Eric Nielsen, Up Close

Nickname: 'E'

Favorite cold cereal: Lucky Charms

Why did you choose to play basketball over other sports: A lady told me my legs were too long and they would tangle up if I played soccer.

Before a basketball game, I: Arrive early so I have plenty of time.

How did you spend your off-season: Visiting family.

Who has had the greatest influences on your basketball career and why: My Dad because he started me off and Coach Nobis, my high school coach for teaching me the fundamentals.

What do you want to be doing 20 years from now: Be an architect.

The best player I've ever faced is: Troy Murphy, Notre Dame

What would you like to do sometime in your life: Go to the NCAA Tournament.

What is your most memorable athletic achievement or moment: Beating Utah in the Mountain West Conference Tournament.

If I were on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," the person I'd call for my lifeline is and why: My Dad because he knows a ton of trivia.

If you could play another position, what would it be: The '3' man.

How did you select your jersey number: I was the only freshman on varsity in high school and it was the only number left.

What is your favorite hobby or activity away from basket- ball: Sleeping, bodyboarding, or wakeboarding.

What is the best book you've ever read: The Book of Mormon

My advice to youngsters: Listen to your coaches and parents.

My favorite professor or most interesting BYU class I've taken: Dr. Jones, Physics.

Interesting fact most people don't know about me: I can throw a football 70 yards.

People say I look like: Ivan Drago from Rocky IV- Dolf Lungren.

If you had to give up all of your possessions except one, what would be the one thing you kept and why: My bed.

My favorite scripture: Helaman 5:12

My favorite website: ESPN.com

One place I would like to visit: Switzerland

If you could invite any three people to dinner who would they be: My wife, President Hinckley and Sister Hinckley.