Being a student-athlete is "a full-time commitment and a great opportunity to set up for a bright future. If you were to do it anywhere, NKU is the place to be…”
Dean Danos knows that to be successful in academics and athletics, you have to manage your time. Listen to what he says — because it’s working. Danos, a 20-year-old sophomore point guard on the from Oak Lawn, Ill., is juggling the responsibilities of playing Division I men's basketball and majoring in biology. Last year he played in all 30 games and earned a 3.3 GPA.
“For me, the first part to being a successful student athlete is time management,” he says. “Athletics are very demanding on the body and the academics are No. 1 in priority, so it is important to stay on top of everything and control the chaos.”
But some of the most fun comes from that chaos, he says. That chaos provided some of his favorite memories, which included traveling to Purdue, Kentucky and North Carolina. How can he calm down? Some advice: Do not challenge him in pingpong.
“I am one of the top pingpong players on campus,” he says.
Danos says he’d like to be a dentist when he graduates, and if another student-athlete wondered about coming to NKU he would tell them to make sure they are dedicated to their sport.
“Only do it if you love it!” he says. “It’s a full-time commitment and a great opportunity to set up for a bright future. If you were to do it anywhere, NKU is the place to be.” Danos also had a message for the fans.
“I just want to thank God, my family and the coaching staff at NKU for giving me such a great opportunity to represent Norse Nation!” he says. “It’s going to a year to remember, so tune in!”
Sophomore point guard Dean Danosplayed in all 30 men's basketball games last season and earned a 3.3 GPA as a biology major.
Dean Danos Profile
AGE: 20 • SPORT: Men's Basketball HOMETOWN: Oak Lawn, Ill. MAJOR: Biology YEAR IN COLLEGE: Sophomore