Kevin Slaughter, 20-year-old finance sophomore, plays guard for the IUS men’s basketball team, but that’s not all he does.
Even though he said he loves playing basketball, he doesn’t see it in his future after graduation. His goal is to become a stock broker, hopefully in Chicago.
“My father used to live there,” Slaughter said. “I think that’s where I want to live, too.”
Slaughter’s interest in finance also comes from his father, who works in finance, as a supervisor with the Metro Sewer District.
For now, though, Slaughter is just enjoying his time at IU Southeast, playing basketball for the Grenadiers.
Slaughter graduated from Eastern High School and played with current teammate Rick Bodiford, communications junior, for one year as a freshman. He also ran track in high school, running the 400-meter and 4×400 meter relay.
After high school, Slaughter attended Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky., where he majored in international studies with hopes of a career working on the globalization of companies.
Slaughter red-shirted that year, mainly because he was so young, just 17 years old. During this time, he decided he wanted to be closer to home.
“I got a little homesick,” Slaughter said. “Plus, my sister was going to school here. So I came back.”
His interest in IU Southeast also stemmed from the prestige of the IUS School of Business.
Slaughter’s sister, Tiffiani Slaughter, communications senior, still attends IU Southeast and played center for the women’s basketball team each of her first three years, averaging 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
The middle of January has been good to Slaughter during his first two seasons at IU Southeast.
Midway through his first season with the Grenadiers, on Jan. 10, 2009, Slaughter posted what is still his career high, with 17 points. He also added five rebounds.
One year later, on Jan. 16, Slaughter had another career game, scoring 13 points and tying careers highs with seven rebounds and five assists.
Slaughter’s 3-point shooting may be his best asset. He is currently shooting 44.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Off the court, Slaughter said he enjoys creative writing.
“I don’t write a lot on my own, but I like writing papers for my classes,” Slaughter said.
He also enjoys listening to hip-hop artists such as Drake, Lil’ Wayne and Jay-Z and reads Complex, which is a hip-hop-focused magazine.
Slaughter said he prefers comedy and action movies, naming Denzel Washington’s most recent film as one if his favorites right now.
“‘The Book of Eli’ was really good,” Slaughter said.
He said he is also very interested in sneakers, specifically, limited edition Nike Air Force Ones.
Not only is Slaughter a basketball player, but he is also a huge basketball fan. His favorite college team is the University of Kentucky Wildcats and his favorite team in the NBA is the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Outside of basketball Slaughter has a quiet, unsuspecting demeanor, not signifying a lack of interest or confidence, but more an intense focus. On the court, his confidence comes through as he pulls up and knocks down 3-pointers on a regular basis.
By DERRICK HOLDRIDGE
Staff Writer
dvholdri@umail.iu.edu