Telly Panousis, a freshman from Crown Point, is our men's basketball player of the week! Panousis didn't join the RedHawks until midseason. His ability to rebound and block shots has kept the RedHawks' defense competitive.

Telly Panousis: I didn't have any high school experience. I tried it freshman year of high school and didn't make it. I didn't have any leaping ability until my junior year of high school. I didn't want to try out again. Then I played Greek league where I won about five or six trophies. Then I came here.

Did you play any other sports?

Telly Panousis: I played soccer for International Soccer Club but not for school. That was my main sport at first. I played for ten years and then I quit and started playing basketball.

When I started enjoying it more. I played in Greek leagues since sixth grade. I played better on a team than one-on-one.

My cousin. They had open tryouts and he encouraged me to come by.

Teamwork, basically. Never let a teammate get down, even if they're not doing well. New players and average players have to work together.

My ability to leap and get rebounds. I'm not that good of a dribbler; I'm more of a slasher. I focus my attention on defense, because defense wins championships.

I didn't play the first semester, but the highlight for me, because I used to attend games as team manager, was beating Purdue Cal. Jesse Howell put on a show. We only won by one point.

Losses.

Confidence. If we had more confidence we would have won more games. I think the last few games we've been more confident because the seniors are realizing they only have a couple more games. They're going to lay it all on the line.

I'm a business major studying accounting. I might switch next year to x-ray tech.

More job opportunities with the economy in this shape. They'll always need people in the medical field. My family has always been involved in the medical field. My sister is a nurse, my mom works for a doctor as a secretary/nurse.

He's the one who made me tough. We used to play, he'd push me around and make me tough, make me a better player. He made me focus. He's been an inspiration. Even during the season, if I miss a shot and get down he'll lift me up by pulling me aside and saying ‘you can do this.' He's always been there.

I hang out with friends, go out, go to Greek dances, play the X-Box.

2K10, FEFA 10.

I like "The Hangover." I like those kinds of movies that show teamwork like sports movies like "Friday Night Lights."

Be ready because next year it's going to be totally different. Be confident in yourself. Don't be nervous, just play your game.