Penn State Harrisburg men's basketball senior guard Kenny Stone is a student of the game.  He credits his coaches, including current Lions mentor Don Friday, with teaching him the finer points of the game.  He's begun working on his craft by working with a local youth team.  He also lists several coaches he'd like to meet and emulate.  INTRODUCING … Kenny Stone.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play? 

I have been playing basketball since I was about five years old. During my senior year in high school (at Scotland School), I was part of a District Championship team.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  

I am a communications major, the most important things that I have learned is how vital is it to be able to read and write. I know that sounds elementary, but that is probably the biggest things my professors stress to me, along with being able to speak in front of people and give presentations.

What is your favorite spot on campus?   

My favorite part of the campus is our cafeteria.  It is a place where my friends and teammates and I can just relax and hang out together. It is just a fun place to be, there is never a dull moment.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?   

My favorite place to visit is my aunt's house back home (Philadelphia). That is where my whole family goes around the holidays, where we all go to be together.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  

I help coach a youth basketball team in Middletown, Pa.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.

During my sophomore year, in a game played without our best player (Kenton Alston) and against the defending league champs in SUNYIT, we were down two with about 10 seconds to go.  I got a steal and pushed the ball the length of the floor then hit my teammate Nick Liddell in rhythm for the game-winning three.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  

The most influential people other than my family members have been my basketball coaches. They are men who have helped me become the man I am today, and they have always stuck by my side no matter what.  I remain close with them all and continue to ask them for advice.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  

The tuition costs are by far the most important issues facing college students.  There a lot of smart young children who will never be able to go to college because they do not have the money for it.  That really saddens me.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   

Racism is an issue that is near and dear to my heart and that is the issue that I would change if I had the chance. One thing that I would do to change it is take the race question off of all job applications, I truly believe that plays a part if someone would even get an interview or not. The fact that your race could stop you from getting a job that you are qualified for sickens me.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  

My favorite form of entertainment is film.  I am really intrigued by the way directors develop and tell these stories. I have taken a couple of film classes in school and since learning about all that goes into the production of a movie, I have learned to like them even more.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   

Listen to the adults in your life, and trust what they are telling you because they are trying to help you.

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  

My favorite athlete is LeBron James and I say that because of the way he responds to the critics. After "The Decision" and the subsequent loss to the Mavericks in the finals, he has gotten better every year. The way he has totally changed his game is something like I have never seen, first by becoming a much better post player and last year really working on improving his perimeter shooting just shows how hard he is willing to work.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?  

The first person is John Wooden.  At some point in the future, I would like to coach basketball and there is one name that constantly comes up when you talk basketball coaches and that is John Wooden. The second person is Miami Heat Coach Erik Spolestra.  I would like to meet him because he has, in my opinion, the toughest job in sports.  If he wins, it's because he has the "Big Three," but if he loses he gets all the blame. I am just intrigued by the way he carries himself, he never looks overwhelmed and the way he keeps so calm under immense pressure is fascinating to me. The third person is Kobe Bryant, his approach to the game is unlike anyone else I have ever seen before. The way he prepares, his basketball intelligence, and the intensity that he plays with is second to none.