Men's Basketball: Writing his own story

Three years later, Maddox is the senior co-captain of a 14-4 Princeton squad which is considered a strong contender to top the Ivy League. Maddox’s scoring average doubled from the 2009-10 season to 13.6 points per game. He also has more assists and blocks than in previous years with 12 more games left in the season.

For all his ferocity on the court, the 6-foot-8-inch Maddox is not one to talk about his own prowess in games.

Johnson explained that Maddox has always been a strong defensive player for the team and has always expected the team to play its hardest. “He gives an honest effort in practice, and there is an expectation that he will hold them accountable to give their best on the court,” Johnson said.

From the first day of practice, however, “Kareem exhibited fearlessness. He doesn’t always have to play brash, doesn’t have to put up the most points, he just freed himself of all the small worries,” Johnson added.

As a co-captain of the basketball team, Maddox has high expectations for everyone. “I know that, every practice, guys need to give their full effort,” he said. “If you’re not trying your hardest then you are just wasting your time.”

To Maddox, being co-captain of the team has been an honor. “Considering other captains such as Bill Bradley [’65] and Coach Johnson, I’m glad to have the opportunity to lead a group of guys who really care about the team.”

Maddox explained that a lot of what he does comes from older students, who mentored him in previous years.

“In particular, Zach Woolridge [’08], who was a senior when I was a freshman ... we were pretty good friends. I talk to him a lot, considering how he is much older than I am.

“Of the five seniors that were here when I was a freshman, I’ve talked to all of them within the past week,” he explained. “Facebook chat is a great invention.”

Maddox, a native of Oak Park, Calif., has been playing basketball since he was eight years old. Maddox explained that he tried out a lot of different sports in high school, including a year of water polo.

“It’s really big out west, but honestly, water polo is the hardest sport ever,” said Maddox. “You have to spend time trying not to drown.”

Maddox was a leader in high school as well, serving as the captain of the basketball team, school president and editor-in-chief of the newspaper. He admits that he has had trouble finding the time for his other passions between basketball and schoolwork.

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An English major, Maddox says he is combining “A Clockwork Orange,” “Cat’s Cradle” and “1984” for his senior thesis.

“It was kind of spur-of-the-moment to decide to major in English ... I’ve always enjoyed writing and have wanted to get more into journalism.”

Maddox has contributed to the News and Street sections of The Daily Princetonian.

“It’s been tough with class and basketball, because in high school you could do everything,” Maddox explained. “I’ve been trying to read outside of class as well, but it’s been slow progress.”

The senior admits that he has read all of the “Harry Potter” and Twilight books. “A teammate suggested a ‘Twilight’ book to me one day” he said. “I read the first one and just had to finish the rest.”

Maddox intends to continue with basketball after graduating in the spring. “Ideally I want to play professional basketball overseas in Europe, but for a year or two at most. I also want to do some freelance writing while I’m out there ... Hopefully in that time I can figure out life by then. The last thing I want to do is sit at a desk and have 10 years go by.”