College basketball is back, and the Illini recently took to the court for their first practice. Hoops analyst Brad Sturdy introduces the newcomers to the program in the "get to know" series. First up is 5th year transfer guard Mark Alstork.

Although he isn’t a freshman, Alstork is new to the Illinois program. After scoring 19.0 points per game at Wright State he brings that experience to a team that doesn’t have any other seniors.

We caught up Alstork to learn a little more about the veteran guard. Fans can follow Mark Alstork on Twitter @Mark_Alstork.

The coaches call you a very confident player. Not cocky, but a player who wants to take big shots and make big plays. What do you think of that description?

Mark Alstork: I take that as a compliment. I put so much work in the gym that I know I am prepared. Throughout the summer I look at my work plan and I look at other guys’ and I know I’m putting more time in. That preparation gives me more confidence in my abilities.”

What are the areas you need to improve on in the next month?

MA: Team chemistry and getting us more comfortable on the court together as far as talking and communicating.

Who have been the leaders for the team since you’ve been here?

MA: Te'Jon has done a good job as a point guard. Fink, you hear his voice throughout. Surprisingly, Mark Smith has been good as a freshman. He does things to help other guys get better. AJ too. I think everybody has done a good job of trying to help each other get better.”

What are your goals going into the season?

MA: We want to win as many games as possible to put this team in the best possible situation come February and March to have the best seed in the NCAA tournament.”

If I listen to your iPod what am I going to hear?

MA: I’ve got all types of music. I love slow jazz and R & B. I also like turn up music, just depends on my mood. A little bit of everything.

What is something Illini fans don’t know about you?

MA: After my professional career or whenever God tells me I can’t dribble a basketball anymore, I’m going to be a producer and director. I love art and nature as well, and I love to write.

Why the number 24?

MA: The Mamba Mentality. Like Kobe, like Kyrie, like Isaiah Thomas.

What your nickname?

MA: Mook.

Where did you get that?

MA: Mookie Blaylock. I don’t know much about his game but I picked that name up somewhere along the way.

Describe Coach Underwood in one word.

MA: Swagger.

Describe your game in one sentence.

MA: Competitive.