Hoop Talk: Court side with Stephen Danso

Basketball or not, we are all human beings with capabilities beyond our expectations. Today, I got the opportunity to interview Stephen Danso. A former professional with praise for the future.



HC: How did you get into playing basketball?

SD: I first got into basketball when trying it at secondary school in year 7 or 8 with my friends - I was terrible then! But it was fun and playing with them incentivized me to stick at it. I properly got into it at the age of about 13 or 14 through following my older brother - that's when my love for the game really took off.



HC: What is your main motivation when you play?

SD: My main motivation when I played was to be the best I could be and also make it to the professional level. I am glad to say that, thanks to God, I achieved both. When I play now, it's to have fun and still be competitive.



HC: Do you think creativity and playing basketball go hand in hand? If so, explain why.

SD: I think creativity and basketball definitely go hand in hand. Basketball is one of, if not the most innovative and creative sports on the planet - just look at how the game has developed over the years. It's a sport that allows you to uniquely express yourself and I believe that can carry over into creativity in other aspects of life.



HC: How would you describe life during professional basketball season?

SD: Life during a professional season varies depending on the club, level, and country but hopefully I can describe some commonalities. 

You practice multiple times per day - this could be two team practices or a morning shootaround, followed by a gym session, then an evening team practice. You usually have 1-2 games per week.

Probably one of the most interesting things about being a professional is the amount of free time you have outside of practices and games, which you may not truly realize at the moment. It's up to each player how they use their free time but it should be used effectively.

Ultimately, life is good as a professional but it shouldn't be taken for granted. It's typically a short career. It's a privilege to have such an opportunity to be paid to play the game you love.  



HC: What do you do now for a living? Do you miss playing pro basketball?

SD: I now work as an accountant in the Finance department of a world-renowned media company. Do I miss playing basketball? Absolutely, but I've come to the acceptance that the ball has 'stopped bouncing' for me (at least professionally). I mainly keep up with the game by watching ESPN First Take, Undisputed on FS1, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, The Jump on ESPN and also watching highlights of games on YouTube.



HC: How do you keep your spirits up when things get hard?

SD: When things get hard, I keep my spirits up by reading my Bible, praying and trusting in God. I also remind myself that tough times don't last forever. In this world, which can be cold, you have to speak positively to yourself and believe that better days are ahead. The same positive self-talk I used in basketball on the court is the same positive self-talk I use off of it now.



HC: Where do you see your future going now?

SD: I see my future, career-wise, being in finance, business or technology. From an athletic standpoint, I will always work out and stay fit as I enjoy it, it's beneficial and it's second nature to me.



HC: Any advice you would give to hoopers today?

SD: If there were a few pieces of advice I'd give, it would be to be the best YOU can be but also to be informed about how good you have to be to play at the level you aspire to. There's nothing worse than thinking it's not that hard and then getting exposed when you play against an elite team or player. Do your homework so you're not deceiving yourself.