In Dez We Trust
Feb 22, 2004 | Men's Basketball
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Maybe it was the fact that true freshman Dez Willingham was part of the most highly-touted recruiting class in the recent years of the
Maybe it was because as a high school player, he averaged 19 points, seven assists, and three steals per game, and furthermore, Hoop Scoop listed him the fourth-best player in the talent-rich state of
Maybe it was because during the time he was sidelined, K-State had struggled to a Big 12 Conference mark of 1-5, had lost four straight road games, and desperately needed someone to energize and jump start their offense.
Whatever the reason, when Willingham eagerly stepped back onto the court after suffering a shoulder injury against Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 22, the audience murmur grew to a roar as they enthusiastically gave him an ovation. With such a young and talented guard at the helm of this team, Willingham embodies the hope and promise that lies ahead for the
“It felt good to come out to such an ovation,” Willingham said. “I was just excited about being back and being able to help out the team. It hurt so much to sit on the bench (while I was hurt). I wanted them to win, and I was cheering like I was out there. It wasn't in the plans for me to come here and get hurt. I wanted to at least help, and I’m just happy that I’m back.”
The confidence that Willingham displays on the court is equal to the way that he approaches life and the classroom. Willingham is one of the few athletes who found a way to balance sports and school work in high school, where he boasted a 3.9 GPA. And as he adjusts to the rigors of college, he has a surprisingly positive view on things.
“High school kind of came easy,” he said. “I studied and applied myself, but it wasn’t like I was studying my books every day. I had time for basketball and free time, too. I think K-State is easier this year. In high school, you stay in the same building for eight hours, but now I’ll have two classes, study time, and then I am finished with my work before
As Willingham adapts to a different atmosphere in the classroom, he also must adjust to the physical and strenuous play of the Big 12 this year. But for a kid who has worked all of his life to play basketball for a Division I program, it’s a dream come true, albeit a huge challenge that looms ahead.
"I know it will be a big transition," Willingham said. "Every night you're going to play someone good. In high school you had some nights when you didn't have to play as hard, but every night we're going to play some of the best teams in the country like
That closeness and camaraderie off the court is part of what has made it easier for Willingham to be away from his family and friends down in
"Coach is pretty straight-up with you and lets you know what he wants you to do, and what he thinks you can do,” Willingham said. He's a good person too, and he tells us that we can come in whenever we want and talk to him about anything. I respect him for not just being a coach, but for being a person outside of basketball.”
Outside of the family-like atmosphere of the coach's offices, Willingham's parents and sister cheer him on down in
"Sometimes people joke about my dad being a probation officer, but it's not a big deal. He'd always tell me that if I did anything bad, I'd be on the other side of his desk. He'd always joke around about that," he said.
Although there are other people that he admires, Willingham lists his parents as his single greatest role models in life.
"My parents have always been there for me," he said. "There are other people I look up to, but as far as role models, I'd say my parents, because without them, I probably wouldn't be the person that I am today."
So as Willingham starts a new chapter in his life, away from home and competing with some of the best players in Division I basketball, he approaches these challenges with confidence and an enthusiastic hope of the things to come. With the rest of the season ahead, maybe, just maybe, this 6-foot guard can be the one to help bring the men's basketball program back to the prominence it once enjoyed.
