After two years of junior college basketball, Bryton Hobbs transferred to Northeastern State, where he is now averaging 17.4 points a game. The St. Louis native has helped guide the RiverHawks to a 13-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in the MIAA.



After playing junior college ball at Cowley College (Kan.) and Pratt Community College (Kan.), what was the transition like to NSU off the floor?

Off the floor, it was a little overwhelming because I had never attended a big school. When I first got here, I was like 'wow, this is big.' I mean, the college isn't big, but it's just a lot of people and meeting new people.



What's the biggest difference between D-II and JUCO?

They're more physical in Division II than JUCO. In junior college, they would basically get in my way, and it was just like playing in high school. But now, I see the difference. They play physical, they game plan and they know your tendencies to score. It's what you do behind closed doors at this level. Like, I'll come in and work out and do little things, like find ways to score off of screens or how to shoot and score. It's just a matter of coming in and working before or after practice.



Among you, Jermaine Bransford and Landon DeMasters, you've formed a solid trio. What's it like working with those guys?

What's funny about that is, when I first got down here and we started playing pick-up ball, me and May-note (Bransford) caught a connection on pick-and-rolls, and we figured out how each of us was going to operate in the game. We just picked that up going along in practices. Now, I make it easier for him and he makes it easier for me, because if one of us is having an off game, the other one is going to pick it up. And then with Landon, he brings toughness and little things. He can shoot, he can get down there and bang with the big people, he can just rebound or he can do whatever you want.



As a team, you all were picked to finish 14th (out of 15 teams) in the MIAA. Did that serve as motivation for you all?

Most definitely. It definitely sparked something in me, because I had a bad season last year and I'm not trying to repeat that.



You're a St. Louis native, so what was it like growing up in the Gateway City?

It was good. It gave me character. I love my city. I grew up in north St. Louis, but eventually moved to the Maplewood district to play basketball.



Who is your favorite professional basketball player and team?

I hate to say it, but it's true, but my favorite team is the Miami Heat. I'm a Dwyane Wade fan. Those people out there who think I'm a LeBron James fan, I mean, I'm glad he's on the team, but I'm a Dwyane Wade fan.



What's life in Oklahoma been like for you?

It's alright. Oklahoma, I mean...I gotta get used to it.



Are you a baseball fan?

Yeah, I like the Cardinals. I love the Cardinals.



Next year you'll be a senior and you get to play in NSU's new arena, how excited are you for that?

I'm very excited about that. I was excited about it when they told me about it. I'm ready for it; I just can't wait to see what it looks like.