Get to know UTSA men’s basketball student-athlete Nazar Mahmoud in this Q&A.
Q: Why did you choose UTSA?
Nazar Mahmoud: "I chose UTSA because of the fit because of the style of play, being close to home, the American Athletic Conference and the family environment. I am the only returner from last year and I genuinely love it here at UTSA."
Q: What do you like most about being a student-athlete at UTSA?
Nazar Mahmoud: "What I like most about being a student-athlete is honestly bonding with other student-athletes because we are all going through the same thing together. And then also interacting with non-student-athletes because you can get caught up in the athlete life and it is a lot. I have loved meeting all the new people this year from the professors, advisors, trainers, coaches and students. EVERYBODY has been a joy."
Q: How did you first get involved in playing basketball?
Nazar Mahmoud: “I first got involved with baseball and I was really good at it, but I just gravitated towards basketball and fell in love with it.”
Q: What are you majoring in and what do you hope to do following your athletic career?
Nazar Mahmoud: "I am majoring in business analytics. I definitely want to do something in the business field and have my own business. I want to work for myself and have multiple ways of income. My degree will help me do that."
Q: What is an interesting fact about you that most people might not know?
Nazar Mahmoud: "If you don't know me, I am a social person and love to brighten the room when I walk in, not when I walk out. Ironically, I like to stay in my room and chill and not really go out too often."
Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Nazar Mahmoud: "The most influential person in my life is my father Hisham Mahmoud. Seeing what he did for our family immigrating from Sudan to give us a better life here is everything I could ask for. My father works his tail off night in and night out. It is incredible to see, and now I am trying to make the most of my opportunity. Also, my cousin Tariq Gafar - he is three years older than me and he's like my brother. He has helped me mature as a man and I can talk to him about anything, whether it's basketball, family, religion, life or school. We grew up together and seeing us both take our separate paths but both being successful doing so is beautiful. We love to see each other win."
Q: Who is your sports role model?
Nazar Mahmoud: “My sports role model is the GOAT Lebron James. He’s my favorite player of all time. Everything he does on the court is nothing short of spectacular. But what he does off the court is very inspirational. Seeing what he came from and how he grew up to what he is now is a phenomenal achievement. He is an inspiration to the youth.”
To make a contribution that supports UTSA's nearly 400 student-athletes, donate to the Roadrunner Athletic Fund today.