Men's basketball senior center Brandon Altmann, this week's CAC INTRODUCING ... featured student-athlete, transferred to the University of Mary Washington prior to his sophomore season and quickly emerged as one of the best "big men" in the conference.  He earned first-team All-CAC last year, and is having another banner year this season.

What is your background in the sport you play?  I started playing ball when I was six years old with my brother in the driveway. From there I joined various travel teams in Vienna, Va.  I was a two year starter for the James Madison High School varsity team, and a member of the NOVA United AAU team. Freshman year, I played for Gannon University, a Division II school in Erie, Pa., and now I'm in my third year as a starter at UMW.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is the dining hall Seacobeck.  I love to eat.  You can always find me there grabbing something to refuel before or after a long practice.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  I would say the impact the economy is having on society, and will continue to have on job opportunities for students coming out of school. Many students do not realize how hard it is going to be to secure a job after graduation.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   My major is Business Administration, and the most important thing I have learned is money management and how to budget money. Finance is something that I have always taken a liking to and is the profession where I would love to be after graduation.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  I would have to say the most influential person in my life is my long time friend Jonathon Ogolo. Ogolo plays basketball for Elon University and through my high school years, Jon was always there to push me to the next level whether it be workouts, school work and with our social lives.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Practice makes perfect, and only if you work at something do you deserve to have success at it.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment is getting out in great weather for a round of golf. There is nothing more relaxing than good friends, good weather and good golf.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  Dirk Nowitzski is my favorite player because of how uniquely skilled he is. I am also a huge Tim Duncan fan. In the college game, I love to watch Cole Aldrich go to work.  I try to base my game off of his, and we look pretty similar with a gap in our mouths where teeth have been knocked out.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    Coach Mike Kryzewski - he is such an influential figure in the basketball world, but more importantly he teaches you how to become a man.  My father, Rainer Altmann- he is my biggest influence in life and I always enjoy spending time with him.  Bill Gates- I would love to be able to chat with him about his success in business, obviously he has a wealth of knowledge about that. But also has been a major impact in giving back to the less fortunate.