Dodson is a Panther!
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Darnell Dodson, a multi-skilled 6'6" swingman from Prince Georges County, Maryland, has good shooting mechanics, as witnessed by his free throw's release point. This picture was taken during his AAU/Travel team, DC Assault's, battle with Team Odom, during the Weber Easter Hoop Fest.
July 8, 2006 – Reached late last night at the Adidas Superstar Camp, Darnell Dodson’s father, David Dodson, confirmed that his 6’6” ½, multi-position rising senior son, has verbally committed to the University of Pittsburgh. He chose the Panthers over George Mason, DePaul, VCU, Rutgers, and Providence - all of which had solidly offered scholarships. Florida, Ball State, Maryland, BC, Virginia, Georgia, Arkansas, Georgetown, Iowa, Iowa State, and Virginia Tech, have been recruiting the young man to various degrees, as well.
According to the elder Dodson, he and his son were exposed to “a lot of schools” and many sales pitches, but Pitt’s combination of “coaching staff, conference, facilities, and opportunity to play” all contributed to the decision. The school’s recruiting effort, which was described as “pretty consistent” and unwavering, was important as well.
On that front, Mr. Dodson lauded the persistent work of assistant Mike Rice and the influence of head coach Jamie Dixon – who he feels “connects with the players” - while also indicating the recent hiring of ex-DC Assault coach/official David Cox, was “the cherry on the top”. With Cox having coached Darnell for several years with DC Assault added to the other factors “All the signs were just to go there”.
Darnell Dodson (31) is seen here being coached by new Pitt Director of Basketball Operations David Cox this spring during the Charlie Weber Easter Hoop Fest.
Darnell, also reached at Adidas’ Atlanta-based event recently participated in a camp at Pitt, where he was able to see “the classrooms, buildings, dorms, and stuff”. On the way to Atlanta from their suburban Washington, DC home, the Dodson’s talked seriously about the college options presented Darnell, and decided since a significant number of schools had recruited him, any similar contact with additional institutions would as the elder Dodson said, “be honeymooning”.
When asked about choosing Dixon’s Pitt program, Darnell simply stated “I just liked it. I knew it would be a good spot for me”. His father also feels the school offers excellent “support academically and socially”.
From a basketball style standpoint, the elder Dodson feels that the offensive and defensive styles of Pittsburgh suit his son well. “The style of defense they play will help him” he opined. Specifically, he likes the manner in which Dixon’s team “rotates and jumps the passing lanes” when defending. According to Mr. Dodson, the family likes that “Pitt is opening it up” offensively.
But that doesn’t mean Darnell is not versatile, as his dad shared “The mistake is made that Darnell can only play in a running system, but he can play in any system”. Last year for Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD, the young guy proved that assertion.
Darnell, provided per game averages of “around 18 points, 7 rebounds, and about 4 assists” last year for state champion runner-up Roosevelt. Over the course of the season, the young Dodson repeatedly played shooting guard, small forward, and power forward, all while providing the key offensive threat for the Raiders.
During the campaign, Darnell added facets to his game; a fact that he is proud of. “I had to put a lot of work in. Schools were recruiting me as a shooter at first” he said. Dodson then added, “I spent a lot of time shooting shots and working on my footwork with Coach (Brendan) O’Connell”. Defensively, the younger Dodson feels he has definitely improved, while his rebounding “has got better”.
During a fall scrimmage last year, Dodson (23), shows his versaitilty, as he is seen guarding highly recruited Bishop O'Connell point guard, Jason Clark. Over the course of his upcoming senior season, expect Darnell to play all five positions.
While in the Steel City, Dodson will be given the opportunity for minutes at the point and shooting guard, plus small forward positions (though swingman will probably be the position he can most excel in immediately). Darnell understands that shots will be available, and the expectation is he will continue shooting, no matter what. Dodson simply laughed and replied “Yes sir”, when asked if he is in agreement with that philosophy.
During Roosevelt’s state semi-final victory over Southwestern High School, his multi-pronged contribution was amply on display (click here for coverage). Darnell, who finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, and 2 steals, broke the game open in the second half by converting shots from several spots on the floor. His timely contribution more or less served as a knock out blow for Southwestern.
Darnell (first row, top) and the Roosevelt Raiders prepare to play in a Mayland State Semi-final game at the Univ. of Maryland's Comcast Center. At season's end, Dodson would garner numerous post season awards, including third team Washington area All-Met honors.
This year, his last, at Roosevelt, Darnell will probably be expected at times throughout the season to play all five positions, and definitely will be looked upon by the school’s coaches to function as the team’s primary scorer. The young Dodson is up for the challenge, stating in his typical laid back fashion “I’ll do whatever it takes to win”.
A positive effect of that tremendous upcoming responsibility from a Pitt standpoint is that Darnell will expand his total skill set, in game situations. He also plans to “try and show more energy” on the court before he gets to Western Pennsylvania. That’s not saying Dodson doesn’t work hard and competes – he does – but his ultra laid back personality on and off the floor leads those who don’t know him to wrongly assume he’s not playing all out (Dodson’s on court persona is similar to former hooper Alex English in that he just grinds, but makes it look easy and always remains nonplussed).
To be expected, the Dodson’s are extremely happy their great familial effort has created this opportunity. Darnell put in many hours on the court, while his father not only transported his son, but trained him in the game’s fundamentals, and has always been able to supply helpful, constructive, and honest criticism.
Mr. Dodson stated “We feel like it’s a good look”, while Darnell revealed “I’m proud of the way it turned out”. So are we at i95Ballerz.com, and the folks at Eleanor Roosevelt High School.
Congratulations Darnell, you made it happen. Pitt fans should expect the same in the Steel City.
Darnell, in Roosevelt warm ups.