I had the pleasure of interviewing two brothers with a bright future ahead of them. Juwan and John Grant are upcoming seniors at Savannah State University. Born and raised in Baltimore Maryland, they became students at SSU last spring. Juwan is a sociology major and after graduating from Savannah State he wants to go Grad school for nursing then medical school. John however is a business management major. After gaining his undergraduate degree he wants to attend law school and become a corporate lawyer.
Kristen: Why did you guys choose Savannah State and do you like it so far?
Juwan: I chose Savannah State because it was a different environment from what I am used to. Plus, it was a little far from home.
So far, it’s been a good experience. There have been some trials and tribulations that I’ve been through but overall it has been good!
Kristen: Physically what advantages do you think you’ll be bringing to the team this year and since the teams’ bond is so real do you think that helps on the court? What is it like to play with your twin brother?
John: Physically I’ll bring an increase in the athleticism of the team. My ability to shoot as well as put the ball on the floor will give the team an advantage against most of our opponents. It will also effectively contribute to our ‘run and gun’ style of play.
As a team, our closeness is definitely shown on the court. We’re willing and able to work hard for each other which eliminates the selfishness that usually plagues other teams.
Playing with a twin brother is great. It’s literally like having an extension of myself on the court. In a sense, he’s another coach for me, he just happens to be able to put on a jersey and go to war with me.
Kristen: What are you looking forward to this upcoming year between academics and basketball?
John: I’m looking forward to seizing a MEAC championship and being a goto guy for our team. Academically I’m looking to increase if not repeat my success from last semester
Juwan: I’m looking forward to all the success that’s coming into my life. The school year can be a little tough juggling basketball & school work but I’m ready for it. I look forward to the lectures & games.
Kristen: How do you think your first game as a Savannah State Tiger will be now that you’ve seen how the games go and all the support the basketball team gets?
John: I think it will be rewarding and fun. Playing in front of that type of crowd again will be surreal.
Juwan: It’ll be extremely fun. I’m pumped for opening night. After sitting out last season I’ve gotten an understanding on what the atmosphere will be like.
Kristen: Do you want to be apart of any organizations this year or are you just focused on school and basketball?
Juwan: School & basketball takes up a good 90% of my time and I want to excel in those two things. I do find time to go down to the elementary school and have lunch with the kids, but my main focus is school and basketball.
John: Basketball would be the main priority however I am interested in various business fraternities as well as the NAACP
Kristen: Do you have any advice for underclassmen student athletes about balancing work and their sport?
John: Yeah, a great sense of time management goes along way. Balancing school, sports, and extracurricular activities can be challenging but it is manageable. It is what you make it. Do yourself a favor and work hard now.
Juwan: My advice to them is to STAY focused. It’s going to be new people, different environments and that’s all you need to become unfocused. If they come to school with the right attitude and good work ethic then everything will be just fine.
Follow them on twitter and ig @cantguardgrant & @arr0grant