Everyone wants you on their team whether it be in a pick-up game or at a D-1 college. We don't know if DeAndre Medlock has a Facebook account but he must have wanna-be 'friends' -- especially those wearing polo shorts sporting school insignias -- sending him requests 24/7.
In talking with him, he defines himself as personable -- "even on the street I like to get to know people, find out who they are, their history" -- and that was certainly on display during our conversation.
On the court, Medlock described himself as "I like to go at it, dive on the floor, get in people's faces, it's the competitive spirit in me." He added that "the teamwork aspect, playing with four other guys and combining to win" is of particular enjoyment.
As for his best skills, he named something not generally associated with a frontcourter. "Probably running the court -- it's always been my thing. I can outrun most any big guy. I'm known as a mobile forward and I'm more coordinated than most big guys." Head Assistant Coach Lucas Gabriel concurs: "'Dre wins our team wind sprints half the time."
Such bodes well in Fresno City's up-and-down style of play.
So why did Medlock choose FCC as his stepping stone back to D-1?
"The main reason why is they play really good basketball, keeping the tempo high paced with lots of pressure and dunking."
Plus Medlock and Coach Ed Madec clicked.
"Coach Madec changed my game. Before I had no footwork so he took me from a raw player and gave me a huge skills set. He's the best big man coach around -- he makes players tough. If you want to be the best, train with the best."
About the next step, Medlock said he is looking to sign in April, in the second signing period. But it will be with a vastly altered game plan.
"I'm definitely taking a different approach. Before it was like I was blinded by the D-1s interested in me. I'm going to study film, do research, look at the rosters, see how they play, see what is needed and if I can bring something to a team."
A runner is a derogatory term in the college sports recruiting scene but DeAndre Medlock is out to enlarge such a designation by making it a positive during the 2011-12 season.
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Congratulations Dre'! I know you are going to have a great experience at BYU-Hawaii, because the people there are genuine and will accept you like you're their own. There is nothing like Laie love, but you can't know that until you live there and experience it yourself. It's like having a big family there when you're away from your own family. On top of getting a good education from BYU-Hawaii, there are so many different cultures and people from all different walks of life, it will just be a great experience for you. Plus, you get to do what you love doing in Paradise right?
ReplyDeleteNow that you'll be in Hawaii that gives us another reason to come back home and see you play and cheer you on.
Uncle Ben (Benjie's twin brother)