A basketball coach’s son from nearby Winder has filled the No. 5 singles spot for the Georgia men’s tennis team, and this year, he’s clinched two matches.

The Red & Black caught up with sophomore Drake Bernstein to talk about his basketball playing years, Tiger Woods’ smile and his fear of heights.

R&B: Where were you born and raised?

DB: I was born in Charleston[S.C.], and lived there until first grade and then I moved to Winder, Ga. I like Winder, it was good, small town, but I still like going back to Charleston a lot.

R&B: You grew up playing basketball, how long did you play?

DB: I played in middle school, and then in high school I played just recreationally, like when we had a break or something I would a little.

R&B: Was your dad hard on you because he was a coach?

DB: If I didn’t play well, he let me know about it. If I didn’t play well, that usually didn’t fly too well, but that was good because he kept me going, he kept me motivated and wanting more.

R&B: When did you first realize that collegiate tennis was an actual possibility for you?

DB: Probably about when I was 15 or 16. I mean, I always knew I could go to a smaller school and play and kind of relax, but then I started getting the picture of playing with a big SEC school like Georgia probably when I was about 16 or 17.

R&B: Did you come to Georgia matches when you were younger?

DB: I would always come to the big tennis matches and get out here as often as possible. I did come to football and basketball too. I’ve always been a Georgia fan. I just felt like 30 minutes was too close to home, but it’s alright right now. I’m away enough right now.

R&B: What do you see yourself doing in the future?

DB: I’d like to teach tennis somewhere nice. Maybe manage a pro shop or manage a club or something like that. Maybe at the beach somewhere, maybe back in Charleston.

R&B: If you could trade places with a person for a day who would it be and why?

DB: Probably Tiger Woods because he’s the best of all time at his sport, and he’s got a pretty nice sport – because he’s got a nice smile.

R&B: Would you rather sky dive or bungee jump?

DB: Neither one. I’m afraid of heights.

R&B: But if you had to choose -

DB: If I had to choose, I’d probably sky dive because the bungee cord could break.

R&B: Who do you have winning the NCAA tournament?

DB: I have North Carolina. I’m hoping they can hold up for me.