 | | Prosper Karangwa hosted a live internet chat on Thursday, February 6. |
Prosper Karangwa Hosted a Live Internet Chat on Thursday, February 6, 2003
Welcome to the Siena College athletics chat room! We hope you will enjoy this exciting new interactive feature as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. Every other Thursday at 7 p.m., you will have the chance to log in and see your questions answered by a special Siena athletics representative. We will tip-off the series with a Prosper Karangwa chat on Thursday, February 6. Karangwa is the lone captain on this year's men's basketball team and is currently one of just nine players in the nation to lead his team in scoring, rebounding and assists. Last year, he led the Saints' "Mad March" to the postseason, and scored a career-high 31 points in Siena's Nationally televised NCAA Opening Round win over Alcorn State. Current Siena Head Men's Basketball Coach Rob Lanier, who spent two seasons as an assistant at Texas before coming to Siena, has described Karangwa as the most talented player he has ever coached. Karangwa has captivated audiences across the globe with his play the past two summers representing his country as part of the Canadian National Team. Among his teammates over the stretch were current NBA stars Steve Nash and Todd MacCulloch. His focus now is on leading the Saints to another MAAC Championship, and his play at the point guard position in recent days has caused many to latch on to these ambitious aspirations. A native of Bujumbura, Burundi, Karangwa can speak five languages. He moved to his current home in Montreal when he was nine years old. Karangwa majors in sociology at Siena and enjoys watching movies and reading. Although Karangwa will not be in our chat room until Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m., please feel free to drop him some questions now and we'll save them for his arrival. |
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 |  | Prosper: Hello everyone. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. I will now be happy to answer any questions you have. |
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| Ed (Carlsbad, CA): At what age did you start playing basketball? Best of luck this season! |
 |  | Prosper: Thanks for the question Ed. I started playing basketball when I was nine years old--right after we moved to Montreal (from Burundi). |
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| Julie(Latham): I have truly been impressed to watch you play this season. How did you feel being able to achieve the win against Marist on their home court? |
| | Prosper: That was a great win! Not only for myself, but for the program as well. We haven't won down there in four years, so it was great to get the victory on my last try. Thanks for the question Julie. |
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| Brad (Encinitas, Ca): Who is the toughest player you are set to face this year, or have already faced? Who is the best athlete you have matched up against playing for the Canadian National team? Best player on Maryland's team last year? |
| | Prosper: Thanks for the questions Brad. To answer the first question, I would have to say David West and Luis Flores have been the toughest so far this season. The toughest player I ever had to matchup against with team Canada was Peja Stojakovic. Juan Dixon was the best player on Maryland's team last season. |
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| Leo (New York, N.Y.): Prosper, Congratulations on your success in the classroom and on the basketball court. How do you successfully balance such a demanding schedule? Regards, Leo |
| | Prosper: Thanks Leo. It is important to be organized and stay well rested. It's a long season, and if you don't take care of your body (and even when you do seometimes) you can get worn down. |
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| Frank, Bronx, NY: I have enjoyed watching you over the past two seasons. How did you develop such a smooth release on your jump shot? |
| | Prosper: What a question! It has taken lots of practice. I was blessed to have a nice release--thanks for the compliment! |
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| Colin Dwyer (Richmond, VA): What are your chances of entering the NBA as opposed to say Dwayne Archbold or Marcus Faison? |
| | Prosper: At this point in time, I am not sure what my chances (of making the NBA) are. Dwayne and Marcus did great things for Siena, and I am proud and happy to be mentioned in the same breath with them. I am just focused on the season right now. |
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| Andy (clifton park): Congrats on the great season you're having so far ... Do you like the switch to the point guard position? It seems as if the Saints offense has more flow when you're initiating it. Thanks and enjoy the rest of your college career!!! |
| | Prosper: Thanks for the question Andy. I really don't mind playing the point. I am willing to do anything that may help the team win more games. |
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| Anthony (Syracuse): If you make it to the next level, what position do you see yourself playing? |
| | Prosper: That's a good question Anthony. I'm really not sure. It all depends on what team I ended up playing for. I would probably be a tougher matchup at the point at the next level, but I'd be more than happy just to make a team. |
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| Julie Amedio(Latham): You have become a top player for the Saints over the past 4 years. How hard is it to play point guard and not score as much as you are capable of? |
| | Prosper: Thanks for the question Julie (tell your Dad I said hello). I really don't mind the switch to the point guard as long as we are winning. I probably enjoy passing the ball as much, if not more than I do scoring. |
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| Celeste Bennington Vermont: I was wondering what is it like to play at Siena and do you think your team will win the MACC Championship this year? |
| | Prosper: It is a great atmosphere here at Siena. You always have a legitimate chance of winning the MAAC and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. I think we have a good chance to repeat our championship this season. |
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| Bob (Texas Tech): Do you think fellow Team Canada player Steve Nash of the Dallas Mavericks has the worst haircut you have ever seen on another human being ?? |
| | Prosper: (Laughing) That is tough Bob. I think it is a fashion statement. I think no matter what he does do his hair, Steve will never be the worst looking human being. |
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| Harry, Amsterdam, NY: Is getting a triple double a goal of yours? |
| | Prosper: Thanks for the question Harry. Getting a triple-double is not really a goal of mine. I know I have been close a few times, and it would be nice to get one...but it is not part of my goals for this year. |
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| Justin/Brandy: pros, what do you do to stay so fit? |
| | Prosper: (Laughing) Well, I really don't have to do much. We practice every day and that pretty much keeps me in shape. |
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| Matt (Menands): Prosper, Sports Information Director Jason Rich has a pretty good shot. Do you think you could take him in a 3-point shooting contest? |
| | Prosper: Thanks for the question Matt. Yes, I would beat J-Rich in a shooting contest. |
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| Ernie (Gloversville): Prosper, why does Siena not choose to press more often? Down to Marist, it was never used and then only used in desperation late in the Rider game. |
| | Prosper: The press is not part of coach's philosiphy. We are more of a half court team and focus on limiting teams to one shot. That has worked for us in the past, and it is what we need to go back to in order to win this season. |
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| Bob Thomsen Sr, Burke, Va: Have you been satisfied with the consistency of your performance and your intensity and focus in each game so far this season ? What are your goals for the team for your last season as a senior ? |
| | Prosper: That is a good question. I think I have done a good job preparing myself for each game and each practice. Even though it hasn't been a perfect season, I can say that I have done a good job so far. I can count on one hand the days when I did not feel focused or prepared. Out of 21 games, I may have lacked the focus in two or three--which is pretty good considering where I am coming from considering my last three years here. It was one area of my game where I knew I needed to improve, and I think I have done a good job so far. The main goal I have for this season is just to win the MAAC. |
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| Frank, Bronx, NY: How big is the game vs. Iona on Sunday? What do you have to do better? |
| | Prosper: Every conference game is big and a road game is even bigger. We are going to have to go down there and play hard--defend, rebound and execute and hopefully come out with a win. |
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| soup, long island: prosper, with your connections with nba players steve nash and todd mccullough from the canadian national team - do you think you have an outside chance to be on an nba roster next year? |
| | Prosper: Thanks for the question Soup. I think I do. I am not sure how knowing Steve and Todd will help me, but playing with the national team and the way I have been playing this season, will hopefully help. |
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| Ranon Masliyah (Queens, NY): Salut! Ca va bien? This is Ranon Maslyah, who used to do play-by-play at Siena. Do you think the team has been consistent enough to do well in the MAAC Tourney? I look forward to watching you lead the team to the NCAA's! |
| | Prosper: Nice hearing from you Ranon. I think you can never count Siena out at MAAC Tournament time. We are a program with a good winning tradition and when it is championship time I think we will be ready. (And, I'll see you there) |
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| Pierre (Montreal): Prosper, it has been most enjoyable following your progress with the National Team and at Siena--you have made us all proud. I am curious as to wether you plan on remaining with Team Canada until Athens? |
| | Prosper: For sure! I look forward to qualifying for the Olympics this summer and playing in the Games someday. I plan on playing for Team Canada for as long as I am good enough to be on the team. Thanks for the support Pierre. |
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| P. C. Shrub Oak: The team seems to under achieve against teams that should be beat. Can you tell if there is a letdown against the weaker teams in the MAAC? |
| | Prosper: I think it is a sign of letdown on our part and a lack of focus when we don't play our best basketball. We always get the best shot our opponents have to offer and we need to be prepared for that every game. |
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| Patti (Troy): Hi Prosper, Congratulations on a great career at Siena. Looking fwd. to a strong finish. Wondered what you plan on doing after graduation? Good luck and go Saints! |
| | Prosper: Thanks Patti. I hope to play basketball wherever the opportunity may present itself. If not, I would like to work with kids. |
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| Jen ( Bethlehem): Do you miss many classes with the team schedule and away games? How do you guys keep up with your schoolwork?? |
| | Prosper: Jen, that is a good question. We are forced to miss classes, but have a good support from our teachers. We always make up the work once we get back or do it in advance. It is difficult, but something anyone can do if they put their mind to it. |
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| Kevin, Sunderland, MA: Has your family been able watch you play live with the Saints? |
| | Prosper: Yes. My mom, brother and sisters have all been down to Albany to see me play over the course of my career. |
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| Joe (Albany): What did you think of your Bobble head doll? |
| | Prosper: (Laughing) I'm not sure if it really does look like me. It does have the right name and right number, so I guess it is me. It is really more for the fans than for myself. I still smile and laugh every time someone asks me about it. |
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| | Prosper: I would like to thank everyone for taking time out of your schedule to chat with me. I am looking forward to a great ending for this year's Siena basketball team and appreciate all your support! God Bless. |
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