Athlete of the Week: D’Shaun Vineyard

D’Shaun Vineyard looks to take his skills to the next level.
Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain

D’Shaun Vineyard is a junior point guard for the Magdalena Steers basketball team. He is going into his third year as a part of the varsity squad.

Question: Did you play basketball before joining the varsity team?

Answer: Yes. I started playing ever since first grade.

Q: What is the most important part about finding success in basketball?

A: To have a good team and find a bond with your teammates. Working together and making sure everybody is on the same page.

Q: How do you feel about your team early in the 2021-22 season?

A: I feel pretty good but we still of course have a lot to work on going forward. For myself, I want to become a bigger threat. Don’t be dependent on just one person to score but instead find a way to win as a group.

Q: What is the best individual aspect of your game?

A: That would be my jumping abilities. I have not done it yet this season but I can dunk over people. My favorite play came in the State Championship last year. I missed the dunk but it still fired up our team.

Q: What should opponents expect from yourself when preparing to play you?

A: I always have my team on my back. Our coaches are really good at preparing us for games and are always on us to be better than we think we are capable of.

Q: Do you play any other sports?

A: I do track and baseball. But my favorite sport is basketball. I grew up around it and just love the way this game is played.

Q: What is your favorite sport that you do not play?

A: I would have to go with football. It seems fun to be out there with the entire stadium cheering you on. It seems like a good time.

    Q: Do you plan on playing at the collegiate level?

    A: Yes. I hope to get a scholarship in basketball but if not that then track would be my next option. My goal is to work harder than I ever have and never slack off. I tell the younger guys to be coachable, give it everything you got and never hold back.

    Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

    A: Michael Jordan. He’s an inspiration to me and I grew up watching him play. The videos I have been able to watch made me want to play basketball.

    Q: If you could have dinner with one famous person, living or dead, who would it be?

    A: Kobe. He was another inspiration for me in basketball. He had a great mindset that I strive for. He wouldn’t let anything stop him.