Portland State's Chehales Tapscott (11) leads the Big Sky in double-doubles with 10.
Portland State senior Chehales Tapscott recorded his Big Sky Conference-leading 10th double-double of the season on Wednesday night, scoring 17 points with 11 rebounds, five blocks and three steals in a win over Sacramento State. The 6-foot-5 forward from Hillsboro, Ore., is in his second season with the Vikings after a standout career at Clackamas Community College. Tapscott currently ranks seventh in the league in scoring with an average of 14 points per game. He is first in rebounds (9.3) and blocks (1.9) per game, second in steals (1.9), and fifth in field-goal percentage (54.4). The Vikings are currently 7-6 in conference, and looking to secure a home game in the first round of the Big Sky Championship. The Vikings travel to Idaho for a non-conference game on Saturday. Big Sky intern Alyssa Askew asked Tapscott some questions about his career and life. Let’s get to know Chehales Tapscott:
Q: Why/when did you start playing basketball?
A: I started playing basketball as a freshman in high school, one of my closest friends at the time pressured me into playing because I was tall and athletic, so I tried out and the coaching staff at my high school was very impressed. They made sure I kept playing.
Q: So far, what is your best memory of playing college basketball at Portland State?
A: Honestly the best memory is just hanging out with my teammates and friends that I met here on campus.
Q: Has your career been what you expected? Why or why not?
A: I’ve had a good career here, but so far no rings and my expectations coming into Portland State was to get a Big Sky ring and an NCAA Tournament berth, so until I do that, it hasn’t been what I expected.
Q: Has the jump from a junior college to a Division I been what you expected (both academically and athletically)?
A: Yes, I knew from the first day I stepped on campus that academically it was going to be a grind, and athletically the game was going to be faster with stronger athletes.
Q: What made you choose Portland State?
A: A good coaching staff that believed in me. When I was struggling academically in high school, they could have easily forgotten about me, but they didn’t. They stayed committed and monitored me throughout Junior College.
Q: Since you’re a local to the Portland area, did you have any thoughts of going to Portland State after high school?
A: Yes I did, actually. I wanted to stay close to my father.
Q: Looking back how did playing at the Junior College level help prepare you athletically and academically for the Division I level?
A: Academically it helped me learn the tools to become a better student, and athletically it showed me that I can’t just show up to games and out-athletic everyone I play like I did in high school. So I knew that I had to work hard to get stronger and better by working in the gym.
Q: What is it like to be able to finish your collegiate career at home at Portland State?
A: It’s great. I have a lot of friends from growing up around here and their support is great. Ultimately my father gets to see me grow as not only a basketball player but as a man, so it’s really great!
Q: You are currently the leader in the conference with nine double-doubles. Is your mindset every game to get a double-double, and just how hard is it, especially on the rebounding end?
A: I believe I have 10 now after last night’s game. Ha. But my mindset is to get the ball. I’ve always been told by my dad if I want the ball in my hand, and want to score than go get it. It is hard because at this point in the season everyone knows I rebound very well, so there is always someone who has a responsibility to keep me off the glass and those guys are usually the stronger athletic guys on there team. But I just have a relentless mindset so I don’t ever stop.
Q: Tell us about your first name. We have never heard of anyone else named Chehales (pronounced shuh-HAY-less).
A: I’m just special, ha ha. My father is the architect behind my name; he was a high ranked Vietnam veteran soldier that believed one day I would follow in his footsteps. My first and middle name (Centurion) mean, “leader of the sand warriors.” My father did predict that at this time in my life the military would be fighting in a war in the sand.
Q: You guys have white, green, and black uniforms. What is your favorite uniform, and why?
A: My favorite is the black ones, because, it’s like the bad guy swag. We want to go on the road and be the bad guys by beating a team on their home court.
Q: We hear that you have a very close relationship with your father. Tell us about that relationship. Is it all about basketball, or more than that?
A: My father and I are super close. My father and I have been through a lot together. He is currently fighting a rare skin cancer, but despite that he sacrifices all he has just to see me smile. The days when financially we were struggling, he would sacrifice not eating so I could have a full meal, or he would give me his last $20 dollars so I could do things with my friends. My father has always been there for me, and the things he has done for me and the sacrifices he has made so that I can be in the best position to be successful is all priceless. My father lives for me, and I live for him.
Q: What are you plans once you finish college?
A: I want to be a guidance councelor for kids in the inner-city.
Q: What is something nobody knows about you?
A: I’m ambidextrous.
Q: Where is your favorite place to eat in Portland?
A: “Loco Locos Burritos.” It’s super yummy.
Q: Who has the best arena in the Big Sky (other than your own)?
A: I really like the Montana arena because it’s like the perfect size and they have great fan support.
Q: So far what has been your favorite Big Sky trip and why?
A: The Eastern Washington trip because it was a short trip and we won on a game-winner.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do besides playing basketball?
A: I like playing video games, watching movies and hanging out with friends.
Q: If you could have dinner with any three people in the world (living or deceased) who would they be and why?
A: Jackie Robinson because I want to ask him what it was like to make that step from the Negro Leagues to the Major Leagues. Michael Jackson because he is the best artist ever, and that dude could dance. I would want him to teach me some of his moves. Last but diffidently not least, Amanda Dutra. She is my best friend and its always fun talking to her. She keeps a smile on my face. She is on the Portland State soccer team if you didn’t know.
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
A: I have two. Michael “Air” Jordan of course, he is amazing at basketball and paved the way for me. And Usain Bolt, that man is crazy fast. I need his speed He is really fun to watch run.