The Northern Star caught up with NIU men’s basketball starting guard Darion Anderson.

The freshman stepped off the court to explain his nickname and talk about meeting a hero during a basketball game in Chicago.

Northern Star: Your real name is Darion Anderson, but you go by Jake. Where did you get your nickname from?

Darion Anderson: Actually it’s short for my middle name Jakeon.

NS: Why do you choose to go by your middle name?

DA: My family just started calling me Jake.

NS: You attended Carver Military Academy. What was it like going to school at a military academy?

DA: It was fun; I learned a lot of things. It showed me how to remain disciplined.

NS: You grew up in Chicago; do you have a favorite Chicago sports team?

DA: The Bulls.

NS: Have you gone to any of their games.

DA: Yeah, I’ve been to a Bulls game – a Bulls game and a Bears Game.

NS: Have you ever met any of the players on those teams?

DA: I met Michael Jordan. [I was] just playing basketball in Foster Park in the south side of Chicago.

NS: Did he give you any good basketball advice?

DA: Yeah, but we got to keep that a secret.

NS: I read in the NIU Basketball program that you fear nothing, is that true?

DA: Yeah.

NS: Spiders?

DA: No.

NS: Snakes?

DA: No.

NS: Coach Patton?

DA: No. Not at all.

NS: Do you have an embarrassing sports moment?

DA: Tonight’s game. With all the turnovers I had.

NS: What is your best non-athletic talent?

DA: I like to draw.

NS: What kind of stuff do you like to draw?

DA: All types of things. Nothing in particular.

NS: What is something not many people know about you?

DA: A lot of people don’t know I like to watch cartoons a lot.

NS: What kind of cartoons?

DA: Old cartoons like The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby Doo and Tom and Jerry.

NS: I love Scooby Doo, best cartoon ever.

DA: My little sister loves Scooby Doo.

NS: Do you only have one younger sibling?

DA: I have two younger sisters. And they watch cartoons with me all the time.