Michael makes plays for Bellevue’s Bulldogs

Published 10:21 am Wednesday, February 10, 2016

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Bellevue College Bulldogs basketball player Yonathan Michael is convinced his team’s midseason woes are permanently in the rearview mirror.

The Bulldogs, who currently boast an overall record of 10-12, lost six consecutive games before defeating Everett 112-100 on Jan. 30. Michael dominated the contest, scoring a team-high 27 points in the win that snapped the longest losing streak of the season for the Bulldogs.

“I think it was huge. We are a good team. Most of those games we lost were really close games. We just needed a little extra something to get over the hump. We had a good week of practice and were finally able to get that win against a pretty good Everett team,” Michael said. “Now we just want to continue winning and hopefully go on a six or seven-game winning streak ourselves.”

The Bulldogs won their second consecutive contest with a 67-65 win against Shoreline on Feb. 6.

Michael, who is 6-feet, 6-inches tall, enjoys playing on the perimeter and in the paint.

“I do a little bit of both. Whatever the coaches need me to do, I will do,” he said.

Michael’s basketball career began at a local park during his childhood in Toronto, Canada.

“I was four years old when I first picked up a basketball. My mom took me down to the park and I used to shoot granny shots (underhand shots). That is how I got started,” he said.

Recently, the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Michael a few questions about his life away from the basketball court.

Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Yonathan Michael: “The Departed.” Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson are great actors. I liked it.

BR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

YM: I definitely want to have my degree and hopefully I’m still playing basketball. I want to live life to the fullest.

BR: Who is your pick to win the National Basketball Association title this June?

YM: It is tough to go against Golden State. Especially with the way they’ve been playing lately.

BR: What is your favorite eatery in Bellevue?

YM: I don’t really eat here that much but will probably go with Ezell’s (Famous Chicken).

BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

YM: People who lie. I don’t like it when people lie.

BR: What is the last book you’ve read?

YM: It was called “Holler if You Hear Me.” It is basically a biography of a guy who grew up in Chicago and the trials and tribulations of his life.

BR: Who was your idol growing up?

YM: My dad. He was a positive role model and was always there for me. He is someone I could always go to if I ever needed any advice.

BR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

YM: Tupac Shakur.