Jan. 28, 2005

Green Wave freshman Taylor Rochestie has been a major addition to the Tulane lineup, averaging in double figures in scoring while quickly establishing himself in the starting lineup. In the past week, he has won a pair of games with buzzer-beaters. On Jan. 19 against UAB, he hit a three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime; and then he drilled a buzzer-beating three-pointer to win the game in OT. One week later, Houston tied the game with a three-pointer with 28 seconds to go, but the Wave freshman calmly brought the ball up court, worked the clock down and then tossed home a ducking, double-pump runner for the victory.

Major: Communications; I think it is a major that could lead to a lot of different career opportunities.

Favorite Book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie [Children's book by Laura Numeroff]; it reminds me of the way I was growing up.

If you could play another sport at Tulane (regardless of ability), it would be: Tennis.

Why Tulane? It was the best opportunity I had academically as well as playing basketball. We play in Conference USA and I liked the coaches and players a lot when I came on my visit.

Personal Philosophy: I kind of live my life by "Just Do It," the Nike slogan. I live by "Why Not?" rather than "Why?"

People who influenced athletic career: My older brother [Alex, three years older], because growing up I always wanted to do whatever he was doing, so I did whatever I could to hang out with him. He has been my role model my entire life.

Actors you most like to see in movies: I like Johnny Depp, Will Ferrell and Brad Pitt.

Favorite Food: I guess probably chicken and shrimp.

Dream Vacation Destination: The south of France.

Who is the all-time best player at your position? My favorite player is Quentin Richardson, but the best all-time at my position is probably John Stockton.

What is the worst part about living in the dorms? The dorm is going all right, but lack of personal space is bad.

All-time favorite tv show: The Sopranos.

Favorite movie: I am a big movie person so that is tough; I like "Good Will Hunting" and "Gladiator."

Favorite sports movies: "He Got Game" and "Hoosiers."

If you could go to any concert ever, who/what would you see? Cold Play in Europe.

What do you do before a game to get you focused and pumped up? I listen to the same kind of music; I just try to mentally visualize the game and what I need to do each game.

If you could beat one school in basketball, who would it be? I would have to say USC at USC, because that's where I'm from.

What has been the most surprising thing about your freshman season? As much as I have learned. This is a whole different level and people like Marcus Kinzer have taught me so much every game and I have gained so much confidence. It has surprised me how much I have learned.

Are there any people you would like to thank? For sure my mom and my dad and then my brother, for being a role model along with my dad. I'd thank my high school coach, Jeff Lavender. And all the people who support me back at home. And here, the coaches and a lot of thanks to Marcus too, for becoming a person I look up to here. I would also like to thank by AAU coach, Bob Gottlieb, who did a lot to help me get to Tulane.