do you prefer?
OE: I usually go to Watterson because it has the best food.
GR: What do you like about going to school in Normal?
OE: I like that the city is peaceful.
GR: What do you miss most about Chicago?
OE: I don't miss anything about Chicago. Sometimes I miss family and friends, but besides that, I don't miss anything.
GR: If you weren't a basketball player, what sport would you like to play?
OE: I'd like to play football, I think. I played football in high school, and I was the quarterback. If I hadn't started focusing on basketball, I would have definitely played football.
GR: What NBA team is your favorite?
OE: The Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James.
GR: What team goal would you like to see accomplished this season?
OE: I want us to win. I want us to go farther in the Valley Tournament, and try to get to the NCAA Tournament. I don't have any individual goals. I just want to win.
GR: What inspired the "fauxhawk" you are sporting as a hairdo?
OE: I don't know; it's just a new look. I think I'm going to keep it for next season, and shape it up from time to time.
