By Courtney Havens, UTA Public Relations Student

Everyone who knows Kevin Hervey understands he lives and breathes basketball, but few know much else. The senior forward has a quiet and disciplined demeanor. He's friendly, focused and likes to keep his personal life private. Hervey's words are carefully considered, and you can tell he has his mind on getting back onto the court.

For the last few years, Hervey's life has been very little other than eat, sleep, basketball, repeat. He loves to put in hard work and has many reasons to be thankful. He comes from a good home, with loving parents and two older brothers. According to Hervey, throughout his entire life he has had a lot of role models on and off the court that have wanted to see him succeed.

"One of my brothers is the first black administrator for the city of Corsicana and my other brother is a jazz band director for one of Arlington's high schools," said Hervey. "I actually used to be into music too and I was pretty good."

Before the 8th grade, you could find Hervey playing the saxophone until he had to choose between music and basketball.

Hervey is well-rounded with a kind heart, talented and naturally driven.

"I go to church every Sunday," said Hervey. "I am a believer in God. I have a strong faith. I just love to play basketball, go to church and go to school."

And while he modestly insists there is not much else to his life besides what meets the eye, Hervey admitted he does like to have fun.

"My teammates are my best friends," added Hervey. "We love to hang out all the time or get food, and we always have a good time."

The team chemistry is evident watching the Mavs play together and that team bond is just as important off the court.

"My team and I went to the Bahamas my sophomore year at UTA for an international basketball tournament," remembered Hervey. "I had never been to the beach and I can't swim. A group of my teammates were on the beach while I was walking into the water. Since I had never been in the ocean before, I didn't know that the seafloor went down, and before I knew it I was underwater and almost drowned. It sounds scary, but honestly it was really funny. My teammates came and got me out, and we all had a good laugh."

While he may not beat Michael Phelps one-on-one in the pool, Hervey is preparing for basketball at the professional level. Eat. Sleep. Basketball. Repeat.

PURCHASE UTA HOME GAME TICKETS
Single game, group and specially-priced multi-game ticket packages to attend UTA men and women's basketball events are on sale through the UTA Box Office in person or by calling (817) 272-8585 and online through UTATickets.com. Single game tickets are priced at $8, $12 and $25 per game, depending on seat location. UTA students and faculty staff tickets are available for just $5 per game. Discount Maverick Club (season) and general public (single game) parking is also available. Visit UTATickets.com for detailed information.

FOLLOW THE MAVS SOCIALLY
For up-to-date news, photos, videos and updates you can follow UTA sports program online at UTAMavs.com or via any of several social media accounts on twitter @UTAMavs, Instagram @UTAMavs, Snapchat @UTAMavs and Facebook at UTArlingtonAthletics. Follow the UTA basketball programs on Twitter at @UTA_MBB and @LadyMavHoops.