NCSA caught up with basketball standout Daniel Nieman to talk about about his high school career and the opportunity to compete at the college level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game? Any pre-game rituals?
Nieman: I always have a playlist on my ipod of a bunch of songs I like to listen to before games. This gets me motivated and fills me with emotion. I always pray during the national anthem, and I always chew a piece of gum.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play collegiate basketball?
Nieman: I am really looking forward to just taking my game to the next level.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in basketball?
Nieman: I tried out for an AAU basketball team when I was really young and since then I fell in love with it.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Nieman: I’m really surprised how many letters and calls you can get that really don’t mean anything. Just because they call and send you letters doesn’t mean you’re getting a scholarship.
NCSA: How are your team(s) doing so far?
Nieman: My high school is the defending state champions. We have been to the state championship two years in a row and won it last year. We are currently 14-0 and ranked number in the state at the 3a level. I am averaging a lot more assists this year (8.1) assists per game and my points are up about 4 at 16 points per game.
NCSA: What are your goals? athletically, academically and in your community for the rest of the school year?
Nieman: I want to win another state championship of course. I also want to improve my athleticism and make sure I keep my grades up.
NCSA: What have you learned since working with NCSA?
I have learned some tips on talking to coaches and a couple of rules I didn’t know about. I just don’t think that you can get a scholarship through just talking to coaches, they have to come see you play.
