Beyond buckets: Seton Hall men’s basketball players share other passions
Whether they’re planning business ventures or drawing comics, the Pirates have plenty going on beyond basketball.
On the court, they’re teammates chasing the same goal. Off it, one dreams of walking a runway, another plans to build a real estate portfolio and others find purpose in drawing comics and helping young men learn to be vulnerable.
The final buzzer may signal the end of a game, but there’s more to the players than their stats suggest. Their worlds extend from shooting threes and dreams of being drafted to ambitions of business ownership, creative pursuits and community service.
Some are planning what they’ll build after basketball, while others are already finding ways to make an impact. And some are simply looking forward to some rest and relaxation.
For several Pirates, the next big play could come in real estate.
Darien Moore Jr., Del Jones, Simeon Wilcher and Roddie Anderson III. all aspire to enter the industry, envisioning futures that extend beyond the hardwood.
“Honestly, I think I want to buy three to five different properties by the end of the year,” Anderson said.
For Jones, real estate is part of a broader entrepreneurial vision.
“I want to be a businessman, too,” he said.
Wilcher is also looking toward property investment, while hoping to continue a family venture breeding French bulldogs.
Moore, meanwhile, sees real estate as one part of his future, alongside a commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape him.
He hopes to support his grandmother’s Feed the Belly Program, which provides food to families facing hardship due to economic or social barriers.
That same desire to make a difference drives Elijah Fisher, who has his own foundation back home in Toronto. Through the Elijah Fisher Foundation, he works to bring joy to children, including through an annual holiday toy drive.
“I just love helping out the community and doing everything I can to see a smile on kids’ faces,” Fisher said.
For Terry Copeland Jr., making a difference means helping others rethink what strength looks like.
“One of my biggest dreams is to be a motivational speaker talking [to] all men—young men, old men, boys—just about how being vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness,” Copeland said. “That’s something I really want to hang my hat on.”
While some Pirates picture themselves in business or community leadership, others see their futures taking a more creative route.
Mayar Wol hopes to find a place in the fashion industry, whether behind the scenes designing clothes or in front of the camera.
“I want to try and be in the fashion world,” Wol said. “Making clothes, being on the runway, being a model, whatever the case.”
For Theo Airhienbuwa, the future could combine an interest in psychology with a passion for art. He hopes to earn a degree in psychology, while continuing to draw comics.
“I may be working using that degree, but I also like to draw,” Airhienbuwa said.
Airhienbuwa is not the only Pirate with artistic ability.
Trey Parker often draws cartoons and nature scenes.
Drawing is more than something to do in his spare time; it’s how Parker connects with his “inner self.”
Kareem Thomas also enjoys drawing—but don’t ask him to paint your portrait.
“Anything that’s not real people,” he said. “I can’t do real facial features.”
Beyond their larger ambitions, the Pirates have their own ways of unwinding when basketball takes a back seat.
A self-proclaimed “simple guy,” Jones spends his free time “just listening to music, man.”
He listens to a little of everything, but gravitates toward what he calls “cool vibes” when driving home from stressful games. Drake is one artist who fits the mood.
Moore also finds comfort with his headphones on; most recently, he’s been listening to PARTYNEXTDOOR and NBA YoungBoy. When he wants to switch things up, he turns to video games, including NBA 2K and Spider-Man 2.
For others, the competition doesn’t stop when they kick off their sneakers. It just moves to the chessboard or the Xbox.
When Anderson isn’t playing Rainbow Six Siege, he’s “really trying to get [his] rating up” in chess.
Mihailo Petrovic also enjoys gaming, particularly on his PC. His favorite game depends on the platform: FIFA is a go-to on consoles, while Counter-Strike is his choice on the computer.
Gaming provides Petrovic with a way to stay connected to people outside the team. He often plays online with his friends back home in Serbia, while also making time to talk with his girlfriend and parents, keeping those relationships close even while basketball occupies much of his schedule.
Airhienbuwa, meanwhile, spends some of his downtime studying and the rest playing Fortnite. If he’s not playing Battle Royale or scrolling through skins, he’s probably in the University Center indulging in a Starbucks frappuccino.
Fisher, too, enjoys making time for interests outside basketball. Shopping, traveling and cooking are among his favorite activities. And when it comes to shopping, he doesn’t limit himself to one type of store. You can find him “anywhere, whether there’s different designer spots or just thrifting for loads.”
For some players, however, unwinding is less about finding another activity and more about taking a break altogether.
“What do I do when I’m not hooping?” Devin Williams said. “Sleep.”
When asked to elaborate, Williams was utterly enthusiastic: “I love sleeping. It’s amazing.”
Between practices, classes and games, the Pirates also find time to taste what the dining hall has to offer. And while they’ve got their favorites, they also have a few opinions about what should be on the menu.
For Anderson, breakfast means hash browns, while tacos are his preferred lunch or dinner choice.
Thomas appreciates having sushi available on campus, especially since his previous school didn’t have a sushi station.
Parker, meanwhile, gravitates toward pizza and steak with rice.
And when asked about the recent installation of Auntie Anne’s on campus, Parker and Thomas agreed they would’ve preferred a smoothie spot.
For the Pirates, life outside the sport looks different from player to player. Some are mapping out business ventures while others are exploring their creative interests. In the meantime, they find comfort in music, video games, family and a little well-earned rest.
And for Abdulai Fanta Kabba, there is always time for a favorite movie or a little soccer. His favorite movie is “Fast & Furious,” but when it comes to television, he knows exactly where his loyalties lie.
“The Vampire Diaries,” he said of his favorite show.
And when it comes to choosing sides in the show’s central (and divisive) love triangle, there’s no hesitation.
Team Damon.
Megan Pitt is the Editor-in-Chief ofThe Setonian.She can be reached atmegan.pitt@student.shu.edu.
