The best time of year on Hawk Hill is finally here, basketball season. I caught up with two of this season’s captains, senior Natasha (Tash) Cloud and sophomore DeAndre (Dre) Bembry to get the scoop on what’s in store for both the women’s and men’s teams this year.
The Basics:Majors: Tash- Communications; Dre- Sports Marketing
Hometowns: Tash- Broomall, PA; Dre- Charlotte, NC
Positions: Tash-Guard; Dre- Forward
HC: What are your expectations for the season?
NC: Extremely high! We only have four returning starters, so many people would consider us bottom heavy, but our underclassmen are strong and hungry… Also, the A10 is pretty much open for anyone’s taking, so it should be an interesting year.
DB: My expectations are to try and get another ring this season.
HC: After the seasons both of your teams had last year, is there pressure to do the same this this year?
NC: There is an added pressure; but only coming from us. We put the pressure on ourselves to be better than we were a year ago. Our goal is definitely to be back in the NCAA tournament but to make it to the third round this year!
DB: There is a lot of pressure with the great season we had last year. I think is just how you deal with the pressure… That’s the biggest thing.
(Dre about to score against Marist last season in Hagan Arena)
HC: What’s the best piece of advice Cindy Griffin and Phil Martelli have ever given you?
NC: “Find a way.” It seems like a simple phrase but it really is the motto that our team lives by. Finding a way is just what we do. We may not be the most athletic, or gifted kids in the gym, but you better bet your money we are going to find a way to not only compete with you, but also to win.
DB: It’s something simple, but he always tells me to be “older”.
HC: Dre, you’re lucky you still have two more years after this one but Tash, how does it feel to be a senior?
NC: Surreal… When you’re freshmen you know this time is going to come but it seems like centuries away. Here we are at senior year and it seems like 4 years went in a blink of an eye. I’m excited though! My time here on hawk hill has prepared me for the real world.
HC: Any plans yet for after graduation?
NC: Hopefully I can continue to play this sport I love whether its here in the WNBA or overseas we will see. But, I also have a degree in communications, which I love! So I am excited to see where that takes me as well!
(Tash at the NCAA Tournament last March)
HC: That’s awesome there’s so much you can do with that major. Alright both of you, what do you like to do when you’re not playing basketball?
NC: I like shopping, going to the movies, spending time with my family… and my all time favorites are eating and sleeping!
DB: (laughs) I really like to eat.
HC: Alright last one, describe your SJU careers in three-words
NC: Unforgettable, rare, special
DB: Joyful, Well-earned
Talking with these two was a treat. Make sure to get to some women’s and men’s basketball games this season to see these two in their element.
HCXO