David Dennis is a junior sports management major from Columbus, Ohio. Last year, he played and started all 32 games and averaged a team-high 32.5 minutes per game.
How and why did you get into basketball?
I started when I was about two or three years old. My dad and my family is all a big basketball family. My dad played overseas and now is a high school basketball coach back home where I played, so it’s just a big thing in our family to play basketball.
What is your favorite thing about playing basketball?
Just the competition, going against different people and getting challenged every night. Seeing how I react and how my mind and how my body reacts.
Why did you come to Nova?
[I chose NSU] mainly because of basketball and the coaches, and seeing the school environment and the facilities was a big part of my decision.
What are your goals for basketball in the future?
I plan to play professionally overseas. I [don’t know] where yet.
How would you describe the relationship with your teammates?
This year is a little bit better than last year. I feel like we do a lot more things together off the court, on weekends especially. But it is just a vibe and a bond that you can’t really break with us right now. It helps us being [so close] off the court to be even better on the court.
What is difficult about being a student athlete?
Managing your time. With all the homework and the classes and the two to three hour practices and your extra workouts and all the extra time you put into the game makes you really cherish your off time.
What is your favorite thing to do after a big game?
[I like to] hang out with my teammates and my family.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Normally, the night before I will go to waffle house and eat. It’s a weird one but I’ve done it for awhile. Other than that I just hang out with teammates, watch basketball and play video games. Something to keep my body relaxed.
What does your downtime look like?
I do homework if I have any, but mainly just relaxing. I will probably come in to work out more if I can just to stay confident in everything around me. Then I just hang out with teammates and friends or whatever I want to do.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like to golf. I’m not very good, but I like to laugh at myself.
Who do you consider your biggest role model?
Probably my dad because he raised me to be a good person, and he was always there for me making sure that I pushed myself to be the best that I can possibly be.
What is advice you would give to other student athletes?
I would just say stay on top of everything and keep your priorities straight whether it is with school or athletics. Get the things you need to get done done, and then with your free time you can do whatever you want and enjoy college. Make sure you have your priorities straight and you should be alright.
