10 Questions with Hamburg’s Kevin McFarland III, presented by the Weeber/Langdon Team of Merrill Lynch
MikeDragoSports.com goes one-on-one with a Berks basketball player to find out what’s on his or her mind — on the court and off.
Kevin McFarland III, Hamburg
Senior guard
Q: Which class in school is even more interesting than basketball practice?
I have a lot of interesting classes in school this year, but even more interesting than basketball has to be military history. I have an amazing teacher in Mr. (David) Kline who makes it really fun learning about the world wars and even simulating things such as trench warfare.
Q: You had a chance to play for your father in your final season of high school basketball. What was that like for you?
Playing for my Dad is something I have wanted my whole high school career. He has been my coach since my first year of basketball and taught me everything I know. So, playing for him always meant he would push me to be the best I can. It also strengthened our bond so much more to end the journey how we started it.
Q: When did you develop an interest in attending a Military Academy?
My interest for a Military Academy began in seventh grade. Working on a project, I came across the Naval Academy website and learned the extent to which these academies produce amazing young men and women who hold themselves to such high standards. Pair that with the resources, education, and opportunities and I decided I would do everything I can to put myself in a position to be accepted.
Q: When are you more nervous: At the foul line in the final seconds of a close game or trying to finish a math exam with time running out?
I am definitely more nervous during those finals minutes of a math test. Math is a very important grade for my aspirations, and being a slow test-taker, those finally minutes have me sweating more that any game.
Q: You’re planning to play tennis and run track this spring. How are you going to be able to juggle both sports in the same season?
It will be a challenge, but just like I did in the fall, when I played football and ran cross country, it is possible.
Thanks to such great coaches it has been easy to create a schedule that is consistent to both sports, and missing tennis practice for a meet or the other way around are necessary sacrifices.
Q: You’ve played a lot of different sports in high school. What’s one you would have liked to try but never got around to?
Although I already play so many sports, one sport I enjoy playing and wish my school offered is volleyball. I always have a lot of fun playing with friends or at the occasional tournament my school holds within the student body.
Q: What’s the last book you read because you wanted to (not because a teacher made you)?
The last book I have read is a biography on the honorable Malcolm X. Malcolm X is one of my favorite leaders in history and someone I always look up to, so gaining extra information on his life and views is something I always jump on. I plan on buying and reading his autobiography next!
Q: If you could go one-on-one against any NBA player, past or present, who would it be?
Lebron James. He has been my all-time favorite player, so getting the chance to meet and compete with him would be a dream come true. Also, he could teach me a few moves since he is the greatest player of all time.
Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to freshmen at Hamburg?
The advice I would give to a freshman is to be consistent and deliberate. One thing often not preached as much as it should be is working in the offseason for all sports. Do not have a one-sport mindset where during a season you only think about one thing without spending a little time on the others. For example, during football season don’t be a ghost to the basketball courts, because as the season comes you will be behind those who weren’t.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years, and what will you be doing?
I see myself as a graduate of a service academy and serving as an officer in the respected branch that I attend. I will also hopefully be transitioning into a career in politics.
10 Questions, presented by the Weeber/Langdon Team of Merrill Lynch, will appear on MikeDragoSports.com throughout the 2022-2023 basketball season.
