2006-07 Titan Player Journals

Darius Gant (6-4 Junior Forward, Oswego H.S.)

2005-06: Played JV

2004-05: Played JV

High school: Team captain...averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2 steals per game at Oswego as senior...earned four basketball letters for the Panthers…two-time all-area in Aurora Beacon News...three-time all-Suburban Prairie Conference selection.

Ron Rose: "Tremendous athlete...he has a world of potential…he is going to have the opportunity to display his talents…the key for Darius is to be active and assertive…we challenge him in practice to touch the ball as many times as possible, whether it is offensive rebounds, running the floor, defense…he has a lot of gifts and if he brings the right attitude to the table, he's going to have a good year for us."

Entry #1 - November 23, 2006

TITAN FANS!!!!

We just finished up with pre-game practice and now the team is back in their houses or dorms resting up for the big weekend. This campus is like a ghost town when we are on break. However, it feels great to know that I don't have to be stuck in the library putting the finishing touches on a paper due tomorrow.

I am jacked up for this weekend. Sometimes I think I might get overly hyped. I guess that's what happens when you watch Charles Barkley (my favorite player) highlights as a pre-game ritual. I love the man's heart and intensity, especially since he is an undersized post player.

This weekend we look to play two tough games. I love to see how the team is so ready to take on new challenges. It is a little different this year being the underdog in every game, but we enjoy it. I like to set personal goals each game to challenge myself. For this game I have set a very tough but interesting one, which I'll let everyone in on later on…sorry I can't reveal it yet. Let's just say you'll here about it on the radio if it happens.

In practice, we have been working extremely hard to perfect the small things that are so important to the game. I think Coach Rose has done a great job with the team. I really like the new style. It has to be tough to adjust to the new setting and a new level of basketball in addition to the pressure of being the head coach of IWU. I'd also like to thank guys like Teddy Toliver, Anthony Gunnell, Justin Anthony, Jason Bloom, Kevin Bryant, Brett Chamernik, Elias Washington, and Sean Dwyer. I can really respect the hard work they put in at practice every day. They may not get to be seen on the court at game time but I love how they take it to us EVERY DAY at practice. With myself having been in that position last year, I can really respect the love for IWU and for basketball that it takes to play that role.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Indiana. We truly appreciate all of the support.

P.S. Sorry about the rambling…I would just like say great job to my little sister and brother. My sister, Teah, is getting time as a freshman at Wisconsin. My brother, Sean, is the captain of his basketball team. He hit 5 threes the other day. I guess he's the first shooter to come through. Okay okay okay now I can go.

Darius Gant #23