The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) estimates that only 1.1 percent of male student-athletes who play basketball will go on to play their sport professionally. Northwest High School’s (NWHS) Athletics program is currently cultivating an athlete who falls into this low percentage.
Meet freshman Roe-Darrel DeDeaux: This is DeDeaux’s first year at NWHS, and he is a freshman student-athlete on the varsity basketball team, as well as football and track-and-field. DeDeaux has been playing basketball from a very young age, having started at three years old. DeDeaux got into sports through his dad, as well as growing up around it.
Before transferring to Northwest, he attended Middle School at Parkside. It was there, in eighth grade, that he first began getting scouted by university recruiters. Recruiters from Michigan State University (MSU) and Auburn University (AU) visited NWHS during the fall to convince him to attend their universities.
“I expected it, but it feels good for me to be able to experience it,” said DeDeaux when asked about how he felt being looked at by these institutions.
DeDeaux had averaged a total of 21.6 points per game in the prior basketball season, which officially ended on Friday, Feb. 27.
NWHS Varsity Basketball Head Coach, James Bradley, had his own observations about DeDeaux’s sportsmanship and devotion to his sport.
“Roe’s natural raw talent stands out right off the bat, but his ability to be a playmaker on the court makes other guys better as well,” said Bradley. He adds that DeDeaux is a great shot maker and on-the-ball defender.
DeDeaux’s activeness makes it difficult to juggle the commitments of education, sports, and social life, all while staying motivated to keep moving forward and feel accomplished. DeDeaux prioritizes his time learning by focusing on academics, ensuring that sports come second in terms of importance.
“Off the court, he’s connecting with his teammates, having fun with friends, and putting the time in the classroom,” said Bradley.
After speaking with Bradley, DeDeaux is found to have established beneficial habits that ensure his success at a professional level.
“That is what separated him from a lot of players, most high school players practice to get through practice, he embraces practice time to be better,” said Bradley. However, even to-be professionals have to cope with unfortunate match losses and mistakes in their sport.
“I talk to people about my game and see what I could have done better, and then I go to the gym, work out, or go to the field and put more work in,” said DeDeaux.
Coach says DeDeaux has what it takes to make it to the pro level, but whether that happens is determined by the work and dedication that he continues to put into basketball.
