Exclusive with FIU Star Trejon Jacob

Where were you at and what your reaction to the rest of the season being suspended due to the coronavirus? 

"We were in our hotel room in Dallas preparing and getting ready to be Charlotte. Our coach came in and we had a brief team meeting and told us, that due to the virus that’s going around our games will be postponed. Initially, I was very mad, because these are the last few games of my career and I wanted to make the most of it while getting to March Madness, and dancing in my last year of college basketball. I was pretty upset that I couldn’t do that." 

Do you think the NCAA handled it the right way and if you could talk to the NCAA officials directly what would you say or advise them to do for seniors? 

"I’m not mad about the decision, the NCAA has to look at all 347 teams in college basketball and put our safety first as athletes. But I would tell the committee don’t cut everything off. We put our blood, sweat, and tears in here and if they can try to postpone it and let us go out on our note, that would be ideal for any college athlete." 

If the NCAA told you they would postpone the tournament in May would you continue to play college basketball or move on to your future endeavors? 

"For me, I would most definitely still stay and play. It’s something that not everybody gets to live through and gives us a chance to make a name for yourself when everyone counted you out, but trying to earn that spot in March Madness means a lot. The hunger me and my guys have I"m sure it would have gotten the job done." 

Did you think the NCAA would go so far as to shut down the entire rest of the season? 

"No, I definitely didn’t see this happening. Of course, the outcome was in the back of my mind, but I wish they could have given us a few more days to play. Like I said it"s for everyone"s safety even though it sucks for seniors they have to do what they have to do to keep everybody safe.

What is life without sports? What are you doing with all this free time? 

"Life without sports is a hard question. We grew up playing the sport we love and we watched the game on so many levels. For me, it"s just learning how to play the game in a better way, by watching film, lifting weights, elevating your own game. Just staying in the gym, looking at film and looking at my weaknesses I had this season and improve on those so when I get to the draft or play professionally the scouts will see I have always been working on my weaknesses. That I still need to improve my game and be the best player I can be 

What are your teammates doing with this free time? 

"As for my teammates, we are all on the same page. We took a few days off when we got back just to decompress and get our minds off everything that’s going on.  

What are your coaches and league officials saying? Any updates? 

"No updates. They are saying be sharp and be mentally ready if that call comes out of nowhere and we are able to get back on the court and prove to Conference USA what we are all about and not to count us out 

How do you think Rudy Gobert is being treated? Do you think it’s fair? 

"I don’t think it"s fair, things happen. The virus takes several days before you show symptoms. But I think the NBA took the right approach. They shouldn’t kill the dude for not knowing he had the virus; it would be a different story if he knew.  

Are you and your teammates still hanging out? Or did the coaches tell you-all to keep your distance? 

"We are definitely hanging out still. This group of guys has a bond that’s unbreakable and when you have that type of bond you can"t separate that"