pic credit: Tobias Wiesner

Darius Dawson is a 23 year old 198cm forward from South Carolina playing his rookie season overseas with German Pro B team BBC Coburg currently averaging 17,8ppg, 7,4rpg, 2,4apg and 1,3spg. He began his basketball career at West Florence High School. He then played a season at Marion Military Institute (JUCO) averaging 12.3ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.3spg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 46.9%, FT: 69.8%. He then played a season at Francis Marion University (NCAA2) averaging 8.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 61.5%. He then played a season with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (JUCO) averaging 13.9ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 81.3%. He then played a season with Missouri Southern State University (NCAA2) averaging 14.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 79.1%. He then added a year with Austin Peay State University (NCAA) averaging 3.5ppg, 1.6rpg. He spoke to Germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Darius for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season overseas for BBC Bayreuth. What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It’s been a great experience. I’ve always been someone who looks for new opportunities and challenges, and living in another country has been exactly that. The part I’ve enjoyed most is the relationships I’ve built with my teammates, coaches, and the fans. Being part of BBC Coburg has made the transition overseas very rewarding.

What was your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake-up call was realizing that things like clothes dryers and free refills at restaurants don’t really exist here. Those little everyday differences made it clear very quickly that I was far from home and outside of what I was used to.

You grew up in South Carolina. What have you learned to appreciate most about the German culture?

The biggest things I’ve learned to appreciate are the respect for rules and the overall cleanliness. Everything is very organized, and people take pride in their surroundings.

BBC Coburg have been kind of a surprise team in the Pro B this season. It began with a 7 game winning streak. What was the secret to the early team success with the top strength defense?

Our trust in one another really fueled that run. Everyone trusted that their teammates would show up, execute their role, and give their best effort. That collective mindset, especially on defense, helped us get off to such a strong start.

The club had some misfortune losing 3 of the last 5 games. Have clubs figured the team out?

I look at basketball as a marathon, not a sprint. It’s never going to be perfect all the time. I believe everyone in the organization is putting in the work, and if we stay consistent, the results will come.

How valuable has a guy like Nico Wenzl been for you. Despite being near the same age, he is a real veteran. How has he helped you get adjusted mostly to Euro ball?

Nico is a great guy, and his understanding of the game is unmatched that’s why I’ve given him the nickname “Captain.” He always has an answer when it comes to basketball and has helped me find my niche within the team, not just as an individual player, but as a teammate.

You are one of the oldest guys on the team, but a rookie. Have you had to be like a leader? I can imagine the young Germans look up to you as the import?

When you’re one of the older guys, the younger players are always watching. I try to lead by example by giving extra effort in practice, bringing positive energy, and competing with intensity every day.

What has it been like being teammates with Canadian Dylan Fasoyiro? What do you appreciate most about his game?

Dylan is someone I can relate to since we both played Division I and Division II basketball. We have good conversations about our experiences, which helps since we’re both rookies adjusting to life in a new country. What I appreciate most about his game is his defensive tenacity and his ability to knock down shots, qualities that benefit any team and add an important piece to Coburg’s puzzle.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA or Euroleague player who would fit the description best?

The closest comparison to my game right now would be Stephon Castle from the San Antonio Spurs. He’s a quick-twitch, dynamic player who uses his speed and athleticism to get past defenders while guarding multiple positions on defense. Another similarity is our shooting, the numbers might not fully show it yet, but as confidence continues to grow, that development will become more visible.

You have always been a player that can score and rebound. Talk a little about what kind of a offensive player you are and what your biggest strengths are?

I use a combination of ball-handling, quickness, and athleticism to attack the lane and finish at the rim. I’m continuing to develop my mid-range game to expand my scoring options. Rebounding has always come naturally, and being able to grab defensive rebounds and push the ball in transition is a big strength of mine.

You played at 5 different colleges/Universities. How valuable was getting so much different experience with coaches? Did that help you become a 2 way player?

I’ve always believed there’s never too much to learn, especially in basketball. Being exposed to different coaching styles and systems broadened my understanding of the game and helped me grow as a more complete, two-way player.

You’re an excellent shooter. How have you seen the development of your outside shot. What is your biggest goal as a shooter now overseas?

Shooting is all about confidence. In my final college season, I only attempted one three-pointer, which definitely affected my confidence. My goal this year is to regain that confidence, trust the work I’ve put in, and let the results follow.

Talk about the development of your defensive game? Is being a lock down defender at the highest level a big goal for you?

I enjoy playing defense, I don’t like being scored on or losing games. Defense plays a huge role in winning. My goal isn’t just to be a lockdown defender at one level, but to be known as a lockdown defender at every level I play.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now as you continue to improve your skills on the court?

My shooting consistency and basketball IQ. Improving both adds value and helps me better understand the game as it unfolds on the court.

You began your basketball career at Marion Military Institute (JUCO) averaging 12.3ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.3spg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 46.9%, FT: 69.8%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said that the grind was tough, but one they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

I wouldn’t say I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but I do believe it was necessary for my development, both mentally and physically. It helped shape me as a player.

How valuable was head coach Tim Rodgers in your early basketball development? How did he help your game most?

Coach Tim Rodgers played a huge role in my growth by giving me the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. That trust boosted my confidence tremendously as a young player.

You then were 2 seasons at Francis Marion University (NCAA2) but only played one season averaging 8.2ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 40.7%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 61.5%. Your second season was canceled due to Covid. How tough were these 2 years? What did you learn about the game and life in this time?

Francis Marion taught me a lot about decisions and their consequences. Especially, not taking opportunities for granted and limiting distractions to stay focused. I don’t regret my time there; it was another step I needed to grow as both a person and a player.

You then took a step back and played JUCO again for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College averaging 13.9ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 81.3%. Why did you play JUCO again? Do you feel like your game wasn´t ready for NCAA 2 yet?

I needed a reset and a second chance at my collegiate career. That decision changed everything for me. It wasn’t about my ability, it was about belief in myself, and getting that belief back made all the difference.

How do you remember your second JUCO season there under Tim Ryan? How did your game grow another step there?

It was a good experience, and I made friendships I still value today. Coach Tim Ryan is a Hall of Fame coach, and there was a lot to learn. Unfortunately, his health challenges limited that opportunity, but it still prepared me for the next step.

You then made the next step and played at Missouri Southern State University (NCAA2) averaging 14.0ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 43.4%, FT: 79.1%. You made big steps in your game here. What kind of a player did you become here under Sam McMahon?

Missouri Southern State was my favorite stop in my college career. I had great experiences both on and off the court. Coach McMahon built genuine relationships with his players while still demanding accountability. I learned what it truly takes mentally and physically to succeed at the Division II level.

You had so many great games at Missouri against Lincoln, Central Mo and Rodgers State. What was your fondest moment there on the court?

Scoring 29 points against Central Missouri with great efficiency stands out the most.

You made one more jump reaching the NCAA and played with Austin Peay State University (NCAA) averaging 3.5ppg, 1.6rpg, How tough was this season seeing a big dip in minutes from, 30 to 6.9. What positives could you still get from this season?

That season was the most challenging of my career. Going from heavy minutes to a much smaller role humbled me and forced me to grow in ways beyond basketball. It helped me gain perspective and maturity that I’ll carry with me moving forward.

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

I never really played anybody that made it to a high level like the NBA or Euroleague. But the best player I had to guard was definitely South Carolina legend, B Wright.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Russell Morton, Joseph Hannah, Prince Agbaeze, Javon Anderson, Shakeem Shaquille

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, Shaq, MJ, Lebron, Giannis

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron

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

If I’m honest, I didn’t even know there was a sequel to the movie. The first movie was amazing though; I couldn’t imagine a sequel coming close to that.

Thanks Darius for the chat.