Prior to becoming a Bulldog, junior guard De'Antae McMurray (Alton, Ill.) attended Southwestern Illinois College where he helped lead his team to a 27-6 record. During his career at SWIC, De'Antae average 11.5 points, 5.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds. 

What are your career goals following graduation?
My major is sociology. But I want to go into construction. My friend's dad back at home is a construction manager and that's a field that has really interested me.

Why did you decide to attend Drake?
On my visit it was a good environment. The people here are really helpful and care about you. C.J. Rivers was also one of my AAU teammates in high school, so he was another reason I chose Drake.

How has that relationship with C.J. helped you transition to Drake?
Having him here already, he gave me advice on what to expect when I came here. It wasn't anything I didn't expect already. But C.J. gave me the rundown on how the classes worked and how the teachers were because I know it's different for every college.

How much of an adjustment has it been from junior college to Drake?
There's definitely more work for me here and it is a lot bigger.

What do you feel you've been doing well in practice leading up to the start of the season?
I would say sharing the ball with my teammates, playing defense, and working on communicating. Talking is important for everyone on the team to be on the same page because if you don't, that could cost you a game.

What's something you do to prepare in the locker room before a game?
I listen to rap music before a game to get in the right mind set.

What is your favorite thing about being a student-athlete at Drake?
I haven't been here that long. But I like how easily I was accepted here coming from a junior college.

What does being a Bulldog and living the Bulldog Way mean to you?
To me it means leading both on and off the court. It means taking care of your business off the court the right way just as well as on the court and maintaining that mindset.