Cal State-Northridge forward Michael Lizarraga is the only deaf player in Division I college basketball.

Lizarrage answered questions from a Seattle Times reporter via e-mail.

"I like the notoriety and want to show people that I can play without needing to hear," he wrote. "I just use my eyes."

Matadors coach Bobby Braswell recalls the visit to Gonzaga a few years ago, where Lizarraga was once again one of the first players on the court before the game.

"The fans were right on top of him and they are yelling and pointing and he's just smiling and shooting," said Braswell. "And the rest of our players are laughing at it because they know these guys are just wasting their energy trying to rattle Mike."

Lizarraga was born deaf, as was his younger sister, though no one has ever figured out why — both of his parents hear just fine.