DeAndre Daniels is in his sophomore year as a Forward for the UConn Huskies.  Watching his older brothers and cousins made DeAndre want to play basketball. "As a little kid I just always wanted to do what they did, and that's how I fell in love with basketball."

As a sophomore, DeAndre is going to take his experience as a freshman and help out the new freshman. "Last year we didn't communicate a lot on the court, and weren't really there for each other. I want to be there for the freshman so when they get down on themselves I can just talk to them, and be there for them."

DeAndre's freshman year was memorable, going through tough times. "I learned a lot about myself on and off the court."

DeAndre's most memorable basketball experience prior to coming to UConn was while playing AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball. "In tenth grade, playing for Team Odom, we went to Houston, Texas and I think we won the whole thing."

After narrowing his college choices down to the University of Connecticut, Kansas, Duke and Texas Universities, DeAndre chose UConn. He and his family talked about what was going to be the best situation for him. "UConn was the top school, and I felt comfortable with the coaches.  I felt like I would develop more, and become a better person on and off the court."

The transition from high school to college has been a big one, but it's everything DeAndre expected it to be. "I'm loving it so far. The game in college is much quicker and everybody is good."

When asked what it takes to make Coach Ollie happy DeAndre said, "Go out and win games. Just go out and give it your all, compete for him, ourselves, and the fans."