The lone in-state signee in the University of South Alabama men's basketball program's 2013-14 incoming class, Isaiah Maston won three state championships at Wenonah High School in Birmingham. A relative latecomer to the game of basketball, Maston hit over 75 three-pointers last season in leading the Dragons to a 34-2 record. In his chat with USAJaguars.com, he talks about his first impressions of head coach Matthew Graves and the award he wants to win at the end of the season.

When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing when I was in eighth grade. I did it just to stay out of trouble. My middle school coach always tried to get me to play because I was one of the tallest kids in school, but I wasn't into sports that much. At first I didn't care that much about basketball – I just went out there and played – but my high school coach, Cedric Lane, really influenced me. At first I was a defensive player; I wasn't a shooter like I am now. He enhanced my skills on offense. At first he loved me for my defense and energy. The summer before my 10th-grade year, he helped me work on my skills and become a scorer. I just fell in love with it.

When did you realize that you could play at the college level?
When I got my first offer from Louisiana Tech. They were recruiting a teammate – a lot of coaches came through looking at him – and my high school coach told me that they were here for him, but they can't see him without seeing me. I went out there and did my thing and when they left my coach told me they liked me.

Why did you choose South Alabama?
The playing style, the environment and it wasn't too far away from home. When I met the players, they were cool and I knew I wouldn't have any problems bonding with them. We're like brothers.

What were your first impressions of Coach Graves when he talked to you after taking the job?
He liked to bond with his players. After I first met him I told him I was still coming to South Alabama. I knew a little about the program at Butler and liked the playing style. He said I would be a part of the program and he would text me almost every night, asking me about college basketball games. He was encouraging and motivating me.

When people watch you play, what kind of player do they see?
An energetic player that you'd like to see play and have on your team. I'm not selfish and I like to play defense. I like to do the little things. I can shoot and score, but those things come first. You can't win a game without that. I don't worry about myself; it's all about the team and winning.

What do you consider to be the strongest part of your game?
If not shooting, then either defense or energy.

What do you try to accomplish during the offseason workouts?
I'm just trying to get better. Whatever Coach (Darnell) Archey tells me I need to work on, I work on. When he was out of town, I asked him to give me a list of things to work on and I did it.

What do you enjoy the most of the game of basketball?
If I have a lot on my mind, I don't care if it's practice or workouts or in between classes, it's a stress reliever. I feel like it's a part of me.

Who has had the biggest influence on your basketball life?
My high school coach and my mom. He motivated me; he's like a father to me. He's a great role model and there's something about him that puts that spark in you and makes you go. I just can't let my mom down. She's the reason I started because I was letting her down and getting in trouble. I started playing and it worked.

What do you expect of yourself this season?
Make shots and play defense. I want to be named the best defensive player on the team.

Quick hits:
Favorite NBA team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Favorite college team growing up: Kentucky
Favorite sport other than basketball: Baseball
Favorite musical artist: Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti and Lil Wayne
Favorite class: History
Favorite movie: "Boyz n the Hood"

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).

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