_Rashad Bilal the 6-foot-5 New York native is averaging 7.6 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. "Rashad is a classy guy," said head Coach Jeff Law. “He excels academically and is the type of athlete you want in your program.” Rashad recently took time to talk about his UH Hilo career._

#Q—What did you find was the biggest difference between high school and college basketball?#

#BILAL# — The biggest difference is definitely the responsibility with instruction and practice. Meaning you need to have time management with classes, class work, papers, and practice.

#Q—Man-to-man, who is the toughest player on UH Hilo for you to go up against in practice?#

#BILAL# — I would definitely have to say Jacob Briggs. He has a ton of intensity. He forces you to be a better defender.

#Q—If the team had a one-on-one tournament, who would win? Why?#

#BILAL# — I would like to think I would win, because I am a very crafty player.

#Q—What basic philosophies does Coach Law preach the most?#

#BILAL# — Coach Law always wants us to play hard and give him 100% effort.

#Q—Does having a vocal, supportive crowd at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium make a difference to the team?#

#BILAL# — The fans are the best. They make a big difference when we are down or behind during a game. They always have that extra boost for us in fact the fans are the sixth player on the court.

#Q—On this year’s squad, who is the team’s Mr. Personality, who is Mr. “BRAIN” academically, who is Mr. Fashion and who is Mr. comedian?#

#BILAL# — I would have to say that the team's personality can’t be just one, but it is the entire team. We all have great personalities.

Mr. "Brain" of the group would have to be me.

Mr. Fashion can go to John Smith he has style and gives me competition.

Jay De Maestri is hands down for Mr. Comedian.




#Q—What is your favorite thing to do in your hometown of White Plains, New York?#

#BILAL# — When ever I go home I always go to the local community center (TDYCC), I get a chance to connect and “shoot the breeze” with allot of my friends that I grew up with.

#Q—Who is going to win the Presidential election this fall?#

#BILAL# — I would like to see a Barack Obama take the office in the upcoming election I believe that the country will be desperate for a Democratic candidate—due to our society's view of Bush. Momentum for him with a lot of young people will make the difference.

#Q—What will you remember most about Hilo, Hawaii?#

#BILAL# — There are many memories of the team, classes, outing, trips, sites, friends and the rain, but the one thing I will take back with me from Hilo are the people. The people have indescribable warmth that invites you to be a part of the islands.