College Transfer Leads Silverswords To Big Maui Tourney Win
Chaminade’s recent first-round matchup with Texas at the Maui Invitational may be only one game, but the team played as if it was the ONLY game on its schedule. Bringing his “A” game along, no one figured bigger than senior forward De’Andre Haskins, who tallied a remarkable 32 points and nine rebounds in leading the Silverswords to an 86-73 upset win over the Longhorns.
Part of Haskins’ sense of urgency during the season’s first month is that a foot injury sidelined him for all of his junior season. Asked what the biggest challenge was during the layoff, the Long Beach, Calif., native answered without hesitation: “Coming to grips with not playing basketball for a while and channeling my mind more into academics and managing my time.”
His performance versus Texas (and against North Carolina and Illinois) helped earn him a spot on the Maui Invitational All-Tournament team. He’s currently averaging 21.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, and also shooting 46.4 percent from behind the 3-point line. He and the team now set their sights on winning the PacWest Conference. Chaminade is currently in Phoenix, where it plays Grand Canyon Wednesday.
Haskins recently took some time away from the basketball court and classroom to visit with MidWeek‘s East Oahu Islander.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My coach at Citrus (College), Rick Croy, and my pastor, Tommy Stewart (Reach Community Church, Lake Forest, Calif.). They’re very good role models, and they’ve been an inspiration to me as I continue to grow as a man and as a person.
What’s the best part of playing basketball at Chaminade? It’s in Hawaii! We also have a small community at Chaminade. It’s nice.
The UH game on Molokai would seem to be the “Red Letter” game on the schedule. Are you excited to play them again, as in 2009? I’m excited to play against them. I didn’t get to play in the 2009 game. My good friend Garrett (Jefferson) is also on the UH team. He’s also moved on from Citrus. He was a good teammate: He made me a better player, and I made him a better player.
In addition to its proud basketball tradition, Chaminade is known for being a close-knit community. How have you enjoyed campus life there? It’s inviting. We have a lot of people from different places here. Everyone is welcoming. You can be yourself in an environment like Chaminade.
Who is your most competitive teammate in practice? Freshman Kevin (Hu), has a different style of playing defense. You have to be more focused when he’s guarding you.
What website do you go to the most? ESPN.com or YouTube.
What’s currently in your iPod? Christian rapper and entertainer Lecrae Moore.
What are your favorite video games? I have Xbox360. I play whenever I get the chance, which is every day, at least. NBA2K and Call of Duty are my favorites.
What’s your favorite road destination in the PacWest? Northern California, when we play Notre Dame de Namur and Academy of Arts, which has the best gym, although the weather isn’t good when we’re there.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe with just one food. What would it be? Lasagna.
Who would you choose to be your “celebrity date” for Saturday night? (Actress) Eva Mendez.
