McDaniels Makes Pick
It was a big weekend for Samir McDaniels as the New Mission senior led his team to their second consecutive state championship on Saturday, knocking off Northbridge 67-57. Less than 24 hours later and McDaniels was back on the court, this time as an all-star at the BasketBull New England All-Star Challenge where he scored a team high 24 points for the North squad.
What few people realized, was that McDaniels had put an end to his recruitment to start the weekend, making a verbal commitment to the University of New Haven and head coach Ted Hotaling a day before the state championship game.
McDaniels has had as decorated of a high school career as any player in the MIAA in recent years, leaving New Mission not just with two state championships but also as the team’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and assists.
“He’s really been the face of success for our program,” said New Mission head coach Cory McCarthy. “We didn’t become pretty good until he decided he wanted to be a leader.”
A four year varsity player, McDaniels had a break out year as a junior, averaging 22 points and 14 rebounds per game, scoring his 1000th point, and being named All-Scholastic. But what he did this year as a senior may have been even more important to his team’s success, sliding over to take on most of the ball-handling responsibilities after the graduation of Osmel Odena.
“He made the ultimate sacrifice, played out of position for us, and sacrificed a lot of his own offense” McCarthy said.
The consequence was that on paper his numbers may not look quite as good (19 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals) but his team was able to bring home their second consecutive state championship as a result.
McDaniels’ career on the AAU circuit has been no less successful as he was one of the focal points for a Boston Warriors squad that took the 2010 Massachusetts state title among other accolades.
In order to achieve his success on the court and in the classroom (where he takes all AP classes), McDaniels has had to overcome very tough circumstances, growing up in one of Dorchester’s most dangerous neighborhoods. That upbringing is one of the major reasons why he is motivated to pursue a career in criminal justice, a field that the University of New Haven is known for.
“Samir liked New Haven a lot because their forensics and criminal justice programs are phenomenal,” McCarthy said, “and he’ll playing for a guy he can connect with. He has a chance to play right away and contribute in their style of basketball.”
McDaniels should have a potentially significant impact on UNH’s program. A versatile player with a college ready body, he brings not only his winning pedigree and proven scoring abilities but also someone who can play and defend multiple positions.
“Samir waited to do things his way,” McCarthy said of his senior’s commitment, “which is what makes me feel that he is going to be really successful. He wanted something that could keep him motivated. Coach [Hotaling] will do that and criminal justice will do that.”
Osmel Odena
Samir McDaniels