Dec. 2, 2011
The Irish men’s basketball team welcomed Garrick Sherman to the program this past spring when the 6-10 center from Kenton, Ohio transferred to Notre Dame in the spring of 2011 from Michigan State. Under NCAA transfer rules, he can practice this season, but is not eligible to play until the 2012-13 campaign. UND.com’s Hilary Ferguson had a chance to sit down with Sherman to get to know more about one of the newest members of the Notre Dame men’s basketball family.
What are you looking forward to most in the coming 2011-2012 basketball season?
I’m looking forward to seeing how the team is going to be play. It’ll be interesting because we have a lot of young guys. It will be a lot of fun to watch them.
What about Notre Dame attracted you?
The trust I have with the coaching staff. They recruited me out of high school so I have a good feel for how they function and how they run things.
What dorm do you live in?
Dillon Hall. No air conditioning, but at least I’m in a single.
What is your favorite basketball memory, whether on or off the court?
Going to the Final Four at Michigan State. Walking out and seeing the sign that said “The Road Ends Here” was one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced.
Even though you are not playing, what are your goals?
We have a lot of young guys and it’s kind of my first year too so I think it’s all about getting better and seeing how well we can do. It’s just about building off one another and take it one game at a time.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Not really. Just listen to my country music, that’s about it.
What is your major and why did you choose it?
Sociology. It’s always been interesting to me to see how people interact with each other and why they function the way they do.
Do you have any hobbies outside of basketball?
Hanging out with friends and playing video games. Basketball takes up a lot of time so there’s not much room for other hobbies.
Who was an athlete that you looked up to as a kid?
Probably, Dirk Nowitzki. He’s one of my favorite athletes and the reason why I wore the number 41 at Michigan State.
What is your favorite away game destination/environment to play in?
At Duke and at North Carolina are probably tied. Both of those environments are absolutely crazy so it makes it a lot of fun to play there.
What is your dream job after college?
Farming, actually. I grew up on a farm and my dad runs a farm so hopefully I can go back and work for him and eventually take over.
Pick three words to describe yourself.
Smart, funny and loyal.
What is your favorite movie?
“Shawshank Redemption”. Love that movie.
If you were given a million dollars today, what would you do with it?
Save it. I’d invest it somewhere. Hopefully do something intelligent with it and resist the temptation.
What is the most challenging part of being a student-athlete?
Probably, the time constraints. We don’t have as much time for other things that regular students get to experience like tailgating. Just having days off and only having to go to class would be nice.
What is the significance of wearing the number 11 jersey number?
I was born at 11:11 so that’s kind of always been the lucky number between my mom, my dad, my brother and my sister and me. It’s kind of a family thing.
Do you have any nicknames?
Not really. Nothing here yet … but I’m sure I’ll get one eventually.
What was the first team you ever played for?
Elgin Comets. That was a long time ago. It was in sixth grade and that was my first AAU basketball team.
What is your favorite sport besides basketball?
Definitely football. I love football and it was definitely my first love. My favorite team would probably have to be the Eagles. Tough year to cheer for them, but I’ll stick by them.
What do you miss most about home?
Family. Family is the biggest thing I miss.
What was the biggest adjustment when transferring to Notre Dame?
Most definitely the academics. The academics are a lot more challenging here. It’s always different when you’re used to being at the same place for two years and you get set in a routine and then you come here and change everything up. It’s been a good change though and I’m definitely happy to be here.
— ND —