Catching Up With Cleveland State Vikings Legend J'Nathan Bullock

When looking through individual achievements in Cleveland State Vikings basketball history, one name that you see over and over is J'Nathan Bullock. J-Bull is first in all time starts, games played, and minutes played. He ranks 4th in career points, 5th in field goals made, 6th in career rebounds, and 2nd in free throws made. Beyond all that personal glory, the one thing that makes "Number 35" the proudest is the fact that he helped change the culture of the CSU Basketball program from a losing one to a constant contender. Bullock is currently playing professional basketball in Australia and scored the game winning basket in his second game last week. I recently caught up with Cleveland State basketball legend an email interview. Here is what the Flint, Michigan, native had to say:

Q: You are now playing ball professionally with the St. Laurence Geelong Supercats. Is the playing style a lot different from the American game, and how does that translate to your playing style?

JB: The Game itself doesn't change but a few rules are different, like having a pivot after a jump stop or being able to touch the ball while on the rim or after the ball hits the rim . This year they changed to a squared paint area and next year pushing the three point line to 23ft. I'm fitting in well although I'm still just getting used to playing this way...

Q: Are there any other American college stars playing in the same league as you are in Australia? What is the competition level like?

JB: Actually there are a lot of great Americans in this league, really can't run through a list but one that Horizon League fans would remember is Brendan Polk from Butler. The level of play is a lot higher than people give it credit for, I'm blessed to have Coach waters told me the truth about the league. very skilled players and more guys playing from the NBL because of a few teams folding.

Q: How long is the Supercats season this year, and what kind of expectations does the team have this year?

JB: The season goes to mid August then playoffs last up to the end of August. They booked my return flight for Sept. 5th lol, so that tells me we're thinking big things

Q: How do you like Australia so far, and is hard to keep in contact with family and friends being so far away from home?

JB: Australia is an cool place to be actually, very laid back and extremely friendly people. Naw, now-a-days its so easy to stay connected, of course not on a daily basis but i still communicate with my family and friends in a variety of ways.

Q: Did your trip through Spain help at all with your adjustment to a foreign country this year? (Last year Cleveland State went on an exhibition tour through the country during the summer to prepare for the upcoming season.)

JB: The Spain trip helped a lot, not really with the adjustment but how to learn my teammates quickly, now with a new team in order to be an good leader I must know my teammates.

Q: Fellow Vikings Chris Moore and George Tandy played a little professional ball in Germany this year. Have you heard what the experience was like for them?

JB: Yeah, I talked with those guys and both enjoyed their time over there and pushing to get back next season

Q: Speaking of your ex-teammates, have you been able to catch Cedric Jackson in action at all in the NBA? Have you been keeping in contact with your ex-teamate, and if so what has he said about playing with the Cavs and Spurs?
JB: I'll just start by saying I'm so happy for Ced that's truly an blessing... I have talked with him a lil but the man is busy, i know how the Pro life demands your time.. after the season we plan to catch up and train together. Haven't really seen him play this year but I check the updates everyday via Internet.

Q: What did you learn from your personal experience trying out for the New York Jets last summer? Were you pulling for them during their run in the NFL Playoffs, and are you keeping in contact with anyone from the team?

JB: I learned a lot about recovery and taking care my body, in college we take those things for granted the pro's dont mess around with that at all.. After awhile i was pulling for them since i was in the same locker room with most the guys. And yes, I am in contact with some of the players still.

Q: With the NCAA Tournament getting started later this week, has that brought back a lot of memories from last year's Horizon League Championship and upset win over Wake Forest?

JB: March Madness is the best time of the year. And of course that year will sit in my mind forever because its a blueprint on how to be a champion.

Q: When was the last time that you spoke with Coach Waters? Has he been helpful making the transition from CSU, and what kind of advice has he given you the past few months?

JB: Well like I stated earlier he opened my eyes to the level of play here right before I left the states. Me and Coach have a great relationship (actually me and all the coaches have a great relationship). Coach Water told me that a lot of players out here with the same or even more talent than me. Turn around and ask.. now what makes you set out from them? It goes further but can't disclose it all..

Q: Could you ever see yourself coaching a basketball team?

JB: Yes and no, I'm a student of the game right now and have a lot the learn and on top of that still very focused on playing the game. but i don't see myself leaving the game no more lol, so coaching is a good way to stay in the game.

Q: Considering your numbers as a member of the Vikings, there is probably a good chance that your number 35 could be retired at some point. Have you heard any rumors regarding that, and what would you like to be remembered by for your time here at Cleveland State?

JB: That would be a blessing and if it should be then it will happen. Regardless of my number being retired, these facts can never be taken from me - I helped change the program, set a standard of hard work, displayed values of a leader on and off the court and built a relationship with people all over CSU and the city of Cleveland.

Q: Any Last Thoughts?

JB: I also want to add congratulations to the Woman's bball team bringing it home 2 out the last 3 years, i knew yall had it.