Men's Basketball Student-Athlete, Daniel Dooley
1. How much time per week is required for practice, games and training being a student-athlete?
During a regular week of practice, training and games, there is probably about 20-25 hours required total. We typically play Friday/Saturday nights, practice 4-5 times a week, workout with our strength coach twice a week and then also additional skill work on our own. It is quite the busy schedule, but all worth it.
2. What are some of your favorite things to do in your space time when you are not playing Basketball
When I am not playing basketball, I like to relax and hanging out with my teammates and friends. We play a lot of video games, watch sports, listen to music and joke around with each other.
3. What is the most important skill that you've learned from being a student-athlete?
The most important skill I have learned from being a student-athlete is how to manage my time with my daily schedule. I like being organized and knowing what I'm doing each day, what I will be eating, when my classes and practices/workouts are, so
I try to write out daily schedules to be more productive.
4. What is the best part of being Gryphon?
The best part about being a Gryphon to me is probably the relationships I make with my teammates and the grind we go through together on a daily basis. We are always around each other whether it be in practice, class, the library or on road trips, so being around each other that much helps build my relationships with my teammates. Even if we lose a few games in a row or don't make the playoffs consecutive years in a row, we always have each other's backs no matter what.
5. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration honestly just comes from the love of the game. I have played basketball ever since I was in grade 3, so being around it all my life obviously gives me a connection and love for it more than any other sport I have played. I have a lot of friends who have been successful in basketball so I am trying to do the same and become the best player and teammate I can be. I don't think I took it that seriously until I got to UofG in my 1st year, so each year I try to improve my game as much as I can.
6. Do you have any special pre-game food rituals?
In terms of pre-game food rituals, I try to eat very light on game days as I find it hard to play with a full stomach. I like having a good breakfast and lunch of game days, along with a couple snacks and lots of water to stay hydrated for the game.
7. What celebrity would you like to meet?
The celebrity I would like to meet would be Steph Curry. I have been a fan of his ever since he was in college and it motivates me how much he has improved while the majority of people doubted him once he got to the NBA.
8. What do you think differentiates UofG from other universities?
I think UofG has a beautiful campus where everything is close together so you don't have to travel far to get where you need to go. Also, the food is great and there are many spots to eat. Also, the new athletic center is something not too many universities in Canada have so it is awesome to use the new facility. We have our change room, gym, workout facility and even a student lounge with food so we have everything we need all in one area!
9. Any advice to incoming rookies playing University sport?
The advice I try to give to the rookies on our team is to never take a day or game for granted because the time I have had at Guelph has gone by so quick. I also try to preach that hard work will only help them become better. I have been lucky enough to be a part of a recruiting class where most of us love to be in the gym all the time so that really pushes me to do my part. We honestly just enjoy working on our games together and it is fun for us so having that extra time in the gym brings us even closer. Also, I think it's easy to say, but never getting too high or too low is very important and has been important in my career. In my first couple years, if I had a bad game or practice, I would get so down and it would affect my play and attitude. I still struggle with it sometimes, but over the years I have tried to become better at that because being even-keeled is important.
10. What is your proudest moment in the sport of basketball?
My proudest moment while playing basketball… That's a tough one. I do have a Silver and Bronze medal from OFSAA in high school basketball which was pretty cool. In regards to Guelph, probably our win against Ryerson last year at home. They were ranked #1 in the country and we upset them. It felt awesome to be a part of that game and play well against very good competition.
