Q&A With Stephane Lasme
By Dave Quinn, UMass Athletics Media Relations Student Assistant, 12/2/2004

Q: What was it that drew you here to UMass?
A: I liked the program. I really liked the coaches and the way they approached me. I wasn't focused on the material part. I was focused on the reputation of the school and the way the team was playing.

Q: Where is Gabon located in Africa and how long did you live there?
A: It's in Central Africa between the Congo and Cameroon. It's a small country that no one has ever heard of. I lived in Gabon my whole life and didn't come here until six months before my freshman year.

Q: What's the best part about being an athlete at UMass?
A: There are a lot of good things. I came here by myself and I have no family in the United States. The best part is that I came here and I feel like I'm in a family and they make me feel very comfortable.

Q: What would you like to be doing after you leave Amherst?
A: I would like to have a career as a researcher. I'm a biology major and want to do something that has to do with biology.

Q: How did you feel in your first game against St. Francis last year and did your emotions affect your play?
A: If you asked me I'd say that it didn't affect me at all. If you talk to my coaches, they'd probably tell you that I looked nervous out there.

Q: Who has made the biggest impact on you in your development as a person?
A: I really don't have one person. I take a little something from everybody. I notice little things from people and realize that is something I should do.

Q: What A-10 team is your biggest rival and why?
A: I think we should take all the games at the same level, but I think everybody on the team is focused on beating George Washington. People think they are going to be the top team in the conference but I think we should be the number one team. So George Washington is the team to beat.

Q: What's the biggest difference between freshman year and sophomore year?
A: When you are a freshman, you don't know anything. Coming here, you think you are a good basketball player, but then you realize you don't know anything. As a sophomore you become more comfortable with the plays and you understand what the coach is talking about. Now you know what to expect.


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