By Mike Hogan
Idris Taqqee has seen a great amount of action on the floor during his Bonnies career. Playing since his freshman year, Taqqee has experienced all the ups-and-downs of Bonas basketball.
Reporter Mike Hogan sat down with Taqqee to discuss his emotions going into his senior year, his thoughts about the higher expectations, and his basketball future.
Big news for you as you were just named a captain, how do you feel about that accomplishment?
Taqqee: I’m excited that my teammates have trusted me, and I am really excited to lead them every possession on the court.
You’re going into your last season as a Bonnie, what are your emotions in regards to that? How do you wish to be remembered here?
Taqqee: I just wish to be remembered for everything that I’ve done well and everything that I have worked on. It’s definitely bitter sweet that it’s my last year, but there’s a lot of things that we want to accomplish and we’re all going to work towards it together.
What kinds of things did you work on this offseason? What did you improve on the most?
Taqqee: I improved on consistency the most. I worked on every single aspect of my game from rebounding, ball handling, off the ball cutting, I can go on for days about what I worked on, but being consistent was huge.
What are the expectations for this year’s squad? What’s the vibe of the locker room?
Taqqee: The sky is the limit. We know that we have the capability to do anything that we put our minds to. We know everyone is talking A-10 tournament and the NCAA tournament, but we think we can go beyond that. Above and beyond.
In previous years you guys were ranked towards the bottom of the pack in the A-10, with the raised expectations this year how is the team handling them?
Taqqee: It’s definitely exciting. I have been here and have been able to grow with change. I’m happy and I am excited to see that, but it’s something where you just have to keep that same approach where nothing has changed. Nothing is guaranteed at the end of the day, but it’s definitely good to see the buzz and excitement.
What would it be like for you and the other seniors on this team to go out in your last season’s here making the NCAA tournament?
Taqqee: It’d be great man. All of the hard work would pay off, because there’s been a lot of hours spent in that gym. It’s something that I’ve had my eyes on.
What are you looking at after Bonaventure, are you looking to keep playing basketball?
Taqqee: Yeah, I want to keep playing basketball for as long as I can. I would play basketball for the rest of my life if I could.
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