By. DeAjai Dawkins
Every year in the state of North Carolina, buried amongst names of national notoriety, there lies a gem patiently waiting to reap the fruits of his labor. The production, work ethic, mentality, personality, classroom performance, and physical intangibles are all there, the rest is inevitable. Approaching the 2021-2022 school year, I am personally giving that title to 6’6 2022 Daniel Sanford.
Daniel Sanford was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, familiarizing himself with the city’s impressive sports legacy at an early age. A gifted athlete, Daniel began playing football early, establishing his athletic presence through his talents on the gridiron. He only began playing basketball in the 8th grade, where his undeniable frame put him in a position to dominate his age group early. When he first enrolled at Julius L. Chambers High School (formerly known as Zebulon B. Vance High School prior to an official name change voted on in October of 2020), Daniel was both physically and mentally equipped to start as a freshman.
In the opinion of myself and many others, the I-Meck 4A conference has solidified itself as the state’s most difficult conference to compete in. A 6’4 freshman coming in and relying on brute force as well as interior presence to contribute should’ve been an early indicator of something special to come. His sophomore year saw a noticeable improvement in his mobility and comfort from the mid-range. His junior year he led the Cougars in both scoring and rebounding, performed with his heart night in and night out, and rightfully earned the I-Meck 4A Conference Player of the Year award. The most valuable player, in the state’s most competitive public school conference, on a team with two other All-Conference award winners in 2022 Corey Gaines and 2024 Maurio Hanson.
Daniel’s game is unique in comparison to his in-state peers, as there are not many players I can think of that possess his specific tools. He can work inside out, face-up from the high post, handle the ball in order to attack from the perimeter, and is one of the best rebounding wings in the state of North Carolina. When I think of a potential player comparison for Daniel, I think of players like Isaac Okoro. I’ve often said that with his hulking frame, mid-range prowess, and hang time in the air, he somewhat reminds me of Jaden Springer. Jaden Springer is a former Rocky River High School standout who transferred to IMG Academy, won a national championship, was selected as a McDonald’s All American, went to the University of Tennessee where he was a key piece for the Volunteers and is now projected to be selected in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft. Not to say Daniel’s game mirrors Springer’s, but I will say their similarities have intrigued me since I first met Daniel.
Sanford plays travel ball on the UAA circuit with Team Charlotte, a program that has seen numerous alumni achieve success in college, as well as see their dreams come true as NBA players. Coached by the renowned Jeff McInnis, a 12 year NBA veteran, and former UNC Tar Heel standout, Daniel has spent the majority of his formative years under the guidance and mentorship of some of basketball’s great teachers. His presence as a swingman seems to increase by the year, and this AAU period is one where I feel his name should start to be included in some brand new conversations.
My favorite quality of Daniel’s has nothing to do with him as a basketball player. He possesses a genuine nature about him that I find rare in people regardless of age. His humility is shown in his everyday life, as he’s a very easy-going personality. He notes that his favorite NBA player is Kevin Durant and spoke highly on Durant’s personality. The two once met at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam and he feels that the two relate to one another. Outside of basketball, Daniel says his favorite thing to do is hang out with “the chillest dog of all time” in his pet Louie.
On the court, Daniel is selfless in his intentions and makes them clear almost every time I see him. He only wants one thing out of this season; to bring a ring back to the school he’s called home for 4 years. In his own words “we’re ring chasing, I have to be a consistent problem on every single area of the court.” A task that I know he’ll attack the challenge with a clear mind and full heart, just as he’s done his entire life.