MP: How did you first get involved in playing basketball and playing point guard?

Michael: I started playing basketball as young as I can remember.  I always loved the sport.  My older brother (3 ½ years older) played and I would compete with him and his friends.  I think this provided me with the fiery attitude to compete and do whatever it takes to win, which I believe is probably my best asset as a player to this day.

MP: Did you excel in any other sports? How have they helped you on the basketball court?

Michael: I was talented in many other sports as a child, especially football, soccer, and baseball.  I played football my freshman year of high school but chose to give it up to focus on basketball.  I think that in sports nowadays, it is difficult to play multiple sports and be exceptional in one.  For example, in basketball, there is year round training and tournaments that begin at a young age.  There are AAU teams and spring and summer leagues.  Therefore, there is not much time for other sports if you really want to excel at one.

MP: You led your high school squad to the Maryland 4A state time, the first such title for your high school. What was this like winning the state title and what did it mean to you?

Michael: It was the best moment of my life.  It meant so much because the way we won.  Our team was the classic underdog and we managed to tough it out and win the first title in the school’s history.  The community rallied behind us and the support we were getting throughout our championship run was surreal. 

MP: You earned 2006 honors for First Team All-Metropolitan Area (which includes Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.) as selected by the Washington Post and was the Gazette Co-Player of the Year, sharing honors with the NBA superstar Kevin Durant. How did that feel?

Michael: It was a tremendous honor to be named to the first team in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area.  I put so much time and effort into basketball and it was a dream come true to win a state title and be recognized for my efforts.  To be named Co-Player of the Year along with Kevin Durant is something fun to joke around about.  At the time, I knew he was an incredible player but I had no idea he would be one of the best in the world in four short years.

MP: Did you ever play with or against Kevin Durant? What was this like?

Michael: I played against him in an AAU basketball tournament when I was about 14 or 15.  He was very good.  He was always a skilled player but he had a huge growth spurt in high school that made him the dynamic player he is now.

MP: Describe your transition from high school basketball to playing in college.

Michael: College basketball is a whole new level and it took me time to adjust.  Freshman year was a struggle.  Players are physically stronger and the game is played at a faster pace.  

MP: What growth did you see on the basketball court from your first game as a freshman to your final game as a senior?

Michael: I had to make many adjustments to my game.  I put a lot of time into the weight room to become physically stronger and faster.  Practices at the college level are sometimes more intense than the games and it is a long season that wears on your body.  You have to be physically fit and diet is important to maintain your body.

MP: You played in the Patriot League final with the winner earning a birth in the NCAA tournament. How did you handle the loss? Was this one of your biggest heartbreaks as an athlete?

Michael: I was devastated.  As a young kid, you watch March Madness and you dream of playing in it some day.  It was heartbreaking to come so close in my senior season and come up short.  We had a successful season and I take some solace in that but I will always feel a little bitter about the way my college career ended.

MP: You have shared an interest in potentially playing professional basketball overseas next year. What country do you want to most play in and why?

Michael: I’m looking to play in Israel right now.  I visited Israel once before and I loved it.  I’m open to other places but at this point, I’d say chances are I’ll be playing in Israel next season.

MP: What kinds of specific weight training do you do for basketball?

Michael: At this point in my career, I have my body weight around where I want it to be.  I do not want to be bulky as this can affect my shot and my agility.  Therefore, I work on a lot of explosive weight training and core and balance exercises.  Injury prevention is huge.

MP: What do you believe is the most important exercise a basketball player should do and why?

Michael: I believe squats are the most important exercise for a basketball player.  Squats help you build leg muscles that are instrumental in jumping, being in a low stance when handling the basketball, and for a defensive stance.

MP: What are your thoughts on LeBron James teaming up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Heat? Do you believe this hurts his legacy?

Michael: I think the Heat will clearly be the most fun team in the NBA to watch and I am excited to follow them.  I do think it will hurt LeBron’s legacy.  It will be difficult for him to be compared to players like Jordan and Magic Johnson unless the Heat can win many championships.  At the same time, as a fan of the game, I do not enjoy hearing criticisms of his decision.  He is trying to be his own person and do what he thinks is best and I do not fault him for his decision.  He is making the NBA much more entertaining.

MP: As a Washington Wizards fan, what do you think John Wall brings to the team?

Michael: I think John Wall will be an excellent pro.  I am confident of this because of his ability to do so many things on the court other than score.  He defends well, makes his teammates better, and is a great passer.