ZS: How would you describe the evolution of your game during
your recent stay at National Top Sports Institute?
DA: I would say my game just grew in a number of ways in
myself becoming a more complete overall basketball player. I became a more
diverse player and I really buckled down and focused. Really, the whole purpose
was to ensure that I filled any notable gaps in my game. I really put my energy
into becoming more of a slashing threat.
NTSI was a great place to work at this
component of my game, just because of all the competition from my teammates
here. Because they all had the ability to get to the rim with ease, it made me
work harder on having that element of my game solid. It really worked as I became
stronger and adapted to it. And to be honest, I kind of like the idea of being
a drive-first guy when necessary.
ZS: What were the most memorable aspects of being in a
close-knit, tight community of NTSI’s type? How did it embody the “prep” aspect
of the post-grad year?
DA: NTSI’s most memorable experiences were our road trips
because they gave us a feel of what the next level is going to be like. Playing
against all of the great competition in the northeast and of course beating
teams like Mount Zion (Md). Those were experiences I’ll probably always
cherish. Those road trips and big moment games allowed us to become tighter as
a team and as individuals. We trusted each other and had each other’s back,
which is what a team is supposed to be about.
ZS: What was it like adjusting to a new team on the
fly, as a mid-season transfer earning a niche as an effective combination
guard?
DA: It was tough adjusting to all the fresh faces at first
in the middle of the season. Still, I quickly proved myself in the gym and I
feel like after proving myself, proving my capabilities, everything else just
came into place. I was able to find my niche by winning over the trust of the
guys and just performing well on a daily basis. That was critical.
ZS: How would you describe coach Chaney’s high-intensity
style?
DA: Like any coach at a successful level, coach Chaney can
be tough. You need that to keep pushing forward and getting better. You
definitely need to have thick skin, but it prepares you for the next level. He’s
doing it for your own benefit, he’s never going to hurt your confidence. So,
working under coach Chaney you really have to absorb everything you can and
just try to execute. That really comes with the territory of being a true competitor.
ZS: What’s the main difference you’ve noticed from the prep
experience, coming from high school?
DA: You have more time and devotion to your game. You also
have more time to work as a team. We did everything in unison. We would get to
the gym and stretch as a team, hit the weights as a team. Then, we’d have a
skills session, team practice, lunch, and another team practice. It’s more
hours competing together after school and staying on top of each other’s
production. It definitely worked to our advantage.