East County Athlete of the Week: Karmani Gregory

Karmani Gregory is a junior guard on the Braden River High boys basketball team. Gregory, who is 6-foot tall, scored 32 points Dec. 2 in the team's 53-50 road win against Palmetto High. 

When did you start playing basketball?

When I was 4. My dad (Carl Gregory), he always had my family playing sports. I was around the game. It was easy for me to find. I played football and baseball too, but I chose to stick with basketball.

What is the appeal to you? 

It's exciting throughout the whole game and I love that. I love getting my teammates fired up. I love the hype of the crowd. 

What is your best skill?

I'll say dribbling. It's fun to break the other team's press defense or give someone a good move and then score. 

What is your favorite memory? 

In seventh grade, when I was playing for Midrange (AAU team), I won the MVP of an event we played at Haile Middle. That was cool. I got a little trophy for it, and our team won the event, too. 

What has been your biggest challenge? 

I'm trying to improve my all-around game. Specifically on defense, I'm working on incorporating steals and turnovers into my game. And, as Coach (Jason Mickan) always tells me, I need to improve my help defense. 

What personal or team goals do you have?

Obviously we want to win states like every team, but we also want to win our district and beat Lakewood Ranch High. 

What is your favorite food? 

Seafood, of all kinds. Shrimp, lobster, crabs. It's all good. 

What is your favorite TV show? 

I don't watch much TV, but I'll say 'Rick and Morty.' Usually I'll just watch YouTube videos. I like gaming videos, basketball videos and interviews with rappers, where they talk about their songs and their lives. 

What is your favorite subject?

Right now it's anatomy. I'm playing basketball, so I like knowing what's going on with my body. I like doing research on different treatments. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I would want the ability to fly. I'd use it for travel. Plus, my dad always says if he were to come back to life as an animal, he would want to be a bird so he could look down at the cities and the clouds, and I get that. It's beautiful. You could do that if you wanted (with the power of flight). 

What is the best advice you have received?

Don't let anyone tell you what you can't be. I want to go to the NBA. People always tell you the statistics on the number of people who make it, etc. To me, I'm like, who are you to shut my dreams down? You have to believe. 

Finish this sentence: "Karmani Gregory is … "

… Going to leave a legacy.