Q&A With Mustapha Farrakhan

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Mustapha Farrakhan, a 6-4 sophomore guard, was in the starting lineup for the Virginia men’s basketball team when the Cavaliers hosted Shepherd University in an exhibition game on Nov. 9 at John Paul Jones Arena. Farrakhan, who played in 19 games last season, scored nine points, had five assists and three rebounds in 18 minutes of action in the Cavaliers’ 87-52 victory over Shepherd. He made three of his seven field goal attempts, including two of three from three-point range, and one of two free throw attempts. Farrakhan is from Harvey, Ill.

Virginia opens its 2008-09 regular season on Sunday, Nov. 16, when the Cavaliers host VMI at John Paul Jones Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and tickets are available at a cost of $15 each. The game will be televised by Comcast SportsNet.

Question: What were the determining factors for you in deciding to attend the University of Virginia?

Farrakhan: The comfort level and the coach I felt the best vibe with were factors for me. Also playing in the ACC. Growing up I watched the ACC and felt my style of play fit the ACC.

Question: How did you find the transition from high school to college, particularly from a basketball standpoint?

Farrakhan: It was o.k. I had to pick up and learn things pretty fast. I had some adjustments that I had to get used to last year and it was a learning experience. I just tried to take it one step at a time and had a lot of help from my family.

Question: What was the easiest and what was the most difficult part of the transition for you?

Farrakhan: The easiest part for me was meeting new people and just getting to know everybody. The hardest part was probably time management. Being at the right place at the right time, knowing that I had to be at a study hall or coming over to the gym to lift on time. It was a little hard for me my freshman year to get used to that.

Question: Did you find that your teammates, particularly those in your class, were helpful last year in making the transition to college?

Farrakhan: Oh yes, Mike Scott, Jeff Jones and I are pretty much always together. Whenever one of us needs help, we’re there for each other to help or provide tips on how it can be better.

Question: Have you felt more comfortable during the preseason practice period this season?

Farrakhan: Yes, you go through it once and you kind of know what to expect. You just get into the swing of things. There are going to be some ups and downs, but I just try to stay positive and keep going. You know it’s going to be difficult and challenging, but you need to try to stay mentally strong, stick with your team and try to fight through it.

Question: In preparing for this season, what did you focus on as far as your game was concerned last summer?

Farrakhan: I did a lot off the dribble, coming off screens, catch and shoot, and working on my speed. I also did a lot of track work, including sprints, just trying to improve my stamina. Last year it was kind of hard for me to do certain drills because I used to get tired. I feel like I’m doing much better this year in doing everything.

Question: What are your thoughts about being in the starting lineup for the exhibition game with Shepherd?

Farrakhan: I was excited about it and just tried to play consistently and do the right things. If I play hard, be consistent and be conscious of what I’m doing out there good things are going to happen. God blessed me to be in the starting lineup and I’m just going to continue to work hard.

Question: The fact you started the Shepherd game would seem to indicate you’ve had a good preseason. Are you happy with the way you’ve played during preseason practice?

Farrakhan: I feel pretty good about what I’ve done this preseason. I just want to continue to do it, that’s all. Just stay positive and prayerful and just try to keep doing it.

Question: What do you consider the strengths of your game and what do you feel you bring to the team?

Farrakhan: I feel I play good defense, I can shoot the ball and I try to make good decisions. If I just keep that right, it will be good for the team and help the team out.

Question: Coach Leitao stresses defense, do you feel the team understands his emphasis on defense?

Farrakhan: I think we understand, but sometimes there are little miscommunications that we’ve got to work through and that involves talking. Coach Leitao stresses being a good defensive team, but also being very talkative on defense. Everybody likes to talk to each other, but you really have to talk the most in practice. We really have to stress that.

Question: Academics and basketball take a lot of time, but have you had time to get involved in any other activities?

Farrakhan: I’ve picked up ping-pong and play every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I play with Billy Cuffee from the football team and Mike Scott. It’s been fun.

Question: Have you gotten better?

Farrakhan: Yes, a little bit.

Question: You are from the Chicago area, are there things you miss about that area?

Farrakhan: I miss my friends from back there and being in the big city. I also miss being around my close-knit family. That’s what I miss the most about Chicago.

Question: Folks that have not been to Chicago and are not familiar with that area, what would you tell them are some of the best things about that particular area?

Farrakhan: Definitely the mixed popcorn, going to the “Taste” and going downtown. Downtown is fun and it’s beautiful. There are a lot of things to do, but don’t go at this time of year because from a weather standpoint it gets real nippy.

Question: What is the “Taste?”

Farrakhan: It is held every summer and there is food from all over the world. A lot of streets are blocked off and everybody tastes all the foods. There are fireworks and it’s a lot of fun.

Question: Are you anxious for the regular season to get started?

Farrakhan: I’m very anxious and very excited. I can’t wait to get it underway. I’m just going to play hard and give it my best shot.