Senior guard Bird helps Bulls soar to the top

Jason Bird has four games left in his last regular season. When those four games are over, and the postseason has ended, Bulls fans may remember Bird as an effective 3-point marksman.

But Bird said that when he looks back, it's the personal things he'll remember.

"My greatest basketball memory is the way we felt after the playoff game at home last year. That kind of excitement can't be replaced but, hopefully we can create some new greatest moments this year," Bird said.

Though he has sported the UB blue and white for 102 games over his career, Bird still has some goals to accomplish before his time at UB is through.

"I had a lot of goals coming into the season," he said. "The team goal was a MAC championship. A personal goal is I wanted to have the best season I've had here and do whatever I can to help the team win."

Bird is confident that this is the year UB will reach its main goal and finally make the NCAA tournament.

"I think if we play our basketball, not many teams in the country can beat us," added Bird.

Despite making Buffalo his main home for the last three years, Bird originally hails from Ypsilanti, Mich. Coming from a tight-knit family, Bird said he admires his parents for the morals they have implemented in his life.

"My parents were my role models," said Bird. "I thank them for being such great examples. I didn't need anything else after that."

Raised less than two miles from MAC rival Eastern Michigan, Bird has historically played extremely well when the Bulls have traveled to take on the Eagles.

"I feel a lot of support when I play there, I try to relax and do the things I always do. Things just tend to go well there for me. It's been a blessing," said Bird.

When UB traveled to Ypsilanti this season, Bird had a breakout game, pouring in 20 points off the bench. Although he is unsure exactly what has sparked his stellar play of late, Bird credits an offensively aggressive mindset.

"I've been more aggressive offensively," said Bird. "Pretty much I've been playing the same style of basketball that I had been playing. The main thing is I've been more aggressive on offense."

While Bird prepares to graduate and to leave the basketball team, the UB crowd will prepare to say goodbye to the four seniors who helped turn UB basketball from the laughingstock of the MAC to potential NCAA tournament challengers.

FIVE RANDOM QUESTIONS:

1. What's your dream car?

"I'm not really into cars, but I'll say (the Cadillac) Escalade."

2. If someone were to create a fan group for you, what would they be called?

"Probably the Bird's Nest or the Bird's Watch. There are a lot of things that can fit with my name.

3. Favorite movie that you're embarrassed to admit that you like?

"I'm not really embarrassed by any movie that I like, one of the stupid movies that I liked a lot was 'Anchorman.'"

4. Who's got the better hair, Mario or Rod?

"Right now, I think that Rod might be passing Mario up."

5. What's your favorite SportsCenter catchphrase?

"I don't watch too much TV, but Stuart Scott has to have it, he's always got the catchphrases going on."