Father Time is undefeated but Newcastle Eagles and British basketball legend Darius Defoe is proving a more than worthy adversary as the 39-year-old stalwart is just hours away from taking to the floor in his 21st season of elite hoops.
With his and Super League Basketball’s historic campaign tipping off against the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks this evening, we sat down with the legendary Eagle to reflect on his achievement.
“How am I still going? That’s a good question… I honestly don’t know, but my love for the game is as strong as it ever has been and the way I’m feeling physically and mentally meant there was no doubt in my mind about coming back for a 21st season.
“I guess I’m a little surprised that I’m still going strong after all these years, to be playing at the best level in this country and on a really good team, but this city means a lot to me and the people here have done everything for me so I’m honoured to still be in this position and able to contribute for them.
“If you’d told me 21 years ago I’d still be doing this now I would never have believed you, and in fact I didn’t even expect to play at all when I was starting out in the League back then, but Fab [Flournoy] put his faith in me and told me that I needed to be ready to take my chance, so I was and I never looked back.”
A long way from home
Born and raised in Dominica, Defoe and his family relocated to London in his youth where his love for the basketball court blossomed.
Initially encouraged to take up the game by his teacher in school given his size and stature, the 39-year-old is also a product of the legendary Hackney Community College Basketball Academy, which produced several elite talents who have gone on to achieve staggering feats in the game.
“30 years ago it would have been crazy to me to think about having the life I have now built through basketball,” The 6’9” big man said.
“Back then I would have still been in the Carribean and this game would have been the last thing on my mind – maybe I would have believed I could play cricket professionally, but not basketball.
“I did try to play cricket when I came over here but I was too tall at that point and my P.E. teacher when I came to London tried to get me into the game and soon enough I was practicing every morning before school in the gym with friends before going to Hackney Community College for basketball.
“Joe White and Richard Fergus were my coaches and it was incredible to have that experience working with them. So many great players came through that programme, of course, including Drew Sullivan, Olu Babalola, and it’s crazy that we all ended up playing in the same League and the same teams years later.”
Setting the standard
The most successful player in the history of topflight British basketball with 27 major honours to his name, Defoe has been there and done everything there is to achieve on these shores.
Now a crucial mentor for the next generation of Eagles, the veteran star reflected on the individuals who helped pave the way for him back in the beginning of his professional career, whilst also elaborating on why he enjoys giving back to others in the game.
“I had a lot of incredible mentors over my years here, including Fab, Tony Garbelotto, Paul Blake, Dave Forrester, Charles Smith and so many more… but I have to shoutout my guy from London, Perry Lawson, as well. If it wasn’t for him chasing me every day back then telling me Fab was trying to get in touch and offer me a contract, this may never have happened.
“I learned a lot in the early days about being patient and staying ready, because if you’re doing the right things in practice every day then your chances on the court will come and you’ve got to be ready, taking in every little bit of information that you can and always learning. It doesn’t matter how many minutes or seasons you’ve played, this game can still teach you a lot.
“I take a lot of pride in being a role model and mentor for the younger players now, but I’m also very eager and willing to learn from them. I’ve played for a long time at a high level but we all have our own experiences and perspectives so when it comes to game time, it’s through sharing our experiences that we will be most successful.”
Looking to the future
After his incredible testimonial over the summer where the Eagles legend welcomed several of his former teammates back to the Vertu Motors Arena for a testimonial, speculation was rife that Defoe may be about to announce his retirement.
Thankfully, we’re getting at least one more year of Mr. 27, but for how much longer will he be gracing the hardwood in Super League Basketball?
“I take it year by year for the future. You never know what is around the corner so there is no point me saying I want to play for another six or seven years. I’m just excited to play, to enjoy my basketball and my teammates.
“I don’t think when I do decide to stop playing that I’ll be done with basketball. I’ll always want to give back, especially to the younger generations. My son is playing now and I just want to be a dad for him, not a coach. He’s enjoying the game and I’m enjoying seeing him have that experience.
“Apart from having two wonderful kids, the most special memories I have are just that I’ve been able to stay as healthy as I have done throughout my career and the enjoyment and joy I’ve taken from every season. You couldn’t have written the journey I’ve had but I’m so blessed to have been through it all.”