Getting to know basketball influencer Dazeran “Duke Skywalka” Jones

What is your favorite part of playing basketball?

Getting better and better everytime I step on that court

What inspired you to start playing basketball? Honestly all my friends played , so I wanted to be apart of the game and success

What do you think makes a great team captain? Leading by example

Do you have any pre-game rituals? I have to chew two pieces of gum

Who is your biggest role model in the sport? Kobe Bryant

What motivates you when you’re feeling tired during a long game?

Finishing the job knowing I didn’t quit regardless of the outcome

What position do you like to play the most? Shooting guard

What is your favorite drill to do in practice? Shell drill

One word to describe how you feel when you score the winning points in a close game? Successful

How do you handle losing a big game? Going over what I could’ve done different and or did wrong and go work on that

Do you have any other hobbies outside of basketball? If so, what are they? Fishing and gaming

Do you have any advice for aspiring young basketball players who want to make it to the NBA one day? Don’t quit and do that 1% that the other 99% won’t do

How do you work on your mental game? By not listening to negativity only positivity

How do find inspiration for new basketball moves? Seeing people at a higher level of basketball then me doing them in a effective way

What music do you like to listen to before playing a game? R&B

What’s your favorite post-game meal? I don’t really eat until after the game

What’s been your proudest moment as a basketball player so far?

Becoming a content creator and paving the way for the streetball realm of YouTube basketball

Who is your favorite coach that you’ve had so far in your career and why? My HS coach Don Skipper , he gave me a chance when other coaches wouldn’t

What was the best piece of advice anyone has given you about playing basketball? Don’t compete with others you are your only competition

What skills do you bring to the court? Leadership , IQ and understanding the game

What do you think makes a good coach? Someone that has played , and won , knowing how to win is such a underrated skill

What is your favorite play to run?

A high ball screen

What is your favorite pre-game meal? I don’t eat til after

What do you think is the biggest challenge in basketball? Staying healthy and without injury

Who is your toughest opponent? Myself

What do you think of instant replay in games? Those are needed ! For everyone to see a highlight or key moment

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t quit

How do you manage pressure during games? Not taking things too serious and having fun

When you’re not playing or practicing, how do you stay in shape? By staying active and not getting lazy

Do you have any superstitions when it comes to games? Not wearing brand new shoes on game day

What was your most memorable moment as a player? Winning MVP and a 3pt shootout during a live streamed event

How do you prepare for away games? Just making sure I get enough rest

What do you think is the biggest misconception about basketball? That it’s not physical basketball is a very physical sport

What is your favorite thing about playing basketball? Dunking the ball

What is your least favorite thing about playing basketball? Losing

What do you think sets basketball apart from other sports? You have to have a very strong mental to succeed in basketball

What skills do you think are necessary to be successful at basketball? Listening and excepting constructive criticism

What drills do you think are essential for developing players? Learning the basic fundamentals

What defines a successful season for a team, in your opinion? Winning the championship at the end of the season

Should there be any age limit for players entering the league? No . If your good enough age shouldn’t matter

What do you think makes a great basketball player? A player that makes everyone around him better

What are your goals for your basketball career? To continue to get better and inspire others and prove that it’s other ways to make it in basketball other than the NBA

How do you approach each basketball game? Like it’s my last

What role does practice play in becoming a great player? Practice make perfect ! You can’t not work on your craft

How do you deal with disappointment or adversity on the court? By taking it and building off it

When things are going well on the court, what kind of feeling do you get? A very great feeling , feeling unstoppable

When things aren’t going well, how do you keep yourself motivated and focused? Just always look at the bigger picture ! Focusing is key

What sort of leadership qualities do you feel you bring to the team? Holding everyone accountable as well as myself

Do you have any other hobbies outside of basketball? If so, what are they? Fishing and gaming

What are some of your strengths as a player? Athleticism, IQ , Defense, and my ability to shoot the ball

What are some of your weaknesses as a player? Having to deal with bad officiating

How do you think you can improve your game? Doing thing that take less physicality and more mental , which will make the game easier

How do you work to be a good teammate? By always looking in the mirror and checking that I’m doing the right thing

What role do you think leadership plays on a basketball team? Most in important . A team is as strong as it’s leader

When things are going bad for the team, what do you try to do to help turn things around? Uplift everyone , basketball is a game of runs

What do you love most about playing basketball? Having fun and doing what I love and passionate about

What do you think is the best part of being a basketball player? Knowing that only a small percentage of the world is good at doing it

What are your post-basketball plans? Owning businesses, brands and acting