Interview of David Deram from Team Progeny

I had the chance to sit down with David Deram from Waukegan, IL, who previously coached high school basketball at South Bend Clay High School in 2007.  He got into the club scene and created Team Progeny in Indianopolis that same year.  Team Progeny is a foundation that is not only helping inner city youth get better on the basketball court but also works to improve classroom work ethic.  David teaches kids that life is bigger than basketball and teaches them how to become better men in their communities.

Jarrell Strong: When you started coaching your club what was your vision and why lub basketball? 

David Deram: I Started coaching AAU in 2007 after I had been coaching High School for nine years. I was good at building great relationship with the kids and great players.  However, it upset me that this did not translate to great success off the court.  I Had a vision to graduate 10 kids each year with both academic and athletic scholarships which would give them options.  Everything is integrated with school and basketball.  The both go hand and hand and you can learn lessons that translate to both.  I have big plans to help the inner city youth of big cities to help them turn their lives around and show them how they can become better men.

JS: That is a great vision.  What is your favorite win and against who?

DD: This year we beat the St. Louis Eagles at the Nike Spring Showdown.  We were down 15 late in the game and made an amazing comeback to win which is huge because they are a top EYBL.

JS: Players to watch on the team and X Factor?

DD: Harris Brown, T.J. Henderson, Dreon Lewis, and Nigel Robinson are the players to watch on the team. The X Factor is is Bryce Hudson

JS: What college coaches are getting in contact with you the most about your players?

DD: Purdue been in touch a lot, Wake Forest have been in contact the most recently. Also Illinois, Chicago, Butler, Dayton, Miami Ohio, Penn, Purdue, Eastern Illinois

JS: Most difficult team you played during the spring?

DD: St. Louis Eagles and King James Shooting Stars

Interview by: Jarrell Strong (@indijarrell)