Brittany Dean
Staff Writer
Rodrick Craig is a busy man. A freshman basketball player, Craig splits his time among a heavy practice schedule, pursuing a budding career as a rap artist and volunteering with inner-city children.
When asked if it is hard to balance academics and sports, he replied, “At times it is, but it comes with the territory…you know what you have to do.”
What made you choose Pepperdine?
The trust with the coaches on the basketball team. The campus is also beautiful. It’s Malibu, you can’t beat it.
How is basketball so far?
It’s a little tough, but I know that hard work comes with the territory of the sport. My teammates welcomed me to the team like a new member of the family.
Do you feel a lot of pressure being a basketball player?
Not at all because I’ve been doing it my whole life.
Do you have any other talents or interests?
Music. I have been rapping for about 10 years.
What is your major and what do you plan to do after school?
I am majoring in economics and I plan to play basketball if the Lord blesses me to make it, or I plan to continue my music career after school.
What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of Pepperdine?
My favorite aspect is the attitude. Everyone is always happy. Obviously my least favorite thing is walking.
Tell us about an experience in which you felt you became a better person.
I would say just moving to L.A. and living on my own without my parents. It’s made me mature, and I don’t take things for granted. It was challenging, and I was homesick for a while. I wanted my parents to take care of me.
Do you feel as though you are stereotyped?
Yes, I do feel that I am stereotyped. I feel it is because people look at basketball players or an athlete in general as being a “dumb jock.” I feel it’s because people portray athletes as just athletes. They don’t portray them as students. People paint a picture in their mind and they think they know about me but they have no idea.
What role does God play in your life?
God plays an important role in my life. Before I moved to L.A., I went to a Christian school for three years. I have lived a very blessed life and I am grateful for everything God has done, is doing and plans to do in my life.
Do you feel like a role model?
Yes, I do feel as being a young athlete that I am a role model for kids. When I was 16, my father encouraged me to give motivational speeches to underprivileged teenagers. It opened my eyes and made me realize that I have to do right in my life because there are people who look up to me.
What do you want Pepperdine to remember after reading this article?
That I am a hard-working person that takes each day at a time. And that I won’t stop until I succeed in basketball or music.
Any last comments you want to make?
Make sure you come and support the basketball team.
09-23-2004
