Athlete Spotlight – Rafael Love

By Jacy Terry

 

Rafael Love has been a Greyhound for two years. He is majoring in university studies while playing his senior year in basketball.

He thinks big things are in store for the Greyhounds this year. Rafael Love

“I think we have a good shot at the conference tournament,” Love said. “Most of us have a year playing together under our belts.”

Playing in the conference tournament last season is Love’s fondest memory during his athletic career at ENMU.

Love played at College of the Canyons for two years before coming to Eastern New Mexico University.

He said that the Lone Star Conference is more competitive than the one he played in while at College of the Canyons. LSC players are bigger and quicker, he said.

Love’s senior-year goals are to make it to the conference tournament and then nationals.

The game against Tarleton State is the one Love has circled on his calendar because the Texans’ crowd is large and loud, and Greyhounds lost to the Texans last year in the tournament.

After graduation, Love would like to play in a league overseas or go home to California.

ENMU Greyhound basketball will have its first home game Saturday against the University of the Southwest.

 

Chase: What is your tradition when preparing for a game?

Love: I watch a video called “How bad do you want it.”  I have been watching it since junior college; it is a motivational speaker.

 

Chase: What has been your greatest college career game?

Love: Sophomore year at my junior college. We needed to win to make it to the playoffs. I had 37 points and seven rebounds.

 

Chase: Who is your basketball idol?

Love: Kobe Bryant because of his work ethic.