The lighter side of Ime

After a dramatic season in which the men's basketball team tied for third in the league (10-17, 7-7 Ivy), Ime Archibong, TD '03, has been selected to lead the Bulldogs as the 2001-'02 captain. Archibong had a slow start, averaging only 4.3 minutes per game as a freshman. However, in his second year, the 6'3" guard/forward led the team in key games against Harvard and Dartmouth and was third on the team in scoring. The Yale Herald looks behind the determination and strength that make Archibong a leader on the court to uncover his more personal assets.

REBECCA ROSENTHAL/YH 2001-'02 men's basketball Captain Ime Archibong, TD '03, reveals the secrets behind his sucess on and off the court.

Yale Herald: Let's start off with an easy one—nothing too deep. So, you were just named captain of the basketball team. What makes you a good leader?

Ime Archibong: I didn't know—I didn't think I was a good leader. But hopefully I'll be able to lead by example.

YH: What will you do differently as captain?

IA: I'll just have to show myself and the team that I have more responsibility on my shoulders; I have to come out every day to practice and maintain focus and set a good example. I can't take any days off now, because the younger guys will be looking up to me.

YH: Now the really probing questions. Porn or chicken?

IA: Chicken. With waffles. And catfish, and extra syrup.

YH: If you were a food, what would you be?

IA: Meatloaf? I'm just playing, I don't know (laughs).

YH: If Coach James Jones were a food, what would it be?

IA: Are you kidding me? I don't know, something healthy.

YH: OK, umm...what does OPP stand for?

IA: Other people's property.

YH: What do you think when you see your picture in the YDN over and over again? IA: What are you talking about? (laughs).

YH: Besides Jones, who do you think is the cutest guy on the team? You can vote for yourself.

IA: I don't know, we have a strong core of good-looking guys on the team.

YH: How about the biggest ladies' man?

IA: I don't know if I can disclose that information. Things might go around that don't need to go around.

YH: What is your favorite college ball team?

IA: College, it would have to be those Bulldogs from Yale.

YH: Favorite pro player?

IA: Vince Carter. I like how he plays, gettin' the job done.

YH: Blame the playa, or blame the game?

IA: (Laughs) Um, the game.

YH: What is your favorite feature in a girl?

IA: It's a toss-up between eyes and smile.

YH: What is the most romantic thing you have ever done for a girl?

IA: Good God.Well I'm not a romantic type of guy, so...wow...maybe dinner?

YH: Can you cook?

IA: Hot dogs. Fried bologna (laughs). Um, eggs—I can cook eggs.

YH:Do you like Toad's thong contest?

IA: I think it's a joke. I think that type of stuff needs to stay at spring breaks and beach weeks.

YH: What do you think about thongs?

IA: (Smiles) Little check mark for those.

YH: Boxers, briefs, or boxer-briefs, and why?

IA: I'm starting to like boxer-briefs. Comfortable. Very comfortable.

YH: What is going through your mind when you are on the booty cam?

IA: I've been on the booty cam once. I avoid it, 'cause the spotlight's hot.

YH: What is going through your mind when you are about to dunk? IA: Let me get two points, get back on defense, and do it again.

YH: Do you have any hidden talents?

IA: I kind of keep it real, put it all out in the open. Never have anything hidden. Nothing in the closet. This is more than 20 questions.

YH: So in Cancún, what do you think gave you the edge when you won the hard body contest? IA: Oh my Lord, why are you putting that out in the open?

YH: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? IA: A scientist.

YH: What are you doing this summer?

IA: Working for a software company back in the borough.

YH: What turns you on?

IA: As in, like, gets me going in the morning? It all depends on the day, the weather, the season. Like I said, a smile, the way someone looks at you, the way someone talks to you.

YH: Do you have a motto?

IA: Well, one thing that my mom used to say is, "Those who work like slaves eat like kings."

YH: Well, what do you think is the potential of the team for next year? IA: I have a very positive outlook for next year.

YH: Now tell them you want everyone to come to the games.

IA: Oh yeah, come to the games. Support us, because it makes it that much more fun for us and for you, and then we win games and good things happen. Fan support—look at Duke. Craziest fans in the nation. What did they do this year? Won the national championship (laughs).

YH: Just one more question...You shower with the whole basketball team, right? IA: Oh my Lord! Well we have separate stalls.

YH: Ok, we're done. Bye.

IA: One love.

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