ORANGEBURG, SC – We had the chance to sit down with former SC State men's basketball player and current assistant men's basketball coach Raheem Waller. Waller returns for a second stint to the Bulldog men's basketball coaching staff under Erik Martin, after previously serving as the Director of Player Development at Alabama State University (2022-23) and as an assistant at his alma mater under Tony Madlock (2021-22). Waller is a former standout and team captain at SC State University. He earned all-conference and all-tournament honors while leading the Bulldogs to MEAC titles, along with NCAA Tournament appearances, in 1996 and 1998. Prior to beginning his coaching career, Waller embarked on a professional career in the International Basketball League (IBL), United States Basketball League (USBL) and several leagues around the world.
  
• What is your favorite hobby? 
My favorite hobby is traveling and visiting family and friends.
• What made you want to become a coach?
The passion I have for the game of basketball inspired me to coach. I can teach young men and help them reach their full potential. 
• Why did you choose SC State as a player and coach? 
My family and high school classmates who attended SC State convinced me to attend the best school known to man. As a coach, the opportunity of coming back home presented itself. Coaching at my alma mater has always been a dream of mine, and that dream was fulfilled by way of Coach Madlock and Coach Martin offering me the opportunity.  
• What is one word that describes you?
Caring 
• What is one of the biggest challenges you faced as a coach? 
The biggest challenge we face as coaches is job security. With the transfer portal, managing the roster each year is challenging, making it difficult to have consistency each year. 
• What's the best advice you received from a coach?
Be Patient!
• If you coach any other sport, what would you coach? 
Football is another sport I would coach because of the grit that the players must possess. 
 
HOT SEAT
• Favorite Food?
Salmon
• Favorite song and artist?
Mint Condition- Pretty Brown Eyes 
• Favorite hobby?
Travel
• Favorite sport besides basketball?
Football
• Name something about yourself no one else knows.
I am committed to what I'm involved with.
 
ABOUT THE BULLDOG MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
• Who do you think is the Funniest person on the Team? 
James Morrow
• Who is most likely to be late to practice? 
Atiba Taylor
• Who's more likely to be seen eating? 
Dallas James
• Who's the biggest motivator on the team? 
Davion Everett
• Who's most likely to step up and be a leader? 
Raquan Brown
• Who's the biggest trash talker? 
Michael Teal
• Loudest? 
Davion Everett
• Quietest? 
Caleb McCarthy 
• Most Improved? 
Dallas James
 
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