UT recently kicked off the start of basketball season with our annual Midnight Madness celebration. We came out in masses to enjoy free food, support our cheerleaders, multiple dance teams (seriously, how many are there?), and of course, welcome this season’s players. It only makes sense that this week’s campus celebrity be an athletic (and pretty cute!) player of the men’s basketball team.
Bastien Motte, a sophomore studying International Business, plays as guard. In his hometown of Brussels, Belgium he started playing basketball at the age of 3.
What inspired you to pick up a ball?
Growing up I lived in a small neighborhood where everyone knew each other. My older cousin and I were always together. He used to play locally, and I watched him play. After that my parents put me in it. Oh and I watched Space Jam. A couple times actually. (He then began to sing the intro music!)
Describe your typical day during the season?
I wake up, have breakfast, go to all my classes in the morning, and then lunch. Three times a week we have strength and conditioning starting in the afternoon and right after we have practice. Twice a week it’s at night. After practice, you have the evening to do homework and study. Sometimes late at night I go to the gym and shoot around. We normally have one day off which is usually the day after the game.
How do you feel about the upcoming season?
As a team we look pretty good. The chemistry is there. On and off the court. Chemistry impacts your performance a lot on the court. I think we’ll do better than last year.
Who is your favorite basketball player?
I like bits and pieces of a few players. Jamal Crawford, Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I’m not sure yet but I think I want to play pro after I graduate and then start for my Masters. Probably back in Belgium.
If you could play for any team, which would it be?
The Belgian National Team. It’s an honor to represent your country, especially internationally. They travel a lot, and there’s nothing like being from the place you represent. There is a lot of pride.
When you’re not playing basketball, what do you like to do?
I don’t like anything! Haha no, I’m just kidding. I like to go shop for new things, hang out with my friends here, and Skype the people back home. I love to listen to music. Also I like to stay aware. I always watch the news. Mostly in French.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve received a lot of advice before but never really taken it from someone. But personally, I believe people need to think ahead while still enjoying the present. We all have to learn to take advantage of this very moment.