From Big Ten to MEAC: An Exclusive Interview with Diamond Johnson, Norfolk State University's Newest Basketball Star
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Posted By: S. Moore on June 16, 2023 In an exclusive interview with HBCU Connect, Diamond Johnson discussed her decision to attend an HBCU rather than a regular Power 5 school. Diamond shared with us her journey, from her initial interest in Historically Black Colleges to the invaluable encounters that impacted her aspirations and how the significance of culture, development, and alignment with her dreams, guided her to choose black excellence embodied in HBCUs. Join us as we explore her enthusiasm for immersing herself in the vibrant HBCU culture and her long-term goals to use her platform to elevate women's basketball on all levels. HBCU Connect: What inspired you to consider attending an HBCU over a traditional Power 5 school? Can you take us through the thought process behind this decision? Diamond Johnson Well, I was interested in an HBCU even out of high school, they just never came for me. I would have definitely taken a visit or highly considered going to one. The culture is everything and I can’t wait to experience it while playing the sport I love. This process around obviously I’m older and have watched 100x more basketball, from power 5, mid-major/HBCU and I see that they have a lot of good coaches who run pro offense, develop players, and those things align with my goals. Now I see, so thats what’s most important for me this time around in me growing and becoming closer to my dreams. Many top-ranked prospects dream of playing for the most renowned college basketball programs. What prompted you to deviate from the norm and attend an HBCU instead? DJ Good question……. It just came with experience and my experience at the power 5 level. Just growing into my goals more and understanding what I need and want for myself and from people around me that’s going to put me in the position to succeed. That’s really all there is to it. Historically Black colleges and universities have produced some exceptional basketball talent, but they often receive less attention compared to their Power 5 counterparts. How do you plan to leverage your decision to shed light on the excellence within HBCU basketball programs? DJ With being considered a top player, I plan to use my social media platform in gathering people to come to the games and promoting more of what goes on inside and out of Norfolk State within the basketball program and even just things going on around campus. I think with me sharing this experience will have more players considering an HBCU As a highly regarded prospect, your choice has the potential to influence other young athletes considering their college options. How do you hope your decision to attend an HBCU will impact the future choices of aspiring basketball players? DJ I strongly feel like the choice I made will push more players to consider or potentially attend an HBCU. I want to make them feel that you can become successful without having to go to “big school” and that it is ok to differ from the norm (power 5). And it’s also about what your goals are and if that aligns with an HBCU or mid-major then go with what route you feel is right for you. I just want to reassure players to have the confidence, and to always bet on yourself because it can be scary obviously if the narrative is that you have to go somewhere big to reach your dreams, so I would say never let that discourage you. HBCUs are known for their rich cultural heritage and vibrant communities. How do you see yourself immersed in this unique atmosphere, and what aspects of HBCU life excite you the most? DJ I grew up with family and siblings that brought me into that type of culture from music, to fashion, to cookouts, family reunions, block parties and more that are very similar to the HBCU culture, now I know it’s different from college, but I feel it will be a smooth transition into their culture and I’m super excited to be apart of it. Even when I attending some HBCU games last season, when both bands would be competing against each-other with the beat and rhythm, I loved it. So yeah I’m definitely excited to be apart of those things outside of basketball. What are your long-term aims and aspirations as you embark on this new journey? How do you see your decision to attend an HBCU aligning with those goals? DJ I’m heavy into inspiring people in anything, even without basketball just helping others grow and see different things/perspectives so, my long term goals are to help grow Womens basketball in every aspect. To ensure other players that there is more schools out there than just power 5 that can provide the things that are important to you and well. To ensure coaches that there is a lot of talent within HBCU’s/Mid-major’s and that there should be an opportunity for them to showcase their talents on new levels, and to also call those top kids and having confidence within yourself/staff to recruit them and show them what you can offer and how you can help them. Even for my self I have heard a lot of coaches say “ohhhh we’re not going to get her or a top ranked kid, we shouldn’t waste our time” you never know those schools might be another players dream. Those are the ways where I can impact both sides of the basketball community and continue to open doors and grow the game. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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