Men's Basketball | 11/17/2020 11:38:31 AM
Kevin Underwood returns for his fourth season with the Nazareth College men's basketball team in 2020-21. He enjoyed a breakout season for the Golden Flyers in 2019-20, averaging 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, while appearing all 27 games. He shot 57.5 percent from the floor, third best in the Empire 8, while leading the Golden Flyers to a share of the regular season title. Underwood scored in double figures 19 times and recorded three double-doubles.
A native of Canastota, NY, Underwood has appeared in 80 games over his first three years and is a 56 percent shooter in his collegiate career. A finance major, Underwood is a standout in the classroom, recording a 3.5 grade-point average and has served as a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative for the Golden Flyers.
Kevin Underwood - Why I Play
Institution: Nazareth College
Sport/Position: Men's Basketball/Guard
Academic Major: Finance
GPA: 3.5
Class Year: Senior
Academic Honors/Clubs/Community Service Roles?
Dean’s List (2017, 2018, 2019); Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Representative; Investments Club (2017-2020).
What Have You Done During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Stay Active and What Are Some Positive Effects of the Pandemic You Have Experienced?
I have continued to train throughout the pandemic with the mentality that we still have the possibility to compete at some point this year. I also tried to play a lot of golf with a few friends over the summer, which made me appreciate those around me and not take anything for granted.
What Role Has Basketball Played in your Personal Development?
Playing basketball collegiately has really taught me how to overcome both mental and physical challenges. It has also taught me how to work together with teammates to reach goals we establish at the start of the year and throughout the season. It has also given me some of my best friends that I get the opportunity to compete alongside everyday.
At what age did you start competing in cross country/track & field and what made you stay with it? Did you play any other sports growing up?
I started playing basketball in second grade. I really enjoyed it because it was such a fast paced game that I was always able to play with my friends. I played baseball growing up as well but always came back to basketball because you are never sitting still and something is always happening.
Any Superstitions When It Comes to Pregame Rituals/Training?
I try to not get overly superstitious, I usually just listen to music to dial in for the game.
Why Did You Decide to Attend Nazareth?
I decided on Nazareth because I felt It was the best fit both academically and athletically. The team is like a family and from the first time I stepped on campus I instantly felt connected and welcomed. I knew as soon as I visited that Naz was a place I could see myself for the next four years.
How has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College?
Playing college sports has taught me life lessons that I will have the rest of my life. It has taught me how to work with others who all have the same goal in mind while also overcoming adversity along the way. College sports also teaches you how to manage your time between playing three games a week while also practicing.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College:
Winning the Empire 8 Championship my freshman year (2017-18) on our home court, all the fans storming the court, and then cutting the nets down.
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: LeBron James/Los Angeles Lakers
Favorite Movie: Benchwarmers
Favorite TV Show: Prison Break
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Jack Ryan
Favorite Foods: Chicken Fingers
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate
One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You: Last year, myself and a few of my teammates were on the Nazareth E-Sports team.
Advice to Younger Student-Athletes on Why You Chose to Play a Collegiate Sport and Why Playing A Sport is So Important/Beneficial?
My advice to younger athletes is to enjoy the time they have playing their sport because the things you love and cherish in life can be quickly taken away from you. I think playing a sport is very beneficial because it teaches you life lessons that many are unable to receive. It teaches you how to work well together as a team, time management, and how to overcome adversity when things do not go exactly as planned.
The Empire 8 Conference's “Why I Play” Series features a student-athlete from one of its member institutions who discusses devotion to its respective sport.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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