UNA men’s basketball brings something different to the floor. Coach  Bobby Champagne and the team have four players that are from overseas, adding somewhat of a ‘melting pot’ outlook and international experience to the court for UNA.

Nathan Spehr, a freshman point guard, is from Adelaide, Australia and is one among four international players. Senior Sam Buxton, a teammate and fellow international player from Gibraltar, UK, said Spehr is a mature player, and it’s obvious he has played basketball overseas because he has a European finesse about him.

Q: Will you state your name and hometown for the record?

A: “My name is Nathan Spehr, and I’m from Adelaide, Australia.”

Q: What was the biggest culture shock moving to Florence from Australia?

A: “First of all, I had to get over the jet-lag—that was really the only thing. Australia is sort-of like America, and most people don’t know.”

Q: Who is a basketball player you love to watch, and why that player?

A: “J.J Barea, because he’s 5’10” just like me and played really well in the playoffs last year and plays similar to the way I play.”

Q: Burger King or McDonald’s?

A: “Probably McDonald’s—we don’t have Burger King in Australia.”

Q: If someone decided to make a movie about you, who would the cast director hire to play you in the movie?

A: “That’s a tough one. Adam Sandler—I guess—because he’s funny.”

Q: That’s my next question, actually: Adam Sandler or Will Ferrell?

A: “I’d say Will Ferrell, but he has an afro, so he can’t really play me in any movies.”

Q: Tell the readers a little about yourself.

A: “Normally, when people meet me I’m quiet, but as you get to know me I talk a lot more. When I’m with my friends, I’m not shy at all.”

Q: What’s you favorite athletic brand name to wear?

A: “Nike. When I wear shoes, I wear Nike—the Kobe Bryant’s, that’s my favorite shoe.”

Q: So, I guess my next question’s answer will be obvious: in the LeBron and Kobe war, which player is your choice?

A:  “Yeah, I like Kobe. I don’t like LeBron at all.”

Q:  We mentioned earlier that you are one of the four international players on the team, and having played overseas, what does that bring to the UNA table?

 

A: “We all have international experience, so I guess we just bring something different from the other players. We’ve traveled a little more than they have and have seen more players play.”

Q: What has been your best made memory at UNA so far?

A: “Probably going to the football games, and (when) we all painted our bodies.”

Q: What are your goals for the season as a team?

A: “To win it all. I think that’s what everyone’s goal is.”