Senior Brad Guinane plays power forward for the Hillsdale College basketball team. A native of St. Joseph, Mich., Guinane has been named the GLIAC South Division Player of the Week twice in his college career and sits at second in the GLIAC for 3-point field goal percentage.
How long have you been playing basketball?
I have been playing basketball since I was three or four probably; pretty much my whole life.
What memorable games come to mind in your collegiate career?
I would definitely say my freshman year when we beat Grand Valley State University at home in overtime. I believe it was on a last second shot to go into over time. And then this year we beat Findlay at home for the first time since, I think, 2002 or something. Those are about the two most memorable games.
What is a valuable lesson you have gained from your experience as a Hillsdale athlete?
Definitely time management. As you know, school is not easy here. Then you add two, three-hour practices a day with lifting and it becomes quite a big time consumption. So to be able to balance both as well as the work ethic are valuable lessons.
How was training over Christmas break? What did the schedule look like?
Training over Christmas break, we would have one hard practice a day around 10 or 11. Then we would have a shooting practice and lifting practice after for about an hour later in the day. We would play games on our usual Thursday and Saturday schedule, so we usually had Sunday off. Friday would be very light because it’s between the two games. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and games were pretty heavy days.
How is the team looking this season? How do you predict the team will do?
We are looking really good right now. We had a little setback last week. We got our first loss in the conference. Other than that we are doing really well. We have a good shot so far at hosting the GLIAC tournament and making it to the NCAA playoffs. We just need to keep working hard and we will achieve those goals.
How was playing against MSU?
I’ve been a Michigan State fan for a long time so that was a lot of fun to be in that gym considering all of the great players who have played there. The guys had a lot of fun. We had a ton of fans so it was a really cool experience.
How does it feel being named GLIAC player of the week?
It’s a cool honor. It’s not a huge deal – as long as we get to win. It’s just a great honor.
-— Compiled by Rachel Fernelius
