Kevin Easley was quite the touted signee when he inked scholarship papers with the Chattanooga Mocs. ESPN listed him as a 4-star prospect with a commitment to play for former Mocs Head Coach Will Wade at VCU before he departed to lead LSU.
 
The staff knew they were getting a player. But did they know the "goofy" nature that would come along for the ride? It wasn't exactly what fellow freshman Maurice Commander was expecting.
 
"Nah," Commander chuckled. "He's a different personality, but I get it. We're both from the Midwest (Chicago/Indianapolis), we kind of know the same stuff...the same slang language.
 
"When we came together, there was like an instant bond because we knew what each other was saying where some others didn't. We just have a lot of fun with it."
 
His teammates certainly appreciate it evidenced by the smile that covered freshman Keigan Kerby's face when asked about his roommate.
 
"That's everything about Kevin," Kerby began. "From the moment the guy walks in the door to the moment he leaves...he's all goofy. That's just the way to describe him. I'm trying to come up with a specific example or story, but there's just so many of them."
 
So it's a term of endearment?
 
"Absolutely. He's super funny. He's always on the jokes, always bringing new language to us...he's a comical dude to be around."
 
Bringing people together is a special gift. Having the personality to draw people in, keep them smiling and keep it light during the trying times of fall camp. The lads are entering that time where all you want to do is see another jersey across from you and compete as a team against an opponent instead of each other.
 
"Yeah, he cracks some jokes," Commander added. "I try to do it right along with him to keep everybody laughing and having a good time. We're young, we gotta have fun while we're going through this (preseason practices)."
 
One thing is for certain, VCU's loss is Chattanooga's gain.
 
Goofy: being crazy, ridiculous or mildly ludicrous: Silly. Merriam-Webster
 
IN A WORD
David Jean-Baptiste – Engaged
Thomas Smallwood – Dad
Rod Johnson – Mayor
 
BASKETBALL TIPOFF EVENT
The Mocs men's and women's teams are hosting a get together in McKenzie Arena on Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m. It's an interactive program allowing young and old a chance to meet all of their Mocs and maybe even try their hand at displaying their own hoops abilities. There are game and skill stations managed by the student-athletes covering knockout, free throws and dribbling. Artists can render their interpretations of the players along with photo and autograph areas as well. More info here.
 
TICKETS
Season tickets are on sale now. They can be purchased on GoMocs.com or by calling (423) 266-MOCS. Fans can also stop by the Gate 1 ticket office at McKenzie Arena.
 
Full season tickets range from $90-190 for lower-level reserved through upper-level general admission.
 

Seat Type	Season Ticket
*Padded Reserved	$190
100 Level Reserved	$165
200 Level Reserved	$165
200 Level Corner	$135
200 Level End Zone	$105
300 Level GA	$90

*Mocs Club Donation Required
 
UTC faculty/staff season tickets are offered at a reduced rate. Faculty/staff members should stop or call the McKenzie Arena ticket office for more information or to purchase.
 
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the UTC Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.