Dedicated, focused, hard-working and passionate are all good traits to describe junior guard Daquaise “Day Day” Andrews. Hailing from Queens, New York, Andrews, a communications major, works nonstop to become the best basketball player he can be. He was honored before Wednesday night’s matchup against Bentley University for earning his 1,000th point during a match up against Stonehill earlier in the week.
“It’s a great accomplishment,” he said after the Bentley game. “It’s something you dream about. It was big for me.”
Andrews didn’t get to this milestone without hard work. He is extremely dedicated to the game and has been since his first season.
“Since I got here as a freshman, my role has just gotten bigger and bigger,” Andrews said. “It’s about putting all the work in and know[ing] that I have to perform every day.”
Looking at stats alone, the improvement shows. In his freshman season, being one of five players to play in all 34 games, he averaged just 9.2 points per game, with a season high of 19. In his sophomore season, starting in 20 of the 25 games played, he was able to improve those numbers to 12.2 points, while also netting a career high 28 points and 11 rebounds per game. Currently in his junior season, his numbers made a large jump, currently averaging 18.4 points per game, as well as 7.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in the 22 games he has played thus far this season.
With his senior year in front of him, he looks further into improving. To do that, he said, he plans on “putting in steady work, day and night when no one is watching, and improving everything from [his] jump shot, free throws, being a leader, and just being more consistent in every aspect of [the] game.”
During the Bentley game, Andrews was in control. He led the team with 23 points, calling screens and assisting his teammates in any way possible. A true leader for his team, he wants nothing but the best for his fellow Penmen.
When asked about his teammates and coaches, Andrews responded, “They are always hard on me, telling [me] that I have to be better, that I have to be a leader, so I never get a day off.” He uses that motivation from his teammates and coaches to perform on the court, which he does every night. He has become a consistent and reliable weapon for the Penmen and always comes ready to play.
Andrews has also gathered accolades in his two completed seasons. In his freshman season, he was placed on the NE-10 All-Rookie team, as well as being voted Rookie of the Week. During his sophomore season, he was placed on the NE-10 All-Championship team. Andrews continues to improve, and that is because of his hard work, passion and dedication for the game.
Andrews remains humbled through all of his success. He praises his mother for helping him get where he is today. When asked who the most influential person in his life was, he quickly answered, “Definitely my mom. She was the one who put the basketball in my hand, and she kept me focused. She’s my number one fan and supporter. She comes to every game she can and watches at home when she can’t.”
With support from his mother, Andrews played an outstanding game against Bentley following the ceremony honoring him. He scored 23 points, with a 53 percent field goal percentage, 7 rebounds and 5 steals, which tied his career high. He scored the first basket of the game, driving to the hoop for a layup. He also had several coast-to-coast baskets after getting a steal. If he wasn’t stealing the ball, he was forcing turnovers, causing Bentley to lose possession multiple times.
Much like former teammate Devin Gilligan, who plays pro basketball in Sweden, Andrews has hopes to play professional basketball post-graduation.
“I want to go play overseas and play pro there, and after that I want to be a sports broadcaster,” Andrews said.
His love for the game is unmatched, his passion is unbeatable and his dedication on another level.
