VYPE: Can you tell us a bit about your background in academics and sports?

Deshawn Denson II: I’ve always do well in school and in sports. I’ve never played a sport other than basketball.

VYPE: Which athlete, professional or otherwise, do you look up to and why?

DD: My dad; he played Division I at Arkansas State and I want to follow in his footsteps.

VYPE: How do you balance the demands of academics and athletics in your daily schedule?

DD: Just prioritizing those things first, especially school because I can’t play basketball if I don’t have the grades. Just making sure my schoolwork is done is always first.

VYPE: Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your high school sports career that stands out to you?

DD: I have two; making the All-Tournament team in the Bruce Gray Invitational as a freshman. This year, as a sophomore, it was winning the Putnam City Invitational.

VYPE: What challenges have you faced in your sports journey, and how did you overcome them?

DD: I have faced a little bit of the mental battle when I was younger, but my parents and my coaches helped with that. Staying in the gym has also helped my mental game.

VYPE: How has being part of a team influenced your personal growth and character development?

DD: A lot of just learning how to win, lose, compete and work with other people has helped build me as a person.

VYPE: Are there any specific rituals or routines you follow before a game or competition to prepare yourself mentally and physically?

DD: I love to get a pregame workout in probably two and half hours before gametime, just to make sure my shot is good and I’m ready to go.

VYPE: What role do your coaches play in your development as an athlete?

DD: They play a big role. Just them giving me the blueprint of how to play at the next level and them believing and trusting in my abilities.

VYPE: What are your plans after high school?

DD: To go to a Division I program and hopefully, play in the NBA. If it doesn’t work out, I would love to be a sports agent.