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.