Danya Kingsby (185-G-1998, college: GSU) is a 26 year old 185cm guard that was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He has 2 years of professional experience under his belt playing for at BC Kyiv Basket (Ukraine-Superleague) averaging 16.1ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 83.1% and in his second season averaged 17.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 3.3apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 88.9%. he played at 3 schools starting with the College of Southern Idaho (JUCO) averaging 11.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 77.3% and in his second year averaged 13.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.5%. He then played 2 seasons at Bradley University (NCAA) averaging 7.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 71.9% and 4.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.6apg. He finished at Grambling State University (NCAA) averaging 8.5ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 31.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 73.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Danya for talking to germanhocom. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

My life with Basketball been great. It’s an opportunity to inspire and encourage others on & off the court while doing something I love everyday After playing the first half of 2023-2024 season in Ukraine with Kyiv basket. I am currently in the US training and preparing for what´s next to come for me in my career.

You played parts of 2 seasons with BC Kyiv Basket (Ukraine-Superleague). You came as a rookie into a war torn region. Most normal guys would chose to play in a safe country. Why did you go to a dangerous place?

I am a believer of Christ & live by faith so going into another country under them circumstances, of course I was aware but I knew I was protected by my beliefs & faith in Christ going out there so I was just thankful for the opportunity to start my pro career there and create more opportunities for my self moving forward into my basketball career.

You left in December 2023. How would you summarize your 2 seasons in the Ukraine? On the court you belonged to the top players.

My season out here was amazing on and off the court ! First I met some great people & built some long life relationships. On the court, I put the work in behind closed doors so when it was time to perform, I was ready for the moment and I was ready to perform at a high level. I believe I did that every time I stepped on the court!

You had a fantastic rookie season being 4th best scorer in the first division. How difficult was it to concentrate at times on the court with all the drama off the court? I can imagine it was tough, but somehow you could do your job on the court very well?

It all started with my beliefs, trust and faith in God helping me put all the negative things that’s going on out there off the court behind me and just live in the moment focusing on that very moment when it was time to play. So I was mentally prepared to perform at a high level every time!

Your lived in the country capital Kyiu. What was it like living in a city that was heavily bombed? How did you experience the day to day living there? What was the toughest thing about living there?

Honestly Kyiv was beautiful ! But it was very challenging no doubt, what I was experiencing day to day as far as the air alarms, drones getting shot out the air, bombs hitting certain areas in Kyiv, it was definitely tough being there but what made it more easier for me to live there and focus during my time there was my faith and belief in God, and I know He was with me throughout my whole time there. Also less English was spoken there so it made it even more challenging!

What did you learn about yourself the most since living in the Ukraine? I can imagine you don´t take anything for granted. How do you go through life now since living in the Ukraine?

Growing through the experience out there just shows me how Resilient and compassionate I am as a person/man! Being in Ukraine under those circumstances helped me grow tremendously as a person and it built my character even more in positive way. I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given to play out there !

What was the toughest thing that you saw in the Ukraine since arriving in 2022? Something that gave you sadness?

The toughest thing for me was seeing the people out in Ukraine go through what they’re going through now. They don’t deserve what’s happening. It opened my eyes a lot seeing them everyday go through these things but still able to maintain their daily routines and live like nothings happening. Seeing them inspired me a lot !

On the court this season BC Kyiv Basket (Ukraine-Superleague) is in second place. Nothing gets past Dnipro who have lost only 1 game without an American. What has made them the best team this season?

Dnipro was always fun to play against because you knew going in the game it was going to be a battle every time with them. What made them so good is their team chemistry together. You can tell they loved one another & supported each other and I believe when you put a team like that together with a great leader, which is the coach, winning game’s & championship is always an opportunity to happen!

What was it like being teammates with Brantley Bynum? He is a guy that has grinded his whole career. What have you appreciated most about his game?

It was fun playing and being a teammate with Brantley. We support one another on & off the court! what I most appreciated about him is his willingness & resilience to endure during the challenging times out there.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

The very moment I arrived to Ukraine.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 185cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who best fit the description?

I watch a lot of Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard & I love Westbrook so if I was to compare my game it would be close to those 3 players !

It seems like you became more of a prolific scorer as a professional. Were you always a scorer that just didn´t have the scoring role in the NCAA?

Yes scoring on all levels and just creating plays not only for myself but for my teammates has always been a strength and ability of mines. For me it was always about being in the right situation where I can show more of my scoring ability when it’s needed and I’m thankful for the opportunity I had with Kyiv to do that.

Your also a very good playmaker. How do you feel has your game overall developed further since coming overseas?

My game develops tremendously from my skills set to the understanding of the game !

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you want to become?

I am a high level elite defender and I will keep growing into a high level elite defender.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

I train consistently at what I’m great at to stay sharp in them areas and just add to my game/skill set every year something I know that will be effective to the game of basketball!

You played 2 seasons at the College of Southern Idaho (JUCO) averaging 11.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 41.7%, FT: 77.3% and in your second season averaged 13.3ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.7apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 80.5%. Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a tough grind but one they never would have exchanged for anything. How was it for you?

Honestly juco was the best thing that happened to me. Going that route is always tough especially when you have big goals & dreams to go to these “big time” colleges straight out high school but not being able to do that and have to go the juco route, it humbled me tremendously & I’m thankful that I went juco because it prepared me for the next level mentally!

You won the SWAC title in 2017 and played for head coach Jared Phay. How vital was he for your early basketball development?

He was an amazing coach ! Playing for coach Phay was fun. I’ve learned and grew a lot under his system. He trusted and believed in me so much it made it 10x easier for me to go out and perform at a high level. He always wanted the best for me on and off the court

You then played at Bradley University (NCAA) from 2019-2021 averaging 7.2ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 71.9% and 4.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.6apg. Your minutes dropped 6 minutes in your second season. What positives could you get in your time there?

Another great coach of mine was Brian Wardle of Bradley University. Even though it wasn’t the best fit for me basketball wise, playing for coach Wardle taught me a lot of life lessons & I wouldn’t trade that decision going there for nothing because it helped me become a better person from the lesson & discipline Coach Wardle installed in us during my time there. The positive I take from my two season from Bradley, always being ready & prepared for the opportunity you want, and always be a star in your role on the team you are giving even if it’s not the role you’re used to playing because that role can open up many opportunities for you and help the team in many ways!

You definitely had some good games like scoring 28 points in a loss to N Iowa. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I remember that game like yesterday. It sucks we didn’t win but it was great moment of mine because I had the chance to put on a high level performance & show others an explosive side of my game.

You finished your NCAA career at Grambling State University (NCAA) averaging 8.5ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 31.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 73.2%. You had ups and downs here. You only played 16 games and had some explosive games. What positives did you get out of this time?

The positives I took from Grambling, always be true to who you are as a person no matter how challenging things get for you, always be compassionate loving and caring.

How did head coach Donte Jackson groom and prepare you best for a professional caree

His teaching was powerful ! Coach Donte being from Milwaukee also where I’m from, helped a lot because he’s understanding and he knows what it takes coming from Milwaukee to make it in this game. So I learned a lot from his teaching to help me prepare for what was next to come.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Shawndarius Cowart?

Me

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life on the court that reached the NBA?

I played against a lot of tough players but I will say Jayson Tatum was the toughest I played against that’s currently in the NBA!

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time

I had a lot great teammates but if I can pick 5 it will be Terry Nolan Jr (Bradley University) Marcanvis Hymon (Kyiv basket ) Daryl Edwards (LSU) Charles Jones Jr (CSI) and Darrell Brown ( Bradley University)

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Kobe and Lebron

Who is your GOAT and why?

My Goat is Lebron James! Not only is he an amazing player on the court but what he does off the court makes him my goat !

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

Yes and I have no comment for that.

Thanks Danya for the chat.