First-year Connor May has played in every game of his debut collegiate season. (Ella Giere | Photo Editor)

During his first year of college, Connor May has been a key rotation player for the WashU men’s basketball team. Across thirteen games, the six-foot-six-inch forward from just outside Chicago averaged  10 points, 5.5 boards, and almost 1 assist per game. During Friday’s game against Case Western Reserve University, he put up 12 points while shooting 50% from the 3-point line and going 5-for-9 from the field. May sat down with Student Life to discuss how he got into basketball, the start of his college career, and adjusting to a new style of play.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Student Life (SL): Going back to the beginning, why did you choose to play basketball?

Connor May (CM): I’ve grown up playing basketball my whole life. My dad played basketball throughout high school, and we’ve always said that we’ve always shared a bond over basketball, and I think that relationship has fueled me to play basketball throughout my whole life.

SL: How did you find WashU, and what was the process to come here like?

CM: The first time I came here was around the middle of the season in high school. Me and my parents both loved it. It was not only like the school itself was really high-level, but at the same time the people here, their character, everyone was really nice, really outgoing. I remember walking around and people that I had no idea who they were would come up to me and tell me to come here and tell me how really nice of a school it was. I think that sold me and my parents, along with the high-level basketball team.

SL: Thinking about the beginning of the year, what was your “welcome to WashU basketball” moment?

CM: I would say in practice. In high school you have kids from all ranges of skill, from the starters all the way down to the 18th man on the bench. But here, every single player on the bench [and] on the floor is a very, very good basketball player. Most people only see the five guys that are on the court, but in practice, every day, you’re playing against guys that are really, really good. And I think that was my “welcome to WashU” moment.

SL: What is your mentality when you check in for the first time in a game?

CM: I’m thinking about doing whatever I can to help our team win. Some nights I’m asked to score a little bit; some nights I’m asked to rebound or assist. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the win and so is everyone else on our team. We’re all bought into one goal and that’s winning.

SL:  Does it feel different to play in front of your parents?

CM: Yeah, I love playing in front of my parents. One of the things I was thinking about when I was thinking about where to go to school was how my parents could see me play. It’s huge to play a game and afterwards, talk to my dad and mom in the stands, and be able to share that connection over basketball with them.

SL: What is it like playing alongside older, more veteran players and these bonds that you’ve developed with them?

CM: Those guys are amazing leaders. They are always giving me advice on how to be better on the court, but also off the court. They care about me as a person, along with all the other freshmen, and they’ve been tremendous leaders in showing how to get through college and how to succeed on the basketball floor.

SL: What’s one thing they’ve shown you?

CM: One of the biggest things that they’ve shown me as a player is composure and poise. They are very good at always reminding me to keep a level head, and for the team to keep a level head. Whether we’re riding a big lead or in a little bit of a stagnant slump, they’re very good about keeping our team even-keeled so that we can play the best we can play.

SL: Where do you see yourself growing as a player?

CM: Physically, I’d want to get stronger and bigger faster, because these guys in college, they are all developed, they’re all men. I want to be able to do everything that my team needs me to be able to do, which maybe is bringing the ball up, or guarding forwards and guards. I want to be able to do all those little facets within the game.

SL: Thinking ahead three years, what does a successful career at WashU look like for you? Winning the national championship by senior year?

CM: Winning the national championship — that’s the goal every year, so that’s what we strive for.

SL: One last question. We ask this to every Athlete of the Week. Would you rather have fish for hands or adopt a child every time you hear the song Bohemian Rhapsody?

CM: Probably fish for hands. I feel like I hear that song a lot. That’d be a lot of children.

SL: A whole fish or part of a fish? What are you thinking?

CM: Maybe a King salmon.

2024-2025 Athlete of the Week Tracker: Adopt a Child 1. Fish for Hands 2.