Dave Neal interview (part two)

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October 10, 7:55 AM

by Dylan Waugh, Maryland Terrapins Basketball Examiner

 

Promising Freshmen
Neal said he’s been playing pickup basketball with the Terps’ new freshmen, G Sean Mosley, F/C Steve Goins and F Jin Soo Kim.  He is impressed with all of them, but was particularly excited about Mosley’s potential to make a difference this year.

“Sean is going to be a great payer.  He could come in at the beginning of the season and have a huge impact.”

“He’s tough, strong, knows how to score and is a great defender.  He’s going to shock a lot of people.”

Neal was especially impressed with Mosley’s defensive tenacity. 

“He plays hard; he’s going to be one of our lock down defenders,” he said.

Neal said Goins is not as ready to be a star as a freshman, but has the size to be a contributor on the boards right away.

“He’s working hard, if his name gets called, he’ll be able to come out there and get some rebounds,” Neal said.  “As the years go on, he’ll be an impact player.”

Neal hasn’t seen Kim play much recently, since the freshman is not 100% healthy, but said, “he’s athletic, he can shoot the ball.” 

In the Community
“I do as much community service as possible,” Neal said.

He is on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which brings athletes together to discuss educational, personal and athletic issues and develop leadership skills.  The group also organizes canned food drives, including one at the upcoming Maryland Madness celebration on Oct. 17.

Neal also is active in the TERP Reading program, through which he goes to local elementary schools and reads to children.

On Senior Year
“I can’t believe I’m a senior,” said Neal.  “I feel like I just started as a freshman.”

Neal knows he has to step up as a leader this year with the losses of James Gist and Bambale Osby. 

“I’m the only senior on the team, so everyone’s looking up to me as a leader.  I’m trying to take on the vocal leadership role,” he said.

Life after Maryland
A Criminal Justice major and Leadership Studies minor, Neal will fall back on his education if his basketball career ends at Maryland.

“Basketball is always an option, but if not, I’d probably do graduate school,” he said. 

Neal is looking to travel after he graduates and perhaps even pursue his graduate degree in another country. 

When asked what country he hopes to visit, he answered, “Australia.  I’m very interested in going over there for a little while.”

But, he says, he’s not really thinking about the future right now.  Instead he’s focusing on enjoying his senior year and leading the young Terps through the difficult ACC. 

Being a Terp
Living out his childhood dream, Neal said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Maryland. 

“I’m a dedicated Terrapin.  I love being a Terrapin.  I love the fans here, they give us great support.”

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