Guilford basketball star is a name to watch.
This past NCAA hoops season was memorable, especially since we now see college athletes like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese playing in the pros. Another name to celebrate is Tyler Dearman of the Guilford College Quakers basketball team. Averaging 20.1 points per game, Dearman was recognized as the D3Hoops.com Region VI Most Outstanding Player and received the 2024 Jostens Trophy.
I sat down with Dearman to discuss his career, sports, and his hopes for the future.
McElwain: Describe basketball in one word.
Dearman: Fun. It’s as simple as that because it’s not only about trying to win games; you also want to have fun doing it.
McElwain: What’s your opinion on Bronny joining the Lakers?
Dearman: I think Bronny having the opportunity to play with his father is an incredible moment for basketball, whether people think he deserves it or not. He will grow as a player and make the most of this opportunity.
McElwain: What are your goals for the future?
Dearman: My goal in the future is to play basketball overseas in hopes of finishing what I consider a successful basketball career. After my playing career, I look to use my degrees to find a great job in the sports field and have a family.
McElwain: What are three highlights of your basketball career so far?
Dearman: I’ll pick three. 1. During my senior year of high school, we won our conference tournament and made a good run in the state playoffs to eventually lose to the team that won the championship that year, and I think I put myself more on the map to get recruited by schools. 2. Becoming the all-time steals leader for Guilford College and setting the record for most steals in a game in Guilford College history (11) in a single season is a fantastic accomplishment, and having my name in the history books for Guilford College is an honor. 3. Going to the NCAA D-lll Tournament Final Four was the first time for Guilford College since 2009.
McElwain: What advice would you give to anyone wanting to do basketball?
Dearman: Always have confidence when you step on the court to play. Playing with confidence, I think, makes you play better and adds that fun aspect to playing basketball.
McElwain: Who are your top three NBA players and why?
Dearman: I’m going to assume you mean players in today’s NBA, so my three would be Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic. I say those three names because they have the most significant impact on their respective teams, consistently put up good stats, and lead their teams to a good record every season.
