Oct. 23, 2017
Redshirt sophomore Matt Ryan begins his first season with the Commodores this fall after transferring from Notre Dame at the end of the 2016-17 season. Ryan will practice with the team this season but will not participate in competition this year due to NCAA transfer rules. The Commodores’ first regular-season game coming on November 10 against Austin Peay at Memorial Gym.
Favorite NBA team: No favorite.
The one NBA player you wished was your teammate: LeBron James
Age I picked up a basketball: 7.
I picked my jersey number because: Of Shaq.
When I was a kid I tried to be like: J.J. Redick.
A few words that describe the way I play basketball: Smart, tough, arrogant, confident.
What I need to improve on to be a better player: Athleticism.
The thing that impresses me most about Coach Drew: Calm demeanor.
Favorite part about playing at Memorial Gym: Uniqueness.
Favorite sport other than basketball: Football.
Favorite musical performer: Kygo.
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans.
Nobody can believe I watch this TV show: One Tree Hill.
Favorite midnight snack: Apple.
Favorite thing about myself: Get along with people.
Worst habit: Too much Netflix.
Dream Date: Jessica Alba.
My basketball “dream team” would be: Russ, Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Shaq.
The best tasting food I can make: Heating up leftovers.
My bucket list includes: Skydiving, Travel the World.
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Tom Brady.
Talent I’d most like to have: Better at golf.
Favorite thing to do away from basketball: Ping pong, Netflix, golf
One thing my hometown is famous for: Hopefully me someday.
My best non-athletic talent: Singing.
Favorite aspect of Nashville: Food variety, downtown.
Superstitions: Have to wear high white socks every time I play.
The person I’d love to trade places with for a day: Donald Trump.
What I would do if I won the lottery: Take care of my family, whatever they needed.
Ultimate vacation destination: Maldives or Santorini, Greece.
The person(s) I admire most: My parents.
Career goal outside of basketball: Own some businesses, influence lives.
The best advice I’ve received (and list who gave it to you): “Never stop shooting” – Youth AAU coach.
The most famous person(s) I’ve met: NBA players, NFL players.
Biggest influence in my life: My family.
Most important thing I’ve learned since coming to Vanderbilt: Patience to the process.
My advice to young people is: Do whatever you want to do.
I chose to attend Vanderbilt over these schools: Cal, Georgetown, Marquette, St. John’s, Arizona State.
Other interesting facts about yourself (famous people you know, interesting hobbies, life-changing experiences): Love boating, dogs, country music, SAFTB
Have you had any relatives play college sports? Cousin played for Colts and Steelers.