Steven Whitley, Norfolk State, Interview with Joe Gaiter

Joe Gaiter: What does basketball mean to you?

Steven Whitley: Basketball means EVERYTHING to me. My mom put a ball in my hand when I was 5 years old and ever since that’s all I’ll be about.

Joe Gaiter: Tell us how you began playing sports?

Steven Whitley:  I started playing when I was younger. My mom bought me a hoop that I put on the back of my door in the hallway and it came pretty natural to me honestly. So, I went to play rec ball and took off from there.

Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about Booker T.  Washington High School?

My fondest memories at Booker T. Would definitely be Friday nights in The Booker Dome. Times have changed now but when I was in school The Booker Dome was the best place to be every Friday night.

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your recruitment experience?

Steven Whitley: Recruitment experience was a process honestly. I wasn’t the most highly touted player coming out of high school so my process wasn’t the smoothest but after I did a prep year it picked up a lot.

Joe Gaiter: How was your experience at Robert Morris?

Steven Whitley: Haha, it was an experience. I met some great people. It just wasn’t the best fit for me so I had to make plans accordingly.

Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Norfolk State University?

Steven Whitley:  I chose Norfolk state honestly because of my assistant Coach Clemons. When I transferred, I knew I wanted to a relationship with a coach or at least know someone on the coaching staff had my back and best interest. No matter what and he’s been in my corner since I was young. When I played at Booker T Washington He was my coach and at that time he was a coach for Boo Williams AAU team. I played with Boo when he coached too so he’s always been in my corner which made it an easy choice for me.

Joe Gaiter: What are some of your career highlights and stats?

Steven Whitley:

• 2x All MEAC 3rd Team

• 1,124 Points

• 5th in NSU history in steals

• 2nd in NSU D1 history in assist

Steven Whitley: How did you face adversity this season?

Steven Whitley: Just going hard for my teammates at the end of the day adversity only gets to you if you are selfish minded. You got to remember whatever you’re doing it’s not about you , your doing it for a purpose if you do that adversity is a challenge but you can get through it.

Joe Gaiter: What have you learned from Head Coach Jones, coaching staff and your teammates?

Steven Whitley:  The game of basketball. I knew how to hoop all my life but Coach Jones and the rest of the staff opened up my mind about thinking the game on another level and seeing it from a different perspective.

Joe Gaiter: What does it take to be a great guard on the court?

Steven Whitley: You have to be a dog. A great guard can get the best from the rest of his teammates to win. Also, a great guard gets everyone involved and I think I do that at a High level.

Joe Gaiter: What will you miss most about game day at NSU?

Steven Whitley: The Preparation! Also the love and energy of game day. Being able to play in front of your home crowd was a blessing and I was lucky enough to experience it for my college career.

Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation?

Steven Whitley: My mother. She deserves the earth and I won’t stop working until she gets it.

Joe Gaiter: What is next for you and your athletic career?

Steven Whitley: Well I signed with an agent so I’ve been working out and getting prepared for professional career.

Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you choose them?

Steven Whitley: Vassilis Kouros from Germany and because the guy that actually recruited me to Vass. I felt him out and it was a solid connection between us so I was comfortable.

Joe Gaiter: Where are you training during this time?

Steven Whitley: A lot of places, just know I’m working.

Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?

Steven Whitley: A Positive unselfish Go Getter. I want people to know that I work hard because a lot of people look up to me and my parents are still working. I love doing for others, and that’s what I want my legacy to be UNSELFISH!

Joe Gaiter: Who are some athletes we should keep on our radar?

Steven Whitley: Jermaine Bishop & Devante Carter (Nsu)

Joe Gaiter: What does it take to be a great athlete?

Steven Whitley: Dedication. You can’t be an athlete and not be committed to becoming the best athlete that you can be.

Joe Gaiter: Are you proud of your accomplishments?

Steven Whitley: Proud? Yes, but I’m just getting started. It’s more to get.

Joe Gaiter: What is your major and how do you plan on using it?

Steven Whitley: Business management is my major and I plan on collaborating with nonprofits that helps at risk children and start and after school academy.

Joe Gaiter: Final Words?

Steven Whitley: Thank you! Stay safe during these trying times and continue to be positive!!!

Joe Gaiter: Shout outs?

Steven Whitley: Shout out to my moms and Shout out to Gaiter Sports for the love.

Instagram : Whitley_d34

Twitter : chilldiesel_96