– No surprise PC’s basketball captain excelled at CAPE –opines coach

AKINYELE Derrell excelled at CAPE (The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination) not just because of his intellect, but because he was able to do the leg work.

The captain of the President’s College(PC) basketball team finished with four grade ones (Biology Unit 2, Chemistry Unit 1, Chemistry Unit 2 and Pure Mathematics Unit 2), one grade two (Communication Studies), and one grade three (Pure Mathematics United 1).

These grades complement his first year CAPE grades, which included: Caribbean Studies (grade 1), Integrated Mathematics (grade 2) and Biology Unit One (grade 2).

His coach, Willon Cameron, said that the youngster is known for his dedication and commitment.

“He is as balanced as they come, as diligent as they come and extremely disciplined…. He really balanced his sports and his education; you never ever got a complaint from any of the other teachers about him not doing his work.”

Along with his own studies, Derrell was also opened to tutoring the younger players in the team.

Cameron, who coached ‘PC’ to the Youth Basketball Guyana-organised National School Basketball Festival U-18 male title last July at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, added that Derrell was an integral part of that success.

“As a coach, I could not have wished for a better player to be that extension of myself with the rest of the team…

When he started to teach at ‘PC’ a few years ago, Cameron was instantly impressed by Derrell’s selflessness.

“When I joined ‘PC’ in 2017 and started coaching, I met some talented players with a lot of potential but no one wanted to be the point guard; a discovery I made after being introduced to the team at a game before we had a chance to practice.

 “I told them after that someone has to step up and take that responsibility and no one but this young man did, He became not only our point guard but our captain and leader that took us home to a few championships, including the big one!”

Cameron said that Derrell was always a professional in the side, especially when four of the five ‘PC’ starters were selected for the All-Star Game.

“…Even though he wasn’t one, he didn’t let it affect the way he played and lead his team. “He is a kind of leader that made sure that the team was always in line and did what they had to do both on and off the court.”

In a Facebook message to Derrell, his coach added: “You often thank me for making you a better player, but I must let you know that you have made me a better coach!”

Along with basketball, Derrell also represented his school at ‘Nationals’ in triple jump and distance running (800M, 1500M and 3000M) last year.

Derrell is hoping to study medicine next with the aim of becoming a doctor.