Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Carter Jula

Carter Jula is a senior on the Cardinal Mooney High boys basketball team. Jula leads the Cougars with 5.3 rebounds per game and provides 6.0 points per game and 1.4 assists per game. Jula had 13 points in the team's 61-55 win over Bradenton Christian on Jan. 19. 

When did you start playing basketball?

I started playing for real around fifth grade, maybe sixth grade. Before then I played a little bit, but not really; I was still playing football, baseball and soccer. Then, when I got into ninth grade and 10th grade, I started liking basketball even more, so I stuck with it. 

What is your best skill?

Getting to the rim and rebounding. Those are two things I have always been able to do. 

What is your favorite basketball memory?

I actually have two. Last year I played for Sarasota High, and we beat Riverview High for the first time in a long time. That one meant a lot to us. And then this year, the Bradenton Christian game. We had lost to them four times in a row, so it was nice to break that and get a win. It was big for us. 

What was the transition to Mooney like?

It was great. Everyone made me feel welcome right away. (Head Coach Vince Cherry) is easy to play for. The whole thing was easy. 

What has gone right for the team this month?

We have learned how we can build as a team throughout the year. The work we have put in is starting to show. We want to keep it going. 

What is your favorite food?

I like a cheeseburger. Cheese, lettuce, tomato. 

What is your favorite movie?

I have to go with "Real Steel." 

What is your favorite school subject?

I like science, biology specifically. I like that science is a mix of math and working out problems. 

Which superpower would you want?

Super speed. It would be good for getting places quicker, going wherever you want. 

What are your hobbies?

I like to hang out with friends and play golf. I started playing Gator Creek Golf Club recently. I like that course. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Just stick with it. There are going to be down times. You have to push through them and play hard. 

Finish this sentence: "Carter Jula is …"

Straightforward. I like getting straight to the point.