"Ten Questions with..." provides an inside look at one of Buffalo State's student-athletes. This week's spotlighted athlete is men's basketball player Norman Simmons.


1. Where did you grow up as a kid? What was it like?
I grew up in the inner city of Rochester. I was surrounded mostly by poverty and crime. My grandmother raised my older brother and me because my dad was in prison. She was a very hard worker and gave us everything we wanted; she set a good example for us. My mother did a lot for us too and our family was very strong, which really helped get the best of our situation.

2. How long have you been playing basketball?
I have been playing ever since I was 6 years old in recreation leagues.

3. What is the best advice you have ever received?
I have a lot of support systems so it is hard to choose one thing, but my advisor, Ms. Johnson told me not to be a statistic. When I met with her freshman year, she told me the graduation rate at the time for black males was very low and that I should rise above that.

4. Who is your biggest mentor?
I would have to say my third grade teacher, Ms. Katie Kantz. My hometown did an article on my kindergarten class during our high school graduation and only eight out of the 24 students were graduating. They did a special section on me and my accomplishments as a basketball player. Ms. Kantz saw the article and got in contact with me as I was getting ready to leave for Buffalo State. She has been a huge support for me throughout my four years (emotionally, spiritually, etc.). She even brings fans up to watch my games whenever she can.

5. What is your biggest accomplishment - not sports related?
My biggest accomplishment will be graduating this year. I will be the first to graduate with a four-year degree in my family and neighborhood; it does not happen a lot.

6. What is your biggest accomplishment - sports related?
Winning the SUNYAC Championship last year; it is a great accomplishment seeing this program grow over the four years I have been here.

7. What are your hobbies outside of basketball?
I like to play spades (card game), read, and I watch a lot of TV.

8. What is your favorite quote?
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”- Martin Luther King, Jr.

9. Do you have any siblings?
I have an older brother, Jobon (23) and a younger sister, Najia (10).


10. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I would love to be giving back to young teens and college students. I want to work with the young leaders of tomorrow and be a role model to those that do not have anyone to look up to, especially young black men.

By: Karen Shaddock