Courtney Nelson has been a bit of an enigma during his time at Rutgers. Following his senior season at Bloomfield Tech when he was named Star Ledger NJ Player of the Year, he enrolled at Richmond, where he played for 1 season before transferring to the Banks. Though Nelson played mostly a reserve role last year, it was obvious that his skills are legitimate and substantial.

Courtney, a well-spoken and grounded young man, played with Bignell Planning this summer and was the main offensive option for most of their schedule. He led the RU contingent in scoring during the summer session at 22.3 points and averaged almost 5 assists per game to boot. Nelson is currently rehabbing a wrist injury from last season that required surgery in late July. He is not expected to miss any time following the rehab period.

Brian: What were your thoughts on participating in the summer league this season?

Courtney: The competition this summer was great. I think the balance on each team was really good, and versus last summer, more teams were competing. It's going to be a great tournament as it goes on year by year.

Brian: From a basketball standpoint, what are you looking to improve upon as the new season approaches?

Courtney: I guess mainly my shooting. I'm just trying to prove that I can score. I've been known to score in the past, so I'm trying to get back to those ways this summer. I'm playing off the ball more, rather than always on it. I'm starting to feel a little more comfortable catching and coming off screens and shooting, just trying to be a scorer.

Brian: Who is your roommate on campus?

Courtney: Hamady. He ducks everywhere he goes. I watch him play Playstation for 8 hours, then go to sleep!

Brian: Do you have a favorite professional sports team?

Courtney: Wow, that's a tough one. I really don't have one. I'm more of a fan of specific players.

Brian: Pick the way you help the team win a big game - Defend and shut down a game winning shot attempt, hit a big 3 at the buzzer, or throw down a thunderous dunk as time expires?

Courtney: I'd have to say game winning 3. I love the pressure of having to make that shot. The importance of the shot just means so much to me. I've always looked forward to having the ball in my hands at the end of games.

Brian: Who has been the biggest influence on your basketball career so far?

Courtney: Definitely my father. Through thick and thin, he's always been there.

Brian: Do you have a favorite junk food?

Courtney: Swedish Fish…I eat them before every game.

Brian: What song don't you want anyone to know is on your MP3 player?

Courtney: Ohhh…that's a good one! True Colors by Phil Collins…but nobody's supposed to know that!

Brian: Headbands…for or against?

Courtney: For, but not for me. I like them. I used to wear them back in high school.

Brian: Can you impersonate one of the Rutgers basketball coaches?

Courtney: No, but I used to do a real good Gary Waters impression.

Brian: If not basketball, what other sport could you see yourself participating in?

Courtney: Track and Field

Brian: What was the last movie you saw?

Courtney: I love movies. The last one I saw was Fantastic Four, the second one. I liked it, it was cool. I love Jessica Alba, any movie she is in I have to go see.

Brian: Do you have any hidden talents away from the court?

Courtney: I can cook. All the guys I live with call me "Grandpa" because I stay in my apartment, lie around and cook all day!

Brian: Who is the funniest guy on the team?

Courtney: Jaron Griffin

Brian: Who is your favorite pro athlete of all time?

Courtney: Allen Iverson when I was younger, but I really like Jamal Crawford.

Brian: What is your take on those alternate uniforms that many of the teams have these days?

Courtney: I love the black uniforms!

Brian: Zone or man to man, any preference?

Courtney: Man to man, no doubt!

Brian: Impressions of the RAC as a home court?

Courtney: I love it. There is nothing like the RAC when everything is good. When a big school comes in, everybody is coming to the RAC looking to bash the other team and see Rutgers win. I really love the RAC when we are on top.

Brian: Finally, any thoughts on the upcoming season?

Courtney: I think we are gonna be young, very young, but we have a core group of guys that have kinda been through it. We have 4 juniors - me and Byron are pretty much seniors - so I look at it as possibly a very good year. We have a great group of young guys that can help us a lot. I'm really excited about the new strength coach, Phil Dyer. He's done a great job with our big guys, and the whole team in general getting us into better shape. Starting at the bottom of the Big East this year is kind of a motivation for us. We are kinda tired of being stuck at the bottom. We have the fan support here at Rutgers to win and to be that next big school. Everybody's doing it here - the women's team, the football team. We look at it as a challenge for us to get on track with everyone else.