Give Salisbury senior men’s basketball guard Brandyn Wilkerson credit for planning ahead.  He knows what he wants to do with his career – teach.  He understands how to be effective as a teacher.  And he appreciates that the professionals in his career are underpaid and under-appreciated – especially the extremely-high percentage of teachers who do the many extra things behind the scenes to help the students succeed.  INTRODUCING … Brandyn Wilkerson.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   I began playing organized basketball around the age of 10.  I played all three years at New Market middle school and all 4 years at Linganore high school.  When I was at Linganore, I started 4 years on the varsity team and am currently in my fourth and final season at Salisbury University.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  I am a Physical Education major at Salisbury.  The most important thing that I have learned from this discipline is that everyone cannot be treated the same.  Each student/person that I work with has certain needs and works differently then others, so I must work to help and understand each student the best I can.  This carries over into the daily interactions we have with people, we must be considerate to the needs of others.      

What is your favorite spot on campus?   The spot I like the most is the Fireside Lounge.  This is a large recreational area that has couches, TVs, pool tables and other activities.  The best part about Fireside is definitely finding one of the open couches and taking a nap in between classes. 

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?  I love to go to Ocean City (Md.) and be on the beach.  My family has gone there every year for vacation, so I have a lot of good memories there.  Being only 30 minutes away when I am at Salisbury is nice because it gives me a chance to visit when I have free time. 

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   The most memorable moment in my career would have to be beating St. Mary’s on our home court last year.  We had a great crowd, the game went into overtime, and we had a whole team effort to pull out the win.  We were on a three-game win streak that kept us going into the CAC tournament. 

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   I would have to say it would be my best friend Kyle Tucker.  We grew up living right next to each other since we were born and have been through a lot together.  He definitely helped me through a lot of situations and was someone that always has my back.  He has always been a good influence and given me great advice throughout my life. 

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  Drinking and driving is the most important issue facing college students because it is something that can easily be solved and some people still do it.  I think that it is pretty easy to avoid the situation and can benefit many lives. 

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?    I would make it so that teachers get paid more money because I plan on becoming a teacher when I am done at Salisbury.  I would stress the importance of a teacher’s job and that the amount of money that many of them make is not worth the time and effort they put in. 

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   Music has always been my favorite. Instead of watching a show on TV, being able to plug in my headphones and tune everything else out has always helped me to relax. 

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Be yourself.  Don’t let anyone try to change who you are.  There will be some people along the journey who want you to be someone that you are not.  Make sure you develop a set of morals that you are happy with and stick by them.

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  I like the Washington Redskins.  They have always been my favorite football team since I have been little because most of family liked them as I was growing up. 

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    The first person I would have dinner with would be Indiana Jones.  Growing up I thought that he was awesome and loved watching the movies.  I would love to here more of his stories and adventures.  Second person would be Kevin Hart.  He is my favorite comedian and sitting down to have dinner with him would be hilarious.  Finally, I would have dinner with Gary Williams.  Growing up I was a huge Maryland basketball fan and it would be a great experience to sit down and talk basketball with him.