Big Sky Profile - Carlos Taylor
2/14/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
School: Montana State
Sport: Men’s Basketball
Position: Guard
Size: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Year: Senior
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Carlos Taylor might be the most explosive scorer in the Big Sky Conference, and is a candidate for the league’s MVP honors. Taylor, who played two seasons at Southeastern Iowa prior to transferring to Montana State, leads the conference in scoring, averaging 18.7 points per game. He’s also averaging 3.9 rebounds and shooting 41.2 percent from 3-point range. In conference play, Taylor is averaging 21.9 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game. Taylor was a standout prep player at Lausanne Collegiate High School in Memphis, Tenn., where his No. 31 has been retired. He scored 2,234 points, dished out 649 assists with more than 500 rebounds and 289 steals as a four-time all-state selection. Taylor’s mother Angela, died from complications from diabetes at 42 years old in 2003. During Taylor’s senior year in high school, he lived with two cousins in his mother’s home without adult supervision. He honors his mother with a tattoo of a rose on his left arm. Taylor and the Bobcats are at home this week, taking on Northern Arizona on Thursday and Sacramento State on Sunday in a game that will be televised live by Altitude Sports & Entertainment. The Bobcats are currently 5-5 in league, tied for fifth in the Big Sky. Let’s get to know Carlos Taylor.
Q: Carlos, you are entering the home stretch of your senior season. You lead the league in scoring; you’ve scored at least 30 points in a game four times this season. The Bobcats are in the thick of the conference race. In a perfect world, how does the rest of the season play out for Carlos Taylor and the Bobcats?
A: Just continue to get better, get a couple more wins and get a good seed heading into the playoffs. For me, I just want to continue to get better, be a leader for my team, and help my team be successful.
Q: One of the most memorable moments of your senior season was your game-winning shot at Oregon State. It was a game where you struggled to find your shot. You scored 11 points, making just 1-of-6 3-pointers. What did taking and making that game-winning shot say about Carlos Taylor?
A: I’m composed, and mentally tough. More mentally tough that people might perceive.
Q: Several sportswriters have chronicled your life growing up in Memphis, the death of your mother Angela, your struggles and eventual triumphs following her death. How did your mom’s death affect you, and looking back now how easy would it have been to take a different path in life?
A: Taking a different path could have been very easy. I didn’t want to take the easy route. That’s how I looked at it, and how I took it. My mom passed and it is something I’m steal dealing with, something I’ll deal with all my life. I could’ve ended up the streets, simply said. I could have ended up involved with drugs, gangs, dealing, and all that stuff.
Q: What were the challenges you faced living your senior year with two cousins, and without adult supervision.
A: Just trying to maintain. It wasn’t only about putting food in my stomach; it was about putting food in other people’s stomachs, and trying to be more responsible. It all came fast being just 18 years old. It was a big adjustment.
Q: You played prep ball with Jerry West’s son Jonnie (who plays at West Virginia), and during your time in Memphis became close to the West family. How has the West family affected your life?
A: Dramatically. Having someone there who cared and is willing to talk and willing to help you, and be there for you. It is easy to turn your back on an inner-city kid. They helped me a lot. I owe them big thanks. I talk to Jonnie quite often. We talk on the phone and I see how things are going with his season.
Q: What have you liked about Bozeman, Montana State, and playing basketball for Brad Huse, and what are some of the things you miss about Memphis?
A: I’ve liked the constant demand to try and get better, and the constant push, and never settling. I’m trying to improve in the classroom, on and off the basketball court. The community is really supportive. It’s a smaller town, and we get a lot of support for all the programs, not just basketball. It’s a fun environment. It’s a college town. I’m not in to skiing or snowboarding, I’m scared of that stuff. I miss my friends and family. I’m familiar with the Memphis area. I know what’s going on and where to go. It’s where I’m from. You always have a connection to your home town.
Q: You changed your number from 4 to 1 this season. Is there any significance in that change?
A: One has been my number. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway was my favorite player in his prime. He was No. 1, and he was one of the best. I didn’t have the opportunity to wear it last year, and I was able to get it this year.
Q: Did you watch “Penny” a lot growing up?
A: When I was younger, I’d see him play in summer league games. I watched lot of him growing up, Penny, Todd Day and all the good Memphis players. I watched him a lot when he was in Orlando. He’s someone from the neighborhood. I’ve never played against him, but almost. It would be a dream to play against one of my favorite players. I’d love to learn his knowledge of the game.
Q: Where will Carlos Taylor be in five years?
A: Hopefully making some money. Hopefully having a good job. I want to be happy and be excitement about what I’m doing, whether it’s playing basketball, or running a boys’ and girls’ club.
Q: Is that something you’d like to do to help children who are in a situation similar to yours growing up?
A: Definitely. I’d like to take those kids and show them the other way. There are better options out there, and that’s my plan one day. I’d like to open up some kind of center, where kids can hang out, do their homework. Get them off the street and keep their heads on the right path.
Quick Hits
Favorite TV show: My teammates me having watching “Rob & Big.” Phil Friesen put me onto that a couple of days ago.
Favorite Move: “300.”
Favorite Bozeman Restaurant: Famous Dave’s. It’s definitely not Memphis barbeque, but I’ll have to settle.
Favorite Musician: The allstars.
Favorite Class: Research methods (Sociology Class).
Other than Bozeman favorite place to play in the Big Sky: Missoula.
Favorite Pro Athlete: Right now it’s Kobe Bryant.
Favorite place to hang in Bozeman: My apartment, and Phil Friesen’s house.
Favorite video game: “Halo 3.”
Sport: Men’s Basketball
Position: Guard
Size: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Year: Senior
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Carlos Taylor might be the most explosive scorer in the Big Sky Conference, and is a candidate for the league’s MVP honors. Taylor, who played two seasons at Southeastern Iowa prior to transferring to Montana State, leads the conference in scoring, averaging 18.7 points per game. He’s also averaging 3.9 rebounds and shooting 41.2 percent from 3-point range. In conference play, Taylor is averaging 21.9 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game. Taylor was a standout prep player at Lausanne Collegiate High School in Memphis, Tenn., where his No. 31 has been retired. He scored 2,234 points, dished out 649 assists with more than 500 rebounds and 289 steals as a four-time all-state selection. Taylor’s mother Angela, died from complications from diabetes at 42 years old in 2003. During Taylor’s senior year in high school, he lived with two cousins in his mother’s home without adult supervision. He honors his mother with a tattoo of a rose on his left arm. Taylor and the Bobcats are at home this week, taking on Northern Arizona on Thursday and Sacramento State on Sunday in a game that will be televised live by Altitude Sports & Entertainment. The Bobcats are currently 5-5 in league, tied for fifth in the Big Sky. Let’s get to know Carlos Taylor.
Q: Carlos, you are entering the home stretch of your senior season. You lead the league in scoring; you’ve scored at least 30 points in a game four times this season. The Bobcats are in the thick of the conference race. In a perfect world, how does the rest of the season play out for Carlos Taylor and the Bobcats?
A: Just continue to get better, get a couple more wins and get a good seed heading into the playoffs. For me, I just want to continue to get better, be a leader for my team, and help my team be successful.
Q: One of the most memorable moments of your senior season was your game-winning shot at Oregon State. It was a game where you struggled to find your shot. You scored 11 points, making just 1-of-6 3-pointers. What did taking and making that game-winning shot say about Carlos Taylor?
A: I’m composed, and mentally tough. More mentally tough that people might perceive.
Q: Several sportswriters have chronicled your life growing up in Memphis, the death of your mother Angela, your struggles and eventual triumphs following her death. How did your mom’s death affect you, and looking back now how easy would it have been to take a different path in life?
A: Taking a different path could have been very easy. I didn’t want to take the easy route. That’s how I looked at it, and how I took it. My mom passed and it is something I’m steal dealing with, something I’ll deal with all my life. I could’ve ended up the streets, simply said. I could have ended up involved with drugs, gangs, dealing, and all that stuff.
Q: What were the challenges you faced living your senior year with two cousins, and without adult supervision.
A: Just trying to maintain. It wasn’t only about putting food in my stomach; it was about putting food in other people’s stomachs, and trying to be more responsible. It all came fast being just 18 years old. It was a big adjustment.
Q: You played prep ball with Jerry West’s son Jonnie (who plays at West Virginia), and during your time in Memphis became close to the West family. How has the West family affected your life?
A: Dramatically. Having someone there who cared and is willing to talk and willing to help you, and be there for you. It is easy to turn your back on an inner-city kid. They helped me a lot. I owe them big thanks. I talk to Jonnie quite often. We talk on the phone and I see how things are going with his season.
Q: What have you liked about Bozeman, Montana State, and playing basketball for Brad Huse, and what are some of the things you miss about Memphis?
A: I’ve liked the constant demand to try and get better, and the constant push, and never settling. I’m trying to improve in the classroom, on and off the basketball court. The community is really supportive. It’s a smaller town, and we get a lot of support for all the programs, not just basketball. It’s a fun environment. It’s a college town. I’m not in to skiing or snowboarding, I’m scared of that stuff. I miss my friends and family. I’m familiar with the Memphis area. I know what’s going on and where to go. It’s where I’m from. You always have a connection to your home town.
Q: You changed your number from 4 to 1 this season. Is there any significance in that change?
A: One has been my number. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway was my favorite player in his prime. He was No. 1, and he was one of the best. I didn’t have the opportunity to wear it last year, and I was able to get it this year.
Q: Did you watch “Penny” a lot growing up?
A: When I was younger, I’d see him play in summer league games. I watched lot of him growing up, Penny, Todd Day and all the good Memphis players. I watched him a lot when he was in Orlando. He’s someone from the neighborhood. I’ve never played against him, but almost. It would be a dream to play against one of my favorite players. I’d love to learn his knowledge of the game.
Q: Where will Carlos Taylor be in five years?
A: Hopefully making some money. Hopefully having a good job. I want to be happy and be excitement about what I’m doing, whether it’s playing basketball, or running a boys’ and girls’ club.
Q: Is that something you’d like to do to help children who are in a situation similar to yours growing up?
A: Definitely. I’d like to take those kids and show them the other way. There are better options out there, and that’s my plan one day. I’d like to open up some kind of center, where kids can hang out, do their homework. Get them off the street and keep their heads on the right path.
Quick Hits
Favorite TV show: My teammates me having watching “Rob & Big.” Phil Friesen put me onto that a couple of days ago.
Favorite Move: “300.”
Favorite Bozeman Restaurant: Famous Dave’s. It’s definitely not Memphis barbeque, but I’ll have to settle.
Favorite Musician: The allstars.
Favorite Class: Research methods (Sociology Class).
Other than Bozeman favorite place to play in the Big Sky: Missoula.
Favorite Pro Athlete: Right now it’s Kobe Bryant.
Favorite place to hang in Bozeman: My apartment, and Phil Friesen’s house.
Favorite video game: “Halo 3.”
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