There is that old saying, "you can tell a lot about a person by the way they conduct themself when they think nobody is watching". This is one of the first things that comes to mind when I think about Mark.
One of the things I like to do is watch a player the few minutes before practice starts or before pregame warmup. Those 10-15 minutes before practice officially starts is sort of their time, when they can do what they want before coach begins. I like to watch what players do with that time, when they think nobody is really paying attention. I have walked in a number of practices to see Mark methodically practicing and working on his moves. I have seen him in the post working alone on his post-up moves. I have seen him on the perimeter working on his penetration skills. I have seen him grab a teammate or a coach to use as a defender or to help him with his footwork. You can watch him think through the move and repeat it over and over to make sure he has the proper technique. Even during a break in practice, you will more often than not find Mark working on some aspect of his game. While players may not realize the importance of those few minutes, for coaches it goes a long way in showing the mindset of a player. Mark shows great dedication and has a work ethic to match. Mark seems to understand that there is always room for improvement and is willing to take any available time to improve his game.
When I spoke to Coach Otto about Mark he had this to say, "Mark takes great pride in his role on the team. He is the calm leader when on the floor and is very levelheaded. He is also the team's technology guru." I think you can attribute Mark's calming presence to his preparation. It is always easier to remain calm and levelheaded when you know you are prepared. Mark's preparation and work ethic have made him a reliable and trustworthy player this year. Coach Otto has utilized Mark in a variety of ways this season. Mark has gone in to guard opposing teams bigs down low as well as speedy guards up top. He has been used when the team's emotions may be running a bit hot, and coach thinks they need to calm down. Mark's versatility has proven to be a valuable asset this season. Those are qualities Mark looks to carry with him going into this baseball season.
I have no doubt Mark will carry his work ethic and willingness to put in the time to prepare with him in the future. I know Mark will have success in the future if he continues using these characteristics, whether he thinks anybody is watching or not.
Here are a few questions Mark answered for me:
1) What are your plans after graduation?
Attend college
2) Where and for what?
UB or another SUNY college, for business
3) What is your favorite athletic memory you were involved in?
Making the basketball team for the first time in 8th grade.
4) What is your favorite athletic memory you were NOT involved in?
Going to the Bills and Patriots playoff game.
5) What is your favorite sports team?
Buffalo Bills
6) Who is your favorite athlete?
Josh Allen
7) What is your favorite movie?
Step Brothers
8) Who is your favorite band/artist?
Drake
9) Do you have any pregame rituals?
Take a nap, then blast Thunderstruck in the car on the way to the game.
10) What is your favorite post game meal?
Chicken wings
11) What is your favorite memory of high school?
Spending time with friends and teammates, creating lifelong memories.
12) What sporting event still leaves a bad taste in your mouth?
The playoff loss to Lockport last basketball season.
13) What is the best advice you have received?
You will never grow without pushing yourself.
14) What is something interesting people may not know about you?
I am good at graphic design.
15) Who do you look up to the most?
My mom and dad.
Here are some questions Mark's parents were kind of enough to answer:
1) What is your favorite athletic memory of him?
We have many great memories of Mark playing basketball and baseball over the years. One of our favorite memories would be going to his baseball tournaments in Rehoboth Beach Delaware. We loved watching Mark hit a home run "over the fence" and to see him and his teammates cheering each other on and bonding, both on and off the field.
2) What is your favorite nonathletic memory?
This memory still involves sports but watching versus playing. Taking Mark and his 3 brothers to MLB games in Pittsburgh, Detroit and to Yankee Stadium. Also recently taking him to his first NBA game in Cleveland, were some of our favorite memories.
3) What is your proudest parent moment?
We were extremely proud of Mark when he received the Sportsmanship Award from the Lancaster Recreation Dept- Junior Basketball Conference 2017-18. As a Captain of his team Mark exhibited great leadership, inclusion and kindness. Mark was recognized for passing the basketball to teammates of all abilities, giving them the opportunity to make a basket and encouraging their participation. The qualities that this award stands for are some of the many qualities that continue to make us very proud of Mark.
4) Any words you would like to say to Mark or about him?
We love watching Mark do what he loves most, which has been playing basketball and baseball. In addition to his athletic abilities, he has maintained excellent grades and gives his best effort to all he does. He has a calm demeanor and is always looking out for his brothers. Mark, we love you very much and can't believe you're in your Senior year already. We know you will be successful as you move on to college and beyond, and we will continue to cheer you on always!
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