Eagles frosh made tough choice

Michael Taylor went with his gut – and the free education.

A 6-foot-4 freshman who has started all 12 games for the Eastern Washington University men’s basketball team, Taylor postponed any aspirations of pursuing a professional baseball career when he committed to the Eagles while a senior at Brewster High School.

The leather glove has given way to leather sneakers and Taylor is averaging 6.6 points and 27 minutes per game for the Eagles.

He discussed his decision to pursue basketball and revealed what his future might hold in an interview with The Spokesman-Review.

S-R: College is all about setting yourself up to be successful in your future. As a college freshman, how do you view that statement?

Taylor: I think it’s totally true. I came in, and they kind of threw me right in there, starting or whatever. I’ve just got to build on that. As far as looking at life from a basketball standpoint or a college standpoint, I was thrown to the wolves.

S-R: Rumor has it you may have an itch for coaching someday.

Taylor: We’ll see about that. My dad’s a (basketball) coach, and I’ve always liked it. I don’t remember ever not being part of a team.

S-R: You played basketball for your dad at Brewster. Are you using his connections, too?

Taylor: Growing up with my dad, every coach he met, I met. At the state tournament I’d sit with the other coachers talking ball. You get to know people, build some bridges and talk every once in a while when you see them around. I’ll keep those connections for later on. Building relationships is a big deal.

S-R: You were a standout baseball player in high school. Why did you pursue basketball instead of baseball in college?

Taylor: My dad just told me to do what my gut said. I asked myself what I wanted to do and went from there. It would have been sweet if I could play two sports or got drafted and made some money. But it’s college basketball, so it was pretty easy (to decide).

S-R: It doesn’t sound like your baseball career is over.

Taylor: I wouldn’t want to call it over, either. I played baseball as long as basketball. It’s hard to let it go totally.

S-R: Would you even think about transferring to pursue baseball?

Taylor: Not as of right now. I’m loving it here, and basketball has been amazing.