Over two weeks, I had the pleasure of learning more about my cousin, Duncan Powell, and his future in the basketball. It is one thing to enjoy playing a sport, but to enjoy it on a more competitive level with the future of going pro? Now, that's what I'm talking about. Powell stands at a height of 6'7 and always likes to get onto me about being 5'1 at family gatherings. He has endless possibilities and I am excited to see him prosper.
Duncan Powell is a 15-year-old student at Desoto High School in Texas. He plays every position besides point guard, but prefers 2 or 4 since they are the ones who get to score and as he said, he loves to "put the ball in the basket." Duncan says he believes he is strongest in defense. I know I always enjoy watching his Instagram videos of him dunking the ball.
When asking him about role models he says there is no one in particular. "There are a lot of NBA players that I enjoy watching to get moves from," Duncan says. His overall goal is to attend college for one year and then enter the NBA. At fifteen, Duncan already knows that the rest of his life will revolve around basketball. He would like to be an agent, coach or sports commentator later on.
I know how challenging it can be as an athlete both in high school and in college D1 athletics. Duncan states his challenges are "keeping focused, remembering what the end goal is and to not get caught up in something stupid before then. Whatever is tempting now or later on I stay out of it by reminding myself quick money or anything along those lines never last and that right now is temporary." Powell says his end goal is way more important than distractions that come along.
Ever wonder what a day is like in the life of a current high school student who is hoping to go pro?
Duncan says his daily routine is going to practice at his school for about 3 hours Monday through Saturday. On the days he does not have games he will go with his trainer and work on his game.
Schoolwork has never been an issue for Powell and he says it hasn't been too challenging for him. He is taking AP classes and says that most classes come naturally for him, therefore, he rarely has homework that is not finished before he gets home. More time for the basketball life, I see.
Duncan says everyone on his team is close with one another. He can't choose one person because they all are together on the court. Their teamwork is crucial to their wins. At Desoto high school they often say, "Desoto Defense." It takes a great team to work together to play defense and keep the opposing team from winning.
Powell has already gotten offers from Southern Methodist University and is currently on many schools recruiting boards. He is expecting to see more offers after the AAU season. "Most schools don't give offers to freshman," Powell says. However, as you can see this young man has a future in the palm of his hand.
Duncan has begun the process of thinking about college and says he does not have any preferable place right now. In his mind, he is only hoping to be there for one year before going pro so it's not that big of a deal for him. At the end of the day, the college he will attend will be wherever fits him the best.
Duncan has thought about schools in North Carolina, where he is originally from, but like he stated he will pick the schools that fit him the best.
Powells best memory is beating their rivals, Cedarhill and Duncanville, as well as traveling across the country to do what he loves, to "play ball."
Being fifteen, I can remember not thinking too much about my future yet. Duncan at fifteen has much to think about and learn still. I can say there is no young man like Powell. He is going to make his mark and make himself known.
"Basketball is my refuge, my sanctuary. Go back to being a kid on the playground."
-Kobe Bryant
"You've only got three choices in life, give up, give in, or give it all you've got."
