Q&A with UF basketball center Vernon Macklin

Q: There’s been talk that you’ve been the best at talking to (freshman guard) Kenny Boynton in preparation for the season. Why is that and what have you told him?

A: I’ve been able to talk with him a bit. I wouldn’t say we’ve walked the same path, but I was a McDonald’s All-American coming out of high school. I thought I had everything figured out, which I didn’t. Kenny was an All-American, too, so I’ve told him that it’s a reality now. You’ve got to take it serious, because this is college now. You’re going to be going against guys that are bigger, better and stronger. I put those things in his ear. I do the same thing with (freshman forward) Erik Murphy.

Q: What’s some music that you listen to before games that might surprise some people?

A: I was hanging with Chandler Parsons and he got me into that song that they play at games some times. I don’t remember the name, but it says “Thunder” in the beginning.

Q: Thunderstruck, by AC/DC. I imagine that gets you pretty hyped and ready to play.

A: Definitely.

Q: What’s the last dream that you had that you can remember?

A: Stepping on the floor for my first game as a Gator. I’ve had that dream, suiting up and getting ready, a few times.

Q: How does the game go in your dream?

A: I don’t even know, man. I just walk off after shootaround and someone eventually wakes me up.

Q: If basketball was made illegal, what’s option No. 2 for you?

A: Oh man, that’s tough. I’d probably sit in the house for a week and a half, feeling sorry for myself and being hurt. I like helping people, so I’d probably try to be some kind of teacher or something.

Q: Every teammate that I’ve asked has told me that you’re the craziest guy on the team. Why do you think that is?

A: (Laughs) I like to make people laugh. I joke around. I’m not willing to do anything, but I really want to make my teammates laugh and feel better. Whatever I’ve got to do.

Q: Finish this sentence: I use (blank) so much, I should be a sponsor.

A: Jordans. I wear them so much, I should be a sponsor. I never miss a pair of Jordans. My favorites are the 11s and 12s. The 11s, with the patent leather around the bottom and the baby-blue color, those are my favorites.

Q: What’s your favorite arena to play at?

A: Madison Square Garden.

Q: Lots of history there. Why was MSG special for you?

A: All kinds of history. My family got to come there and watch. That was the first time my mom ever got to see me play basketball, my senior year (of high school) at the Jordan (Brand Classic) game. That was huge for me.

Q: You’re a regular at all of the volleyball games. What kind of volleyball player do you think you’d be?

A: Like my girl (middle blocker Cassandra Anderson), she blocks a lot. I think I’d definitely get some blocks.

Q: What kind of hobbies do you have besides basketball ... and volleyball, for other reasons?

A: In my room, I have like 150 DVDs. I love watching DVDs. Every movie that comes out, the team asks me how it was and I tell them. I’m a big fanatic.

Q: What’s your favorite movie?

A: My favorite movie of all time is a movie called "Paid in Full."