Have you ever wanted something? Have you wanted it so much that you committed thousands of hours worth of practice to achieve that goal?
Deryl Bagwell, senior communication major and captain of the Cabrini University men’s basketball team, has done just that.
“I’ve been playing basketball since I was in second grade,” Bagwell said. “My grandma and dad got me involved in basketball programs.”
Bagwell fell in love with the game almost accidentally. It was not until he stumbled upon a basketball court that he displayed a natural ability to play
“I have four bothers and we always played football, but I was never big or strong enough, so I never got the ball,” Bagwell said. “We found a basketball court and started to play, and I realized that I was good at basketball. It came naturally. It was a lot more fun than playing football.”
Bagwell continued to play and knew basketball is something he wanted to pursue.
“I decided to play basketball at Cabrini because it felt like my high school in Philadelphia,” Bagwell said. “They [Cabrini] put in the work and win championships.”
Every athlete has goal for themselves and their team. Bagwell’s goals for his college basketball career included a conference championship, which he achieved in the 2013-2014 season as a freshman, and to score 1,000 points before he graduates in May, 2018.
“Honestly, I didn’t think I was ever going to reach 1,000 points, but it was always a goal of mine,” Bagwell said. “It was on my bucket list”
On Jan. 22, 2018, the Cabrini University men’s basketball team played in Aston, Pa. against the Neumann Knights. On this night, Bagwell scored his 1,000th point, but was more focused on the outcome of the game.
“It was a big game, but the game wasn’t about my 1,000 points. It was about the win and the team,” Bagwell said. “I wasn’t even thinking about my personal stats. I go into every game to win. I’m not worried about me.”
Although the game resulted in a loss for the Cavaliers, there was nothing but support from teammates and the Cabrini community for Bagwell’s accomplishment.
“Once I got that 1,000-point ball, I was so happy. I never wanted to let it go,” Bagwell said. “The reactions were so positive; I was so happy to do this my senior year, and I know I’ll remember this forever.”
