TheHoop-La.com goes one on one with Hamilton, Ontario's Keenan Jepessen 6'6" of the OUA West's McMaster Marauders.

What were the main factors that motivated you to attend McMaster?

It has always been a personal goal to get an M.B.A. DeGroote's culture and reputation made it the perfect fit. From a basketball prospective I have always had great respect for coach Raso and the program and it will be a nice way to finish up my career in front of my friends and family.

What are you bringing to this year’s McMaster squad?

As a guy who has been around I hope to bring a lot of experience to a very talented and eager squad. I hope I can convey to them the intensity and consistency it takes to be successful in the post season.

How do you expect McMaster to do this season?

Nothing less than a National Championship would be a disappointment. However, we need to take it one game at a time so the only thing I expect at this point is to be prepared for UQAM who we play this Friday.

Personally what goals are you aiming for this season?

Personally my goals are to take this team as far as possible this season. It would mean a lot to me to help McMaster return to the perennial national contender I remember it as when I watched guys like Titus Channer and Doug Doyle take them to the tournament.

Have you thought much about January 23rd, 2010 when McMaster takes on Western?

January 23rd is a long time from now but I know that it will mark a crucial game in our season. If I know anything from spending two years with those guys it's how competitive they are from the coaching staff through the players. I expect them to be competing for the league title and whenever you want to be the best you have to go through the defending champs.

You’ve gotten off to a good start winning your first two games. Are you pleased with the way the team is gelling and coming along?

What pleased me most about the past weekend is our ability to fight. We didn't shoot the ball all weekend and we withstood runs by two very tough, well-coached teams and still found a way to get it the job done.

Who do you expect to get a fight from this season in the OUA generally?

The OUA remains to be the toughest league in Canada. This year especially I believe you will see a very small gap between the first and last place teams whether you look at the east or the west. I would be naive to try to predict any other team besides McMaster at the top of the league. Every team is so talented it is going to come down to who buys into their system and who is going to play the hardest game in and game out.

Super freshmen Ryan Christie has come up big in his first two games. What do you like most about playing alongside of him?

Ryan is an incredible talent with a good feel for the game. What I like best about playing with him is how hard he plays on both ends of the court. I hope in my time here I can pass on to Ryan some of the tools it takes to be successful in this league. If he continues to commit himself and work the sky is the limit.

McMaster fans are really excited about this season, what would you like to say to Marauder fans on TheHoop-La?

Mac has always had one of the best attended venues in the country and as players we really appreciate the love. We are going to have some ups and downs throughout the season and coming home to a ruckus Burridge Gymnasium will be the difference maker. I look forward to this season and know that if you come out you won't be disappointed. Thanks again for the support. Go Marauders!