Hooker Weighing Options

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Maret star choosing between college and prep school

July 15, 2009 - With Summer in full swing, high school graduates are preparing for the next steps in their lives, generally college and/or work. It's a fun time, yet can be rife with pressure.

Most young people destined to continue their formal basketball careers probably know where their next step will be, whether it be college, junior college, and for a select few the professional level. But a few are still undecided, still determining which course of action will be most fruitful. Darian Hooker is just such a guy.

"We're still debating over it" said Hooker via telephone this week, referring to he and his family deciding if either attending and playing at Radford or enrolling at Kent Prep School is in the cards.

Darian Hooker can score over larger and smaller players. (photo provided by Hooker and property of Bob Youngentob & Chromeimagingpro.lifepics.com)

Standing 6'0", 165 lbs, Hooker, a guard, shared "I averaged 25 points, six assists, two steals, three rebounds" last year as a senior at Maret. His career ended with the team's 8-14 record, and saw Hooker start varsity for four years.

His role was central to the Frogs. "I look at myself just as a playmaker" he said. "I've never been a point guard or two guard, I've always had to do multiple things.

That multi-faceted ability was recently on display during open run at Maret, with Darian driving, shooting and defending. Of the informal sessions held on Sunday morning, he noted "I've been going to Sunday runs, for about two years...They help you".

Over the course of this time, he noted playing with "Malik Thomas, he's going to Memphis. Markel Starks (of G'Town Prep and headed next year to G'town). A dude named Jamar Board - he goes to a DII school, but he's definitely a DI talent. I played against alot of overseas people (professionals). I played against Roy Hibbert and Chris Wright (the former a Hoya alum playing in the NBA, the latter a standout guard at the school)".

What has Darian learned must be improved upon basketball-wise over the past four years at Maret and during Sunday runs? "Probably just controlling myself" he reflected. "I tend to get real pumped up and that causes me to do some stuff that's out of control sometimes. Also just my overall game". That includes becoming stronger, a must for any post-high school experience involving Hooker, who agreed he will "be more like a point guard, no question".

So why are Darian and his parents choosing between a Division I opportunity and prep school? According to Hooker, he believes prep school experience may yield a more higher profile scholarship opportunity. Nevertheless, Darian did indicate "We are really thinking about Radford". A decision will be made "next week sometime".

It's a big choice ahead for Hooker. He'll make the right one.