Jackie Carmichael, ISU student and NCAA basketball player, has always been interested in playing basketball since a very young age. Whether he’s on or off the court, Carmichael’s love of the game is easily shown. Her Campus got the exclusive with the college basketball star, including his opinion on Coach Jankovich’s leave, his warm-up playlist, and his future NBA plans.
HC: Where are you originally from?
Carmichael: I am originally from Manhattan, Kansas, also known as the little apple.
HC: So, what made you choose to come to ISU?
Carmichael: The reason that I attended ISU was because of the comfort and the real hometown feel.
HC: When did you first realize you had a talent for basketball?
Carmichael: Probably when I was in 7th grade, I could dunk and I was 6’6″. I figured that I had a good shot at being good at basketball.
HC: Did you always plan on playing in college?
Carmichael: Yes, I have watched basketball since I was little and had a ball in my crib as a baby. But yes, I always planned on playing at the college level.
HC: So, what’s it like being the big ISU basketball star on campus?
Carmichael: (Laughing) It is fun, I love interacting with all the fans, they’re the reason why basketball thrives. Without my fans there is not that atmosphere every night in the arena. I usually get to talk to a lot of cool people. Meeting new people and engaging with them is very fun because I am just like them, and for them to see that is awesome I think.
HC: How do you balance your time during basketball season?
Carmichael: I just try to manage my time wisely. Even though I would like to be in the gym every second, I take school work on the road most times to stay ahead. I procrastinate just a tad though.
HC: What’s your pregame playlist on your iPod?
Carmichael: “Goldie” by ASAP Rocky
“Too close” by Alex Clare
“Harder, faster, stronger” by Daft Punk
“Faded” by Tyga
“Grew up fast” by J. Cole
“Wild boyz” remix by MGK
“Stay scheming” by Rick Ross
“Marathon continues” by Nipsey Hussle
HC: What’s something you’ve learned from your teammates?
Carmichael: I learned how to perceiver in any situation that we go through. There are so many crazy situations on the floor. To be able to have a teammate that is the closest thing to your brother on the floor, we have to give each other a lot of trust.
HC: If you could play one on one against one player, alive or dead, who would it be?
Carmichael: Magic Johnson in his prime, he has so many tricks. To play and learn from him would be a great experience.
HC: What does the departure of coach Tim Jankovich mean to the team next year?
Carmichael: This is probably the hardest question to answer. It means we still have to take care of business. He gave us all the pieces now we have to take that into next year. We are a very close team and have so much more to prove. We won’t settle until we bring back The Valley title.
HC: What are your future plans, Jackie?
Carmichael: I plan to finish my fourth year here at ISU and graduate in May, and then enter the NBA draft in 2013.
Her Campus ISU thanks Jackie for the exclusive interview and wishes him the best in the NBA draft ’13!