Rozelle Nix is the first graduate transfer in the University of South Alabama men's basketball program's history. The former Pittsburgh Panther arrived on campus just before the fall semester, and returned close to home after spending two seasons at Pensacola Junior College. The Cincinnati, Ohio native spoke with USAJaguars.com about his battles with losing weight, why he left Pitt and why he chose South Alabama.
When did you start playing basketball?
I got started playing basketball in 5th or 6th grade. I started playing for fun to see how it is. My great-grandfather took me to the neighborhood rec center and we would put up some shots. Then I started watching old film of Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal.
Take me through your journey to get to South Alabama.
I went to Withrow High School in Cincinnati and played all four years there. Then I went to prep school in Columbus, Ga. at Kingdom Prep for a year. I headed to junior college at Pensacola State and had a great two years there. I moved on to the University of Pittsburgh. I redshirted my junior year and played my redshirt junior year. I graduated, and all roads led back down south.
Why did you choose South Alabama?
I really like family environments. I feel really comfortable. I feel like I can be myself. Usually I'm a quiet guy and I'm around people that care and will help me out. But at the same time, they're going to be tough on me because I need to get better. Plus, I'm close to Pensacola, so I can see friends from there.
What was behind your decision to become a graduate transfer?
I wanted to play and get a chance to be on the floor. I wanted to have fun again and be around guys that I could help out and lead the team. It's a young team and I'm coming in as a more experienced guy from the ACC. I know what it takes and I can teach everybody and lead them.
You've battled weight issues in the past – what prompted your last attempt to lose weight?
It was just motivation. I just want to get better every day. I want to play this game for a living; it keeps me going. I keep thinking about my great-grandparents – that's my biggest motivation – and I always have them in my head. I think about them when times are tough and I just keep on chugging along.
Was there a particular moment where you decided you had to lose weight?
My freshman year at Pensacola State. It was right after our state semifinal game that we lost on a buzzer beater. We got back in our dorms and I was looking in a mirror. I was thinking that if I was going to play on the next level, or if I'm going to have a chance to do this for a living, I have to change my ways. Over the next few months, I started to eat right, got in the gym every day, ran track, did pool workouts, and all of a sudden, I lost 75 pounds in about two months. In three months, I lost about 100 pounds.
What were you at your heaviest?
At my heaviest, I was 400 pounds.
What are you able to do now that you're lighter?
My conditioning has gotten way better, my strength is off the charts and I can jump higher. My freshman year, I could only play five or six minutes a game, then I moved up to 20 or 25 (minutes). It improved drastically.
How would you describe your playing style?
My playing style is simple: I'm a traditional, throwback center. I'm a back-to-the-basket kind of guy, but I'm evolving into a 15-foot jumper game. I'll never step out and take a '3.' I'm developing a jump shot. As long as I have back-to-the-basket moves, I feel like I could really be dominant.
What do you consider to be the strongest part of your game?
To be a monster down in the low post. I have my go-to-move – my jump hook – but I'm watching some Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and work on my sky hook. I'm trying to master that now. I'm starting to get pretty good at short-corner and high post jumpers.
What part of your game are you working on the most leading up to next season?
I want to do more face-up moves. I'm trying to expand my range little by little, and have the endurance to last the entire game.
What do you enjoy the most of the game of basketball?
Having fun and giving it everything you have.
Who has had the biggest influence on your basketball life?
My mom and my great-grandparents. They told me to keep on pushing and never give up. Focus on what you have to do and get the job done.
What do you expect of yourself this season?
Average a double-double and get 10-15 rebounds per game. The points are going to come, so just be a defensive presence and a monster in the post.
What assistant coach recruited you and what was your relationship like during that process?
Coach (Brock) Morris. He said we had a lot in store for the team this year and he told me I could be a big factor.
What professional player do you try to model your game after?
Shaq and Wilt Chamberlain. For Shaq, using my body and being a bully down low. For Wilt, I'm taller then everybody, so scoring over people and finishing strong.
Quick Hits
Favorite NBA team: Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder. My favorite player is Kevin Durant, and I've been a Thunder fan since they moved from Seattle.
Favorite college team growing up: Ohio State
Favorite sport other than basketball: College football
Favorite musical artist: Migos
Favorite class: History
Favorite movie: "The Lion King"
Favorite video game: NBA 2K and Battlefield 1
Favorite social media: Instagram
Favorite TV show: "Regular Show" and the Dragonball series
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
Join the Jaguar Athletic Fund (JAF) Priority Fund, the unrestricted giving option of the University of South Alabama Athletics. Contributions to the Priority Fund directly support all 17 sports in addition to various support programming. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/priorityfund
—USA—
