Brandon Knight Diary 2

Brandon Knight, one of the top prep guards in the country, hasn’t decided what college he’ll be attending this coming Fall. But he does know where he’ll be on the last day of March: in Columbus, playing alongside two dozen of his best peers in the McDonald’s All-American game.

For now, though, BKnight is hard at work keeping a diary for us. Here’s this week’s entry.–Tzvi Twersky

Hi, I’m Brandon Knight and I was born in Miami, FL. I lived in Miami until the age of 7 and then I moved to Coral Springs, FL which is where I currently live. I attend high school at Pine Crest in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, which many regard as the best school academically in Florida and one of the best in the nation. The school work at Pine Crest is challenging, yet it provides its students with skills and strategies which will prepare them to be successful at the college level.

I started playing basketball when I was 5 years old, and also started playing football around this time. The team I played football for was called Carol City Optimist in Miami. I played until the 6th grade. I was good in both sports but my true love was basketball. As a young child, I used to love playing as much basketball as I could. I’d ask my Dad to move the cars out of the driveway so I could shoot. I would spend countless hours outside shooting, dribbling, and trying to make difficult shots.

Whether it be high school, college or pro, I loved to watch as much basketball on television as I could. Even though I never had a favorite team, I always enjoyed watching a good game. I strongly believe that not having a favorite team has played a large role in my college decision. Many kids have a childhood dream school where as I didn’t; consequently, I didn’t go into making a college decision with any pre-determined choices.

Speaking of college choices, I’m constantly asked if this is a stressful time for me. No, not really. I don’t look at making a college choice as stressful or as a hassle. I look at making this decision as one of the most important decisions I’ll make in my life. As a result, I am being very patient so I will make the right decision and go to a place that will best benefit me as a person, student and athlete.

When I was selected to the McDonald’s All American Team, I felt it was an honor because the event is historic. I was ecstatic I would be able to play in a game as epic as the McDonald’s game to showcase my talents, play with a great group of competitive athletes and give back to children and families in need through the Games connection to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

I’ve worked very hard up until this point in my career. Each day I attempt to do something to get better and make sure I do not become complacent with old achievements or awards. Although I try to work as hard as I can, I sometimes forget that rest is sometimes just as important as training.

The thing I feel separates me from other players is that I’m willing to do whatever I need to do to allow my team to win. That’s why I try to work on all aspects of the game. If my team needs me to do a specific thing, I’ll be able to step to the table and perform that task. The unique style of play I think I will bring to the McDonald’s game is a guard who is very versatile and can do an array of things on the court and not just one specific attribute or skill.