We grab an all-important five minutes with Newcastle Eagles’ playmaker Damon Huffman.
The point guard was snapped up by the reigning BBL champions after actually playing against Fab Flournoy and his team last Christmas in a festive, mid-season tournament in Holland. And, having impressed playing against his current team-mates, he’s now lighting it up alongside them with some assured and promising performances.
Always active, full of energy and with plenty of court smarts, Huffman has got on with business and helped the Eagles to get off to an unbeaten start with five wins from five BBL Championship games. Perhaps his biggest achievement however is simply being trusted by Flournoy to run the all-conquering team during his rookie BBL season – something the Eagles play-caller is not exactly renowned for.
Ever since the departure of Eagles’ Hall Of Fame legend TJ Walker, the club has struggled to find anyone who can truly take over his mantle. Not that this has had too much of an impact on the what remains a quite remarkable haul of silverware.
Before Huffman can begin to dream of adding to the trophy haul, he must take-on a period of overtime with us!
BBL: What’s your first basketball memory?
Damon Huffman: Playing basketball in the drive-way against my brothers.
Why did you want to become a basketball player?
I think it grew on me every year and plus, having brothers who were my role models and who also played basketball. They inspired me to reach the highest level I could.
If you were at the Olympics but not as a basketball player, which other sport do you think it would be fun to win a gold medal in?
If I were at the Olympics, I would want to win a gold in the Decathlon so that way you would be considered as the best all-round athlete.
What is your perfect vacation, relaxation in an exotic place or more activities and exploring?
Anywhere were I haven’t been before. I enjoy exploring new places and new cultures.
Do you have any pre-game ritual or superstition?
I always try to eat the same, same meals at the same times.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Fur-Elise by Beethoven
If you weren’t a basketball player, what would you like to be?
I would want to be a CEO of an investment firm that develops technology to improve the lives of people all around the world.
Can you cook? If you were cooking a meal for your coach what would it be?
Ever since I have had food from Fab (Flournoy), I think I am going to delegate that responsibility to him. He can cook!
What was the last movie you watched at the Cinema?
The Dark Knight Rises.
Who would you like to play you in a movie about your life?
Edward Norton.
Which three guests from would you love to have round the table at a dinner party?
Julius Caesar, Gandhi, Martin Luther King.
What are your best qualities?
I’d have to say my ability to adapt to situations and my stubbornness to win.
What are your favourite other sports and which teams do you follow?
I support all teams from Detroit! Professional teams, that is.
What are the most important things for any basketball player to have?
The will to always try to improve.
There’s between two and three seconds left on the game clock and you are down by one, do you pass or shoot?
It’s all situation, but I want the last shot.
