Nike Basketball Camp Oklahoma Athletic Center

Derek’s journey to the next level started after high school when he decided to move from Virginia to New York in an attempt to make a name for himself in an area known for breeding basketball players. He was so determined to play basketball, he enrolled himself in college as an unknown player in 2004, and after a year of just being a student, he was given the chance to play junior college basketball at the Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC) in 2005.

After adapting to the tough and aggressive attitude of New York City and JuCo basketball, he went from being a projected 3rd string point guard to starting every game his Freshman Year. During his year at FIT, his tough work ethic allowed him to be ranked top 10 in the nation for steals and assists in DIII junior college basketball. In the fall of 2005, he was forced to sit out due to financial difficulties and had to put his dreams of being a successful college player on hold. During the following summer, he was given an opportunity to attend Saint Gregory’s University on a scholarship and played 3 yrs of NAIA basketball as the starting point guard. During those 3 years, he was named to the Academic All-Conference team twice, showing his versatility as a hard worker on the court and off the court.

His drive to be successful was displayed even off of the basketball as he became active in nonathletic organizations and even became president of at Students in Free Enterprise at the University.
Throughout all of his years playing basketball, Derek has always been in a leadership position. As a point guard, it’s always been a natural responsibility to motivate others. His personal experiences have also allowed him help others overcome adversity, as he did in his career.

Unfortunately, after a year of redshirting, he was not given the opportunity to succeed as a basketball player while attending Redlands and was cut. Jade refused to stop perusing his dreams of being a college basketball and after much hard work and many college tryouts, he was recruited by St. Gregory’s University, where his basketball abilities were allowed to be demonstrated.

He thrived on the opportunities that were presented to him, and went on to average double figures both years and also received All Conference his Senior season. After completing four seasons of basketball at the collegiate level in 2010, he transferred to the University of Central Oklahoma to finish his last year of college, and officially graduated from college with a General Psychology Degree in May of 2011.

After concluding his college career, he began working as the Unit Director for the Salvation Army Boy’s and Girl’s Club in El Reno. Working for the Boy’s and Girl’s Club gave him great satisfaction in having the ability to give back to the small town that played a big part in making him the person that he is today. His goal is to positively influence a number of people’s lives through positive guidance and build character. This inspired him to join with Derek and form Next Level Basketball Corporation.