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This is it for Carl Richburg.

The 2004 Mason High graduate is preparing for his senior season at Miami University, and he knows this is his one final shot.

After transferring from Division II Southern Indiana after the '04-'05 season, Richburg's career with the Redhawks has been anything but smooth.

The 5-foot-9, 183-pound point guard fractured his ankle while sitting out the '05-'06 year per NCAA transfer rules, and then missed time as a sophomore with another ankle injury. He had season-ending shoulder surgery in February of '07, and was unable to train last summer.

Despite playing catch-up last preseason, Richburg ended up appearing in 28 of 33 games and averaged 9.1 minutes per contest.

He's playing for Brick Street in the Deveroes Summer League at Woodward High School.

Richburg, a psychology major, recently took some time to chat with The Pulse-Journal.

On his junior season: "It was basically an up-and-down season for me. Last summer, I wasn't able to play at all because of my shoulder injury I was recovering from. When school started, I felt a little behind. I started out playing a little bit, and as the season went on, it fluctuated up and down. I'm trying to go out on top this year. We've got a bunch of seniors, and I want to make the most of it with everyone."

On his expectations for next season: "I want to win the MAC again, and beat some of the those big schools we have on our schedule this year. I just want to get another ring this year, and hopefully compete well and get a lot of time and experience."

On playing in the Deveroes League: "It helps everyone to try to keep their skills up and competitive fire up. It feels good to play against someone besides our own team. The competition down there is pretty high. We know each other or recognize each other. It's always a good experience and a fun time down there. It's also pretty competitive. Everyone wants to play well and win."

On his decision to transfer to Miami three years ago: "I still think it's a good decision. I had fun at Southern Indiana, and I enjoyed my experience. Coming here was an experience by itself. The competition level's a lot higher. Every year, I have to push myself to stay competitive, and this year is no different. I don't regret anything. I'm happy with my decision and I would do it again."

On his favorite moment from Mason: "Our senior year, when we beat Winton Woods — our rival. That was pretty big at the time. They beat us pretty much every year, and they were stacked back then. That's my favorite moment."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.