Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Mario Little is a red-shirt guard from Chicago who played in 23 games for the Jayhawks last year, including three starts. Recruited as Rivals.com’s No.1 JUCO player from Chipola College in Florida, a stress fracture and later a broken hand prevented him from being more involved with the Jayhawks.
Known as the one of the funniest and most smack-talking players on the team, Little opted for red-shirting this season to make sure he graduates.
After a recent grueling practice, coach Bill Self said players were all on each other’s backs and “tackling” each other. When asked who was the best tackler, Self said it was Little.
CT: Players and coaches talk a lot about you in practice. They say you’re the funniest player, best trash talker and best tackler. Which one do you have more pride in?
ML: Tackle? Like in football? I don’t tackle anybody.
CT: Coach Self said you missed your calling and should be playing football.
ML: I probably did; I don’t know. I take pride in trying to make practice better. Just try to get guys energized and make practice fun and aggressive.
CT: Do you feel that’s your role since you can’t be on the court?
ML: I’d probably do that anyway. It’s easier to do it when you’re on the outside looking in, but it’s hard to change it. It’s kind of how I am. But I’m not playing, so when I’m practicing I feel like it’s my game. I just enjoy practice when I don’t get to play in the game.
CT: Being the only other senior on the team besides Sherron, do you ever get to tell him what to do?
ML: I don’t know if I’m scared to say anything to everybody. We don’t really have too many disagreements. But I have before, but not in a bad way like “Shut up.” A lot of people stand up to Sherron.
CT: Looking at the team this year and knowing you will get to play with some of them eventually, who are you most excited to play with?
ML: I’m looking forward to seeing Thomas (Robinson), the more experienced Thomas next year. Marcus is going to be the main part of the team next year. I’m looking forward to all the guys, Tyshawn, Keef.
CT: Who do you think has the most untapped potential on the roster?
ML: I think once Thomas gets the offense and defense down, just knowing everything, I’m telling you he’ll be good.
CT: You’re known for being musically talented on the piano. What do you play?
ML: Whatever song I make up.
CT: You write your own?
ML: Yes. I’m a composer.
CT: You laughed when the media guides came out this year with you on the cover. Since you’ll be coming back as a senior next year and be on the cover again, do you take pride in that at all?
ML: I’ll tell my kids probably that I was on the media guide a couple years in a row. I’m big time for that.
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Comments
Q&A with Mario Little
Corey, it really is nice to read a well done interview with such a solid contributor even though he's been pretty much 'out-of-sight, out-of-mind' this season.
I really expect ML to be part of the CORE of next year's team, whether starting or subbing in. Damn shame he had the injuries a year ago and couldn't show more of his ability. Spending this red-shirt year pushing everyone in practice and taking care of academics shows he had his head on straight and knows his performance doesn't have to make headlines to be important -- to himself and to the team.
Rock Chalk, Mario, keep it coming.
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