2012-13:

• JMU debut in first half at No. 13 UCLA with his first career points at 1:37 mark of the half
• Saw extensive second-half action vs. North Dakota State, converting all three attempts for six points
• One of the best all-around efforts with four points, four rebounds, two steals, a block and assist in a season-high 16 minutes vs. San Diego
• Four points and four rebounds in 15 minutes of action vs. UNCW
• Made first career start vs. Drexel and smashed season highs with nine points, 13 rebounds and 33 minutes played
• Accumulated nine rebounds to go with four points and two blocks in win over Delaware

Before JMU:

• Played for head coach Sam Rines and Rise Academy during the 2011-2012 school year
• Team MVP in his postgraduate season at Rise
• Averaged 15.5 points, eight rebounds and two blocks to lead Rise to a 32-12 overall mark
• Graduated from Frankford High School in 2011
• Captured the Philadelphia Public League AAAA city championship with the Pioneers and reached the round of 16 in state playoffs
• Averaged eight points, six rebounds and four blocks as a senior as Frankford went 21-5
• Pioneers went 22-5 as a junior
• Started playing basketball during his junior year of high school
• Over the course of his scholastic career, also competed in soccer, volleyball, tennis and cross country

Personal:

• Son of Terri Bessick
• Undeclared major

Career Statistics

Career Highs

Getting to know Taylor...

Why did you choose JMU?
I love it here and it feels like home

If not basketball, what other sport would you play?
Either football or baseball

What is your favorite thing to do in Harrisonburg?
Go to the movies

How old were you when you first knew that you wanted to play basketball in college?
17

What is one thing every JMU student should do at JMU before graduating?
Take a picture with the Duke Dog

What will it take for you to consider this season a success?
Everybody playing as a team, winning games, and winning the championship

What is your go-to song to get into the right mindset for a game?
Meek Mill intro to Dream Chasers 2

Other than playing pro basketball, what are your career goals?
To be successful

Favorites:

NBA Team: Lakers
NBA Player: Kevin Durant
Dessert: Milkshake
US State: Pennsylvania
Video Game: NBA 2K
Month: November
Super Hero: Superman
US President: Obama
Sneaker: Jordans/ Nikes

Pick One:

PC or Mac: Mac
DC or Marvel Comics: DC
D-Hall or E-Hall: E-hall
Twitter or Facebook: Twitter
Breakfast or Dinner: Dinner
Peanut or Plain M&Ms: Peanut M&M's
NBA All-Star Game or Dunk Contest: All-Star game
Wal-Mart or Target: Wal-Mart
Sports Center or Mike and Mike: Sports Center