Editor’s note: “5 minutes with …” is a new feature that will run on Thursdays. It is intended to be a light-hearted Q and A session with some of the stars in NIU athletics.

Johnathan Byrd is a junior college transfer from Southwest Missouri State-West Plains.

A 6-foot-9 Chicago native, Byrd won a city title during his senior year at Morgan Park High School on the southside.

Byrd and the Huskies look to continue their dominance at home (6-0) with a 2:05 p.m. game Sunday against Buffalo at the Convocation Center.

Northern Star: While undefeated at the Convo Center, what do you consider your true home: DeKalb or Chicago?

Johnathan Byrd: Chicago, that’s where I was born and raised. It’s my city.

NS: What’s the hardest part about being 6-foot-9?

JB: Being noticed everywhere I go. Sometimes I want to just blend in with the crowd. But I wouldn’t give it up for the world. I actually wish I were taller.

NS: And the best part?

JB: You get to see everything.

NS: Who’s the best player you’ve ever played against?

JB: I’m not going to say Eddy Curry; that’s the obvious answer. I played Chicago Pro/Am over the summer.

NS: What’s the one thing players know not to do or coach Judson will blow up?

JB: When he asks how you’re doing, you just can’t say ‘cool.’ The word he uses is ‘engaged’. He wants you to be engaged. He doesn’t like it when you’re laid-back at all.

NS: You live at Stevenson; what’s your favorite food to get there?

JB: What I had [Wednesday night], the GUY-RO. But my favorite food is whatever they are serving.

NS: What’s the biggest advantage of being on the basketball team?

JB: Being able to play at the Convo. We have every resource to get better; strength coaches, assistant coaches, facilities, everything.

NS: What’s your idea of a good time on a Friday night in DeKalb, assuming you don’t have a game?

JB: Hanging out with my teammates and going to a party.

NS: Why do you think you guys are undefeated at home, but struggling on the road?

JB: We feel more comfortable at home knowing we’ve got the crowd behind us. It’s real mental. Since we’ve been winning at home, it’s real personal. We really defend it. I think we’ll still win the MAC.