Subscribe to RSSJackChat: Michael Dunn
Junior guard Michael Dunn (Photo by Hailey Golich)
NAU men’s basketball player Michael Dunn has blossomed into one of the best all-around players on the Lumberjacks roster this year. The Chandler native took time out of his schedule to sit down with The Lumberjack and discuss his career moments, his social media prowess and who he roots for in the professional ranks.
The Lumberjack: You spent a year at ASU before coming here. What was that like?
Michael Dunn: It was fun. ASU is known for being fun. I enjoyed it, but after a year I realized it wasn’t a fit for me. My sister actually attended NAU and convinced me to come on up and try and play basketball.
LJ: You were a walk-on last year and given a scholarship this year. What was that process like?
MD: A blessing, honestly. [I] just worked hard and [Coach Adras] thought I deserved one. He and the rest of the coaching staff made sure it happened.
LJ: What has been the biggest moment of your basketball career?
MD: Beating Montana State at home last year. We were behind early and just to win that game and advance in the Big Sky Tournament was pretty unreal for me.
LJ: Most embarrassing moment?
MD: In high school, I was playing in a holiday tournament. I was running a fast break on a lay-up and my knee locked up. So I just [threw] the ball up and [rolled] into the stands and if you watch the video, it looks like I just [fell] over. It was a big crowd and everybody started laughing.
LJ: Who do you consider your best friend(s) on the team?
MD: I’m friends with everybody. I hang out with Stallon [Saldivar] a lot because we’re roommates. Overall, I’m really close with everyone and we all have different relationships with each other. Probably Stallon and Gabe [Rogers].
LJ: How did you get involved in Twitter (@1andDunn)?
MD: Initially, I wasn’t too into it because you just tell people what you’re doing. But I got one and it just got real fun. It’s a good way to connect.
LJ: Any good fan interaction through Twitter or other social media?
MD: I had a conversation with Nate Robinson once. He retweeted me and we exchanged three or four tweets. Stallon’s been retweeted by a couple of famous comedians. We try and see who we can get to try and talk back to us.
LJ: Who’s the most intimidating player you’ve ever guarded?
MD: I guess Damian Lillard because of his hype and how good he is. It’s intimidating to know that you have people watching you and watching him. Going up against Cameron [Jones] in practice every day last year was also tough.
LJ: What is your favorite place to travel within the conference?
MD: I love Portland. Every time we go I try [to] walk out and get some pictures. I try to post as many as I can to Twitter and Instagram.
LJ: Favorite movie? Music?
MD: I like The Sixth Man, a basketball movie with Marlon Wayans. With music, I like rap and R&B. If I had to choose an artist it would probably be Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G., because I’m originally from Brooklyn and that’s where they’re from.
LJ: What is your NBA team?
MD: Knicks. The New York Knicks. I’m a Knicks fan, Jets fan, Yankees fan.
LJ: Favorite player?
MD: I really like Jamal Crawford. When people ask me that, they’re really surprised. I used to watch him back at Michigan and he actually landed on the Knicks.
LJ: Finals prediction? Going with the Knicks?
MD: Well, they’re struggling so if I had to pick, I’d probably go with Miami and Oklahoma City.
