By Bryce Bennett
UTA Public Relations Student

ARLINGTON, Texas -- When it comes to being a student athlete at UTA, a certain level of accountability is expected.

Nobody would agree with this more than men's basketball senior guard, Drew Charles who is set to graduate with his master's degree in business in the spring. But just because Charles works hard off the court, it doesn't mean he doesn't give 110 percent on the court.

Charles is a small-town kid from Azle, where he graduated in 2012. Charles was a single sport high school player who chose basketball as his sport due to the "competitive edge" and because he felt like a "natural" when it came to shooting.

Charles wanted to play basketball at the next level but never saw himself playing for a NCAA Division I school.

"Small town country going to play Division I basketball is more than a dream fulfilled," claimed Charles describing his transition from Azle to Dallas-Fort Worth and the big school surroundings of UTA.

When it comes to playing the game Charles is a standout player. While he's not the tallest guy, Charles makes up for it in speed and accuracy. 12 games into the season Charles averages 7,6 points per game and is shooting a .444 percent from the field. Charles' 3-point percentage leads the team (.455) and he is almost among the school's top 10 in long distance shooting.

In the preseason, head coach Scott Cross commended Charles on his ability to shoot the three and also how he has worked on driving the lane and getting to the foul line. "He's definitely an improved, stronger finisher than he was last year," Cross stated.

Charles was not always the player he is today; he had to work for it. When he first came to UTA Charles was a freshman contending for a starting position and he had his work cut out for him.

"When I committed here to UTA I was ready to redshirt to get bigger, stronger and faster," said Charles. However, when the starting guards came up with injuries, Cross' plans for Charles changed. He appeared in 32 games his freshman year and started four of those games. He averaged 4.3 points per game and played an average of 16 minutes per game.

After the 2012-13 season ended and Charles came back ready for his sophomore year, his wishes of redshirting were granted. When asked about his redshirt experience, Charles acknowledged "I grew up my sophomore year and learned a lot more than I thought about the game of basketball. The redshirt season also really allowed me to get ahead in school." After his redshirt year Charles posted 7 and 9 point averages, respectively, for the next two seasons.

When asked about what he expected out of this season Charles said "I want it to go out with a bang. If that means we beat UT and come home with a conference ring, I can't ask for anything more."

Fortunately, the Mavericks defeated the Longhorns 72-61 so securing the conference title is next on the list.

Many high school basketball players don't get to play at the next level and Charles knows he's fortunate to be able to play college basketball. The percentage of high school students who go on to play at the college level is just three percent for men's basketball and only 1.2 percent of those make it on to play any sort of professional basketball.

"Of course, I want to play in the NBA, I wouldn't be here playing if that wasn't my dream. But if that doesn't happen, I've received a great education," Charles said, when asked about plans after college.

For now, Charles understands his role on the team and is more than willing to fulfill his position.

It wasn't until this season that he was a regular starter, and Charles respects that. "My job is my job, regardless of when I play." Charles continues to show that his team comes first and that his role is wherever the team needs him so the Mavs can bring home a conference championship.