Eddie: Knowing what you know about Beilein’s 1-3-1 zone defense, where do you think you’ll make the most difference– playing at the top, at the bottom, or on one of the wings? (Related: Did you play the 1-3-1 at all in high school? -Charles)
Darius: I think I could play the top well, but also can slide to the wing or the bottom so we’ll see. Yes, my team played a little bit of it in high school but I’m sure we didn’t use the tricks Coach Beilein does.

Adam: What would you say is the greatest strength to your game?
Darius: I would have to say the greatest strength to my game is being a playmaker on both ends of the court and knowing how to use my playmaking skills make others around me better.

Justin C: Darius, which area(s) of your game has Coach Beilein asked you to focus on the most during the offseason?
Darius: Coach Beilein has not specified what he wants me to focus on most during the off season basketball wise but in his offense the guards really have to be able to shoot it, so practicing my shooting will be a focal point in my off season workout.

W3: What kind of knowledge do you have of Coach Beilein’s offense at this point? Do you have a general idea on what your role will be this coming year in the offense?
Darius: I have watched and will be watching a lot of game film of Beilein’s offense and know the basics like his offense spreads the court, really shoot it well while involving a lot of off ball movement like back door cuts, v cuts, screens, and hand offs. I don’t know what my exact role in the offense is, but as the point guard it will be my duty to make efficient and smart decisions to put my teammates in positions where they can make plays and also take advantage of my opportunity to score when they are present.

Merlin: Do your family and friends in LA have access to the Big Ten Network to watch the Michigan games? Did you watch the Michigan games last year and if so where do you think you can help the team most? (Related: What was it like watching Michigan beat UCLA last year? – JBlair52)
Darius: My family and close friends will have access to the Big Ten network (Thank God for the Big Ten Network) since I’m far from home they can still watch me in the coming years. I watched quite of few Michigan games when I was able to and think I will bring leadership while adding another threat on the perimeter along with the good guards already there (Manny, Stu, LLP, Zack) and create mismatches with smaller PGs offensively and defensively.

Being from LA and watching my school, Michigan, take down UCLA while ranked highly was great for me. I watched the game with my high school teammate, UCLA commit Anthony Stover, and he was shocked. I think a lot of people were but I wasn’t.

michael: Which college player of recent years do you most liken your game to
Darius: I honestly thought about it and couldn’t think of one.

steve: What are your relationships like with other current Wolverines so far? Obviously you’ve played in the Feinberg Academic All-American Classic with Matt Vogrich, do you talk to him often? How about the other guys? Do you speak with Manny and DeShawn much? (Related: What incoming recruits have you played with and how would you describe their games? -ZRL)
Darius: My relationships with the other wolverines are great. The summer time is good because we get to know each other better. Matt and I really clicked at the FAAA and have talked frequently ever since, same with my roommate Jordan Morgan after the NBA TOP 100 camp, I stayed in contact with him as well. The rest of the incoming freshmen Blake, Eso, and Josh are great. Manny, Zack G, Ant Wright and Peedi are great and help me with getting accustomed to college and college basketball.

Paul: I believe your high school team won their championship game, was that the highlight of your B ball career so far?
Darius: Yes we won the CIF and Regional Championships en route to the State Championship. All were a first in our school’s history. I would have to say as PG, leading my team to the championship is up there in rank with highlights of my career.

Tom Too: There has been a lot said and posted about Beilein’s inability to recruit. I believe this will all go away after a couple more high caliber commits like yourself. That being said, when did you know you wanted Beilein to be your coach in College and what sealed the deal for you (ie. warmth of his demeanor, number of contacts, early contact with you, your family liking him, UM Campus visit)?
Darius: Thanks for the compliment Tom. As for Coach Beilein, I have no clue how people can complain about results regardless of who is on the court, he is a proven winner at every program he has been at and consistently beats opponents who have so called top recruits on them. To be honest it is harder to recruit at a program like Richmond or West Virginia, than say at the University of Michigan just because of lack of resources, TV coverage, location, and educational opportunities compared to other universities. However, I must say my coach is very selective he doesn’t just recruit players, he recruits smart men with good ethics like himself not just basketball players but mostly good athletes that will work to be successful on and off the court. But at Michigan, I can assure you Coach B will find high touted players nationally that want to be a part of a special place like Michigan and who fit his system and wheel them into AA. Coach B and Coach Mahoney recruited me well. For me, Coach B was big for my decision because he didn’t promise me the perfect world or break the rules, but proposed to me a great opportunity to try to earn early playing time and compete for a starting spot, and help rebuild a great program and to better myself on and off the court. Also I felt like getting away from home to experience something new and Michigan is one of the best universities in the world and the tradition here is great. My fam loved it as well and that was enough for me to decide.

old fan: Have you ever read Michigan (or other) blogs or had your decision affected by the postings/writings by the media or readers? Do you think that this matters to any of the recruits that you have encountered.
Darius: I have read a couple of blogs and after my commitment I read a couple of Michigan’s. I personally find them interesting. I don’t feed too much into them but it’s great to know you have great fans that care and support you and the team. But for me it wasn’t a big factor for my decision, however I can’t speak on the effect it has on other recruits.

Dirtgrain: What have you learned from your toughest struggles in basketball, especially in terms of technique, skill and mentality?
Darius: Keep GOD first in everything, never take the game of basketball for granted, and cherish every moment you get a chance to play the game. Stay humble. Stay reachable.  Always stay positive even if you just had the worst game ever, get ready for the next one you are judged by your last game not your first so bring it all the time. Also keep working hard because there is always someone out there better.

JBlair52: Would you rather throw the “alley” or dunk the “oop” ?
Darius: Both (laughs) but I guess if I had to choose one throw the alley because not everybody can do that.

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