The lights dim in JPJ before the basketball game starts. Music fills the arena as the excitement builds. Cue to pregame video: on the screen we see the Wahoos practicing, lifting weights, and dominating the court against their opponent. A couple of new faces show across the screen, one being Darion Atkins. He’s made a strong presence on the court, contributing to the success of the team. And, Darion is only a first year! Darion opened up to Her Campus a little more about his experience as a first year player.
Hometown?
Clinton MD
Major?
Sociology
What has the transition been like from high school basketball to Virginia basketball?
It’s been rough at certain times. I would say trying to adjust to Coach Bennett’s style of play and his expectations has been my biggest challenge. Playing against the competition hasn’t been bad. It’s all about being aggressive and confident.
What is your weekly practice routine?
Well recently since players have either left the team or gotten hurt, the practice schedule is a lot less harsh on us. Now usually, we’ll have an hour and a half practice as opposed to a 3 hour practice with 13 healthy bodies every day of the week with 2 or three days of lifting.
Do you feel any extra pressure playing because you’re a first year?
At first I did, but now we’re 21 games into the season and I think I’ve adjusted pretty quickly and now see myself as someone who can greatly benefit the team.
What are the most valuable things you have learned from the upperclassmen?
From a perspective of basketball and working on my game, I need to be more patient and aggressive. From an academic standpoint, just go to class and do your work. However, from a social standpoint? I’d rather not say [laughs].
If you could have any other talent, what would it be?
If I could have any other talent, I would want to be able to sing. Girls love guys that can do that. So yeah, that would be really nice.
What goes through your mind before you take a foul shot?
You better make this damn free throw! No but really, I just think about taking my time and putting the ball in the rim, with no one guarding me.
Do you feel pressure academically being a student athlete?
Nope. I came from an all-boys private school in Bethesda MD called Landon and I was a student athlete there. No pressure. I got this.
What do you hope for the future of the program?
I hope to become the face of Virginia Basketball
What’s a quote or motto you live by?
I don’t have one. I’m a pretty religious guy so I guess I live by my faith.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UVA chapter.