A November 2010 signee, freshman Mychal Ammons led Vicksburg High School to two state semifinals appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2011. Ammons, whose sister Taylor is a member of the University of South Alabama women’s basketball team, discusses who he models his game after and his goal for the season.

When and why did you start playing basketball?
I’ve always been attracted to the game ever since I was little. My dad played, my sister played and my brother played, so it was easy for me to pick up.

Why did you choose South Alabama?
My decision wasn’t about going to the biggest school or the biggest program. I just wanted to be in a place where I could play the game that I loved and be comfortable with the people around me.

What role did your sister play in your decision?
None, but it was a bonus. It will definitely bring the family closer together.

When people watch you play, what kind of player do they see?
In a word, versatile. I can go in, I can go out; I’m a team player. When I’m on the bench, you’ll see me clapping it up for my teammates on the court.

What do you consider to be the strongest part of your game and why?
Coming in as a freshman, most other freshmen don’t have my size. When I get out on the wing, if you’re bigger than me, I can go around you. If you’re smaller than me, I can take you down low.

What do you think will be your biggest adjustment to adapt to the college game?
Probably the speed of the game, having the right approach and the understanding of what you need to do. So I’m trying to get prepared for that, listening to the coaches and taking in everything they have to offer.

When I was in high school, most of the players I could just go around or muscle down low. When I came for my visit, that wasn’t the case. Tim (Williams) was guarding me and when I tried to go by him, he gave me a little shot and I went, ‘I’m not used to that!”

What do you enjoy the most about playing basketball?
When I’m on the court, everything else in my life, whether it’s social problems or school, it just goes away. I don’t even think about it.

Other than basketball what are some of the things you’re into off the court?
Most people don’t know that I can play the guitar so I’ve been practicing that. And I like to hang out with friends.

What are your expectations of yourself this season?
I want to get the (Sun Belt Conference’s) freshman of the year and give everything I have to my teammates.

What are you looking forward to the most this season?
I can’t wait to play LSU. I have a couple of AAU (Jackson Tigers) teammates that play for them:  Andre Stringer, Jalen Courtney and Johnny O’Bryant. I know they think it’ll be a pushover game, but that won’t be the case.

What NBA player do you try and model your game after?
I don’t really have a particular person, I just try and take bits and pieces from people’s games and add them to mine. The way Kobe (Bryant) approaches the game and his footwork, LeBron on the break because he likes to get his showtime on, and Melo (Carmelo Anthony) has that quick first step and plus he can take people down low. I just look around and if I see something I like, I try to incorporate that into my game.

Quick Hits
Favorite NBA team: Los Angeles Lakers
Favorite college team growing up: I didn’t really watch that much college growing up, but Louisiana Tech because my dad went there.
Favorite sport other than basketball: Baseball
Favorite musical artists: Lil Wayne, Drake, J. Cole and Kanye West
Favorite movie: “He Got Game”
Favorite class: English

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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