Bison of the Week

The Howard men's basketball team opened their season competing against the Bowling Green Falcons last Friday. They came up short with a final score of 63-48 and now have a record of (1-1). However, the Bison regrouped and dug deep to get their first home game win of the season against the Washington Adventist Shock on Monday night defeating them 83-63.

Forward Mike Phillips, a junior computer science major, put on an impressive performance finishing with 10 points and 12 rebounds against the Falcons, and tallied 11 points and nine boards against the Shock.

"I think I played pretty well," Phillips said. "I got off to a slow start; however I kept my focus and just wanted to contribute by getting rebounds.

Second-year head coach Kevin Nickelberry said, "He is a consistent player and a hard worker."

"Mike started off the way he ended last year. He has improved his game and we hope as a team that he continues his aggressive play," he said.

"Mike has been stepping up when we needed him to and he has taken on the responsibility of being a leader to the underclassmen," Cuffe said.

As a veteran player, Phillips understands his role on the team. "My role is to be a leader and to be an example for the under classmen by communicating with them on and off the court," Phillips said.

"Mike is a positive person to be around, he has a positive attitude, he's coachable, reliable and trustworthy; he simply is a good teammate," Cuffe said.

Phillips prepares himself before a game by watching film and reading the scouting report of the opposing team. After Phillips takes time to get mentally focused, he takes his focus to the court and practices his offensive moves before a game. "I watch film and read the scouting report before a game then I go to the gym and try to shoot as many shots as possible so I can be successful on the court.

I also visualize what I need to do to be beneficial to my team so that we can come out with a win."

Phillips was introduced to basketball in the third grade when his mother, Cathy Phillips, put him on a parks and recreation league. "Once I was on the team, I naturally developed into a good player," Phillips said.

Because of his mother, Phillips' was raised to be disciplined and strong minded. He said, "My mom always is there when I need her. She pushes me to give it my all and keep a positive outlook. She keeps things in perspective for me."

In relevance to hip-hop artist, Shawn Carter known as Jay Z, Phillips finds inspiration in his song "Young Forever" by using these lyrics in his everyday life, "Fear not when, fear not why; fear not much while we're alive; life is for living not living up tight."

For Howard's third game of the season, they traveled to Norfolk, Va. to compete against Colonial-Athletic Association opponent, Old Dominion University, on Wednesday night.

"My focus for this game is to keep rebounding and play team defense. We have to capitalize on scoring opportunities and get off to a good start."

Phillips is grateful for being named as this week's selected Bison. "I feel appreciative and grateful to have this opportunity of being considered as bison of the week."