May 16, 2004

LMULions:So, freshie (Ziri is the youngest player on the team), is this your first trip internationally?

Jon Ziri: I have never left the United States. San Diego has been the closest I have ever come to leaving the country.

LMU Well, how is it?

JZ: It is unreal. It is crazy to be somewhere so different. It is weird to think I am here for basketball. Playing a game I have grown up with in a part of the country that is so deep in history will be something I won't forget.

LMU: So what is impressive about it?

JZ: The scenery and the traditions are amazing. It is facinating to see how they keep up with everything going and maintaing those traditions throughout the centuries. I love how they keep things moving after all these years, allowing me to see all of this.

LMU: What do you hope to accomplish?

JZ: I wanted to enjoy minute and take in as much as possible. When they planned this trip last year I was not going to be able to go because I was an incoming freshman. By putting it back a year, I was able to go. I will not take that for granted. Being here with my friends and teammates and playing basketball is amazing.

LMU: How about being the youngest?

JZ: Easy. People give me a hard time, but they watch out for me as well. We are a pretty tight group.

- GO LIONS -