his past weekend, the Tigers' men's basketball team got off to a perfect start for their season. The real story for the Tigers came less than 24 hours later, when they defeated No. 6 North Central College, 77-64. In the game, senior Mike Wilkison, a Cincinnati native, dropped in 24 points for the contest. The 5-foot-10-inch guard also had a career high eight rebounds for the game. He was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Chicago Marriott Naperville Tip-Off Tournament.
TDPS: What is your proudest moment as a Tiger to date?
MW: Beating Wabash at home my freshman year. Everyone played their own role and came together as a team to win when we were the underdog.
TDPS: If there were one professional basketball player you'd liken yourself to, who would it be?
MW: Jason Williams. He has a more advanced version of my skill set. He can score, but he likes to get his team mate involved. He was also a point guard that was always in control of the game. He's who I aspired to be growing up
TDPS: Coach Bill Fenlon coached Brad Stevens in his time here. What do you think about his legacy as a Tiger?
MW: I respect that Stevens took care of his business in the classroom, as well as the mental process that goes with understanding the game. He has mastered the ability to win games.
TDPS: Being your senior year, do you feel any added pressure this season?
MW: I like pressure. I like proving people wrong. There are doubts about me as a player. In high school I had a lot more than I do now. I use it as fuel to motivate me and perform better.
TDPS: You had a breakout performance against No. 6 ranked North Central. What led to your success?
MW: I did get the MVP, but it wasn't just me out there. My teammates were the ones who got me shots, and I did the same. We happened to be in a rhythm that we carried until the end of the game that eventually led us to a win.