Name: Chris McNealy
Age: 21
Major: Sociology
Relationship status: Single
Hometown: Danville CA Bay Area
Involvements include: Basketball, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
What is your most memorable moment at UCI so far?
Well, it has to be my freshman year during Shocktoberfest when my teammate Daman and I were dancing on stage to Soulja Boy Tell’em’s song “Donk.”
How do you manage school, athletics and a social life?
It’s tough; I have this session called “Study Table” on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 7-9 where tutors are made available to help us study. Basketball takes a lot of my time, but it’s usually basketball and school during the week and then I hang out on the weekends.
What about your fraternity?
I love my brothers! I’m not always free to hang out with them because of my schedule, but when I do, it’s always fun.
What are you doing now that the season is over?
We are going through our off season where we lift at noon 4 times a week have individual workouts with coaches and have open runs with other players from nearby schools.
Who and what motivates you? Inspires you?
My mom and dad inspire me; they have always been and still are there for me. They are hard workers and I hope to be like them in the future.
What about athletic inspiration?
I would have to stay current and say Lebron James. At one point he was one of the most hated athletes in the world but he still believed in himself and his game, he is now respected again after finally winning a championship.
What are your future career aspirations?
It would be amazing to get to play in the NBA or overseas, especially in Italy. My dad lives in Italy and is an International NBA scout over there so it would be great if I got to play ball there. I hope to keep playing basketball, or at least still be involved with sports. Other than sports, I love dancing and music but I’m not sure what I would do with that, but something in those areas would be interesting to explore as a possible career choice.
Embarrassing moment?
Oh man! Nearing the end of my senior year of high school there was this dance I went to. I was dancing with this girl and my gum accidentally fell into her hair! I tried to take it out without her noticing but that didn’t work out. She turned around after she felt me picking at her hair and pulled out the gum herself. We laughed it off but I was still embarrassed.
If you could have any superpower in the world what would it be?
I would like to be a mind reader so I could find out what people are thinking, especially girls because that’s always a mystery.
What’s on your iTunes playlist at the moment, a particular song that has you playing it on repeat?
That’s hard, I have so many favorite songs right now but “Girls Love Beyoncé” by Drake, is the song that I’m jammin’ to right now.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Oh! I love Eva Mendes; she is so sexy.
If you could take a girl on the best first date you can think of, what and where would it be?
We would go to an Italian restaurant then we would go bowling or miniature golf and then end it off by watching a funny movie.
What type of girl do you want to be with?
She’s got to be outgoing and has to make me laugh and HAS to know how to dance. Basically, someone I can just have fun with.
What do you first notice about a girl?
I notice her smile and eyes; those are the first things that catch my eye.
What are some pet peeves?
I hate when a girl curses too much and in general I don’t like it when somebody is wagging or putting their fingers on me.
If there were a move based on your life which actor would play you?
Will Smith! When watching Fresh Prince, he reminds me a lot of myself, somebody who is just goofy and loves to have fun. I just like his vibe and think that he would do a great job.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully playing basketball, getting married and having two to three kids.
Do you have any other interesting facts about yourself?
Yeah! If anyone thinks that they are good at super smash bros on the Nintendo 64, tell them to find me and I’ll show them who is really good. I like to play any type of videogames, but the old-school ones are my favorite.
Favorite quote/phrase:
I say “whoop” and “we in that thang (WITT)” a lot. Also my parents always told me to never doubt myself. I recently saw a quote that I really like it says, “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”
Follow him on instagram: cmac_onthe_track