Stanley Taylor Named NJCAA Division II Player of the Week
SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. -- Richard Bland College sophomore men's basketball standout Stanley Taylor/Petersburg has been named the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the period November 20-26. The 6-7 forward led the preseason nationally-ranked No. 2 Statesmen (6-2, 1-0 Region 10) to a 134-76 road win at Region 10 opponent Vance-Granville (N.C.) on Nov. 20 in Henderson, North Carolina.
Taylor posted a career-high 30 points (13-15 FGs, 4-4 3FGs), adding 10 rebounds for his third double-double this season, while contributing one steal and one block against the Vanguards. The 134 points established a school record for single-game points at Richard Bland.
Taylor has started six of the first eight games this season, averaging 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 23.1 minutes, while shooting 55% (36-65) from the field, including 67% (4-6) on three-point field goals, and 84% (16-19) at the free throw line.
Stanley is also the Athletics Department's Athlete of the Week for the same period. Please see below for a brief Q&A on his Athlete of the Week selection. Athletes of the Week are chosen by members of the Richard Bland Athletics Department.
Q: How does it feel to be named Richard Bland Athlete of the Week?
ST: Finally! It feels good to finally be named Athlete of the Week.
Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
ST: I got started in the 12th grade. I liked basketball but didn't play organized ball until my senior year of high school after I had a massive growth spurt (grew from 5-10 to 6-7).
Q: What do you like most about your team?
ST: The off-court chemistry. All of us are brothers. It's nothing to just walk into another teammates room and simply sit down and talk, or play 2K.
Q: Who is your funniest teammate/why?
ST: Tim Bing Jr. Tim and I have seen some funny stuff and been in some hilarious situations together. We can look at each other and just be weak.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals/superstitions?
ST: My only pregame ritual besides eating candy is praying to my God, thanking him for bringing me this far and to watch over me as I play the game I love.
Q: What is your favorite place on campus/why?
ST: Statesman Hall gym. It's my sacred place to get away to … working out on my own to clear my head and to better myself.
Q: What is your favorite class/professor/why?
ST: Biology (ecology) with Dr. Eric Miller, Assistant Professor of Biology. He is just a cool, laid back teacher, and he jokes with us and makes it easier to learn.