D'Lo
- Thread starter paultzman
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beast of the east
Active member
Really wish him the best. More than any kid I can remember at SJU, he could have ended up in the dumpster of college basketball, and maybe even in prison. He was serious, did what he had to do to control himself, and left here with a degree and with dignity. Along the way, he provided some of the toughest, hard-nosed basketball we had ever seen here.
I remember speaking to his grandmother in Charlotte, and she was very transparent in communicating that D'Lo and his family knew he wasn't an NBA player, but that he would have a career somewhere post college.
Really refreshing that here is a kid who didn't let the allure of high hopes for an NBA career derail him in terms of getting his degree and even getting himself back on track emotionally. When I commented to her that he is an excellent communicator for a college student his age (and not a basketball player mind you), she lit up and said "Oh, he could always speak well, since he was a little boy. He would like to become a broadcaster."
Not too many guys nominated for the Wooden award could self assess well enough to know he wasn't an NBA caliber player and that his future aspirations were behind a mic or in front of a camera and not on the hardwoods.
I remember speaking to his grandmother in Charlotte, and she was very transparent in communicating that D'Lo and his family knew he wasn't an NBA player, but that he would have a career somewhere post college.
Really refreshing that here is a kid who didn't let the allure of high hopes for an NBA career derail him in terms of getting his degree and even getting himself back on track emotionally. When I commented to her that he is an excellent communicator for a college student his age (and not a basketball player mind you), she lit up and said "Oh, he could always speak well, since he was a little boy. He would like to become a broadcaster."
Not too many guys nominated for the Wooden award could self assess well enough to know he wasn't an NBA caliber player and that his future aspirations were behind a mic or in front of a camera and not on the hardwoods.
Thanks Beast for sharing. I loved D'Angelo as a player. But there are many good or great players in sports who you love on the court or field. Off the court could be a different matter. In his case it is not. He took ownership of his problem and did what it took to overcome it. Didn't run away from it (or here) , had an outstanding career here and received his degree. I am glad he is able to do what he loves and is earning money while doing it.
Beast, I also couldn't agree with you more in terms of his communication skills. To add, I witnessed him on several occasions interacting with fans, young and not so young. Always courtesy and respectful. I know he made several people I know very happy when he agreed to pose with them for pictures.
Saw an exchange on SJU instagram where DLO was encouraging Lovett and Ponds to break his freshmen scoring record. Lovett Responded with something along the lines of 'it would be nice but wins are all the matters'. Hope Dlo gets to spend some time with the bright young backcourt before all is said and done.
beast of the east
Active member
This kid is really a lesson for all of us. Everyone has negative qualities that at times get the best of us and always are present to overtake us. Here's a guy who challenged himself to mute those qualities to find his better self. As fans, we witnessed that first hand, and most of us don't get our negative traits exposed for millions to see. More than a fan of his basketball skill, his transformation in making his positive qualities prevail, which I am certain have always been there is inspiring to me. Giving him a chance to find this may be SL's best accomplishment professionally.
Perhaps some day he will find his way back to SJU, maybe to coach or simply help other kids adjust to the rigors of D1 basketball in a big city
Safe to say that backcourt won't be lacking in enthusiasm.
Class of 72
Active member
Unfortunately that's about it for talent on their team. D'lo was never shy about shooting the ball and that makes his role perfect in the Turkish League. His team is near the bottom of the standings and if relegated, which is something they do to bad teams in Europe, I think he will be moving on. Possibly Italy or Spain.
One of the proudest things about going to StJ 65 years ago is that D'Angelo is a fellow alumnus today.
I met him in Florida in one of his first games and saw that he was very smart (almost ADD distracted), very well spoken, and enthusiastically motivated to please. I said that day that this kid would sell popcorn and programs, play and coach the game, and still finish high in his class.
He had a need to succeed and a personality that wouldn't give up.. Even through all his foibles and quirks he showed tenacity and character. He knew what was right and he paid the price to get there. I was also pleased with Coach Lavin who stuck with him.
D'Angelo is St, John's. He's like a lot of the kids who went there in the 50's and who made up the rules as we went along and took the set backs and did what had to be done to be good.
He did all those things at the same time he was entertaining 1000s with some of the best basketball I have seen at StJ.
To anyone who hasn't met him, I encourage you to do so, You will be richer for being in his company.
I met him in Florida in one of his first games and saw that he was very smart (almost ADD distracted), very well spoken, and enthusiastically motivated to please. I said that day that this kid would sell popcorn and programs, play and coach the game, and still finish high in his class.
He had a need to succeed and a personality that wouldn't give up.. Even through all his foibles and quirks he showed tenacity and character. He knew what was right and he paid the price to get there. I was also pleased with Coach Lavin who stuck with him.
D'Angelo is St, John's. He's like a lot of the kids who went there in the 50's and who made up the rules as we went along and took the set backs and did what had to be done to be good.
He did all those things at the same time he was entertaining 1000s with some of the best basketball I have seen at StJ.
To anyone who hasn't met him, I encourage you to do so, You will be richer for being in his company.