Michael Neal Thankful for Opportunities

Michael Neal | Junior | Men's Basketball

NORMAN, Okla. -- Sharpshooter Michael Neal has drawn the praises of his coaches, his teammates and OU fans in his short time in Norman. A 6-3, 191-pound junior guard who transferred from Lon Morris College where he was a first-team junior college All-American last year, Neal is a hustler on the court.

Off it, he is as humble as they come, and it's easy to understand why.

As a freshman attending Seminole (Okla.) State Junior College, Neal underwent brain surgery to rid a nasal infection that spread beneath his skull. The operation, interestingly, was performed at the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Not surprising is the fact that when asked to name his prized possession, Neal responded with, "My life!"

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When did you start playing basketball?
"I think it was in sixth grade. My brother used to play basketball and at the time I played football. I couldn't go outside unless I went with him and he always played basketball, so that's how I started playing."

What team did you root for growing up?
"The Indiana Pacers, because of Reggie Miller."

Everyone knows you are a 3-point shooter. What else do you think you provide for the team?
"Energy and enthusiasm. Those are two things I try to bring."

Do you like coming off the bench or would you prefer to start?
"Being a spark from the bench is always better than starting. The people that are starting are really good and when you can provide a spark it makes your team hard to stop."

How was it transitioning to the Division I level? Did the team make you feel welcome?
"The pace is a lot faster and you have to play a lot harder on defense. The seniors and the rest of the program make you feel so welcome. We gained so much chemistry over the summer. The summer helped us out since we were here together."

What kind of individual and team goals have you guys set for this year?
"We have the highest expectations of ourselves. People outside expect us to do big things but we expect us to do even bigger things. The overall goal is to win it all, nothing less than that. That is what we're concentrating on right now. Individually, I need to keep rebounding and playing solid defense, and also hit shots. Because everybody does something well on the team, I just have to stick to what I do and play defense and rebound."

What has been the biggest challenge that you have overcome?
"Playing for Coach Sampson requires mental toughness. You've got to be mentally strong to play in this program. That has been a big challenge.

"I try not to think about it sometimes, but overcoming my brain surgery (as a college freshman) was difficult. I had gain everything back. I lost everything. I lost my shooting abilities and my body weight fell to as low as 152 at one point."

Did you know right after surgery that you wanted to immediately pick up on basketball again or was that something you had to slowly talk yourself into?
"There was no doubt in my mind I wanted to go back to basketball. I was always thinking, 'As soon as I get out of here, I have to start working.' There was no question. Basketball is what I love to do."

Why did you decide to become a Sooner? Do you think having the surgery at OU Medical Center swayed your decision at all?
"It is ironic that it happened that way. I like the Big 12 and playing for Coach Sampson. I'm working only to make his team better. I think we can do great things this year all working together."

What do you like to do when you're not playing basketball?
"On the days we have off, I like chillin' with my roommates, Longar and Chris Walker and watch movies. It could be watching movies, watching sports or playing video games. It's always a lot of fun hanging with those guys."

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