WASHINGTON (June 21, 2022) – Howard University junior public relations major, sports administration and sociology minor Jade Spurlock caught up with graduate student Tai Bibbs (Chicago) for a quick Q and A session.
 
Q: When did you first become interested in basketball?
A: Since I could walk, I always had a basketball in my hand. My dad, brother and I would play around the house with a nerf hoop (lol). In third grade, I began playing organized basketball.
 
Q: How has playing basketball impacted your life?
A: I am not defined by basketball because there is a lot more to me than just basketball. But playing the sport has helped shape my life because it has given me an opportunity to travel and explore places.
 
In addition, the sport has introduced me to new people, who now play a special role in my life.
 
Q: How did you go about balancing training, academic and social life?
A: From an early age, I always wanted to play Division I basketball. With a dream that big, I knew discipline would play a key role. This meant training multiple times a day and sacrificing certain things, like parties. Once I reached my goal of playing Division I basketball, I was able to balance more social aspects, such as attending parties and making friends, however, I remained very focused.
 
Regarding academics, resources were always made available to ensure I could perform my best academically.
 
Q: What made you choose Howard for your final year of playing basketball?
A: I would say the coaching staff because Coach Kenneth Blakeney (Howard men's basketball head coach), Coach Jake Brown (former Howard assistant coach), and Coach Steve Ongley (Howard assistant coach) all coached me at Columbia my sophomore year. I love Coach Blakeney and I knew if I ever had the chance to play for him again, I would.
 
Due to COVID-19, my senior season at Columbia was canceled; thus, allowing me one year of eligibility. Coach Blakeney called my roommate at the time (Randall Brumant) and me to offer us spots on the team. Right away, we both wanted to play for him again.
 
Q: How did playing at Columbia differ from playing at Howard?
A: Oh, definitely the atmosphere (lol). At Howard, the students were a lot more engaged than at Columbia. The energy from the stands was transferred to the court and made everything more exciting.
 
On the court, we played a lot faster style of basketball, which was more exciting for me and the fans appreciated it.
 
Q: Who is your favorite artist?
A: Oh, definitely Drake and that's probably not shocking to everyone (lol).
 
Q: Looking back, what is your fondest memory of playing basketball?
A: In general, receiving my first offer in the spring during my sophomore year of high school. It's every athlete's dream because it showed that your hard work and sacrifice paid off.
 
At Howard, the NBA All-Star Weekend game versus Morgan State because we were able to see NBA All-Stars play on the same court. It was inspiring and huge for HBCUs.
 
Q: What is one important lesson you've learned from your coach?
A: Always carry yourself the right way because you never know who is watching. We represent ourselves, our family, and the University and it is important to always keep that in mind. Always carry yourself with high standards and set an example for those around you.
 
Q: Using one word, how do you think your teammates would have described you?
A: Influential because I did not know what to expect coming to Howard; however, I did have Division I experience.
 
A lot of my teammates were younger and they appreciated my help and guidance from my past experiences. I earned not only their respect but my coach's respect as well. This past season, I was named captain and used that experience and respect to positively influence my teammates and the program's culture.
 
Q: You recently have become "tik-tok famous," tell us a little about that. (What's it like? How did it begin?)
A: I would not say I'm famous (lol), but my teammate (Steve Settle, III) and I have gotten some traction. However, I used it to bond with my teammates. We would spend 30 minutes to an hour learning a dance or doing a skit, and it would be just another way for us to hang out.
 
Some people might find it stupid, but we saw it to spread positivity to others. If we can spread happiness, then we are doing something right. I like to make people smile and with Tik-Tok, I was able to spread happiness one smile at a time.
 
Q: What are your plans post-graduation?
A: I plan to play professional basketball overseas. Recently, I just signed with an agency in April, so I am hoping to be signed with a team in Europe by August. Of course, it is going to be a struggle to be away from friends and family; however, this is something that I have worked hard for and I am very excited.
 
I plan on finishing the graduate program at Howard and getting a master's degree in sociology; however, I want to play basketball for as long as possible.
 
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to a fellow student-athlete or future Bison, what would it be?
A: Prioritize your peace, keep your peace, stay balanced, and don't ever get too high or too low. Take yourself and your mental health seriously because your academic success, social life and athletic performance stem from that. If you are not happy, you won't perform well and your relationships will suffer.
 
About Tai

• Personal:
  • Hometown: West Chicago, Illinois
  • Position: Shooting Guard
• Academic:
  • Graduated from Columbia 2021
    • Bachelor's degree in Psychology and African American Studies
  • Graduate Program at Howard University
    • Major in Sociology
• Athletic:
  • 2021-2022 Howard Men's Basketball Team Captain

 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.