In order for UNA men’s basketball to compete for the Gulf South Conference title, the Lions are hoping for a big performance this season behind senior guard Beaumont Beasley.

A returning starter and, most importantly, a more experienced point guard, Beasley comes into the season averaging 12 points a game and third in conference in assists with 112. But, for Beasley, continuing the offensive input isn’t the only thing he is looking to improve on for this season.

“I just want to be a better leader and set a better example for the team,” Beasley said. “Just being someone who my teammates can look to whenever things are good or bad. I also would like to improve on my free throw shooting. That is something I have to do better this season.”

Basketball has always been the life for Beasley, dating back to his childhood days. Just like any young kid, Beasley idolized Michael Jordan when he was growing up. He hopes to continue playing basketball after his career at UNA.

“Basketball definitely started for me when I was little playing with my cousins at my aunt’s house in the backyard,” Beasley said. “It really has stuck to me ever since then. This game is something that I love to play, and I really couldn’t picture my life without it.”

Even though it seems as if basketball has been something enjoyable for Beasley his whole life, bumps in the road occurred for him just like any other person.

During his sophomore year and transferring from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, thoughts of not playing and giving up basketball ran through his head, and coming to play for UNA returned the love of the game back to Beasley.

“My mom and my family never forced me into a position to play basketball,” he said. “When I was transferring, it did run through my head of not playing again, but when I got the opportunity to do it again, I was definitely pleased. In coming to UNA, it was different to me, and it sounded like a good situation to me after keeping in contact with my roommate Sam (Buxton) after he left Missouri-St. Louis for UNA.”

Beasley’s mother has always had a big influence on him.

“My mom is just a better person than anything I could ever be,” he said. “I just hope I can turn out half the kind of person that she is. She is just really a great person.”

When not spending his time making jumpers and breaking ankles with crossovers in Flowers Hall, Beasley enjoys spending time with friends and playing games like “NBA 2K11” and “NCAA Football ’11.” After graduation, if basketball isn’t in the future, Beasley hopes to work in the field of his major, which is finance.

With the hope of getting back to conference prominence, the Lions need a big role out of Beasley in order to compete for a title. The confidence level couldn’t be any better going forward.

“I don’t care who we play or where it is at,” Beasley said. “The goal is to win a championship. I just don’t sell my team short against anybody.”

The Lions will play Thursday at 6 p.m. against Oakwood in Flowers Hall to try to remain unbeaten through the year.