Sophomore Darius Bivins, at 16, is a point guard to watch. With his first full season on the ACHS boys varsity team, he helped lead the team to a 19-7 record, receiving First-Team All-District, First-Team All-Region, and District Defensive Player of the Year honors. Averaging 12.7 points per game and being one of two players named First Team All Regional from ACHS this year, #0 on the court is nothing to ignore.
As a point guard, he plays with the 16-and-under Washington Warriors Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team in the summer and the Titans in the winter. As a riveting season of boys basketball comes to a close, Bivins sat down with Theogony to talk about himself, the team and the game.
Q: In a few sentences, how would you describe yourself as a player?
I think I’m a pass-first type of player. I always want my teammates to be happy. I think I’m a team type of guy.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a student-athlete?
For me, books always come first, so I would say I’m a student before I’m an athlete, always.
Q: And as a prospect?
I think I’m a humble prospect. I’m willing to win, so I’ll do whatever you need me to do.
Q: Let’s talk about your background as a player. Where did you start with basketball?
My dad played Division One basketball, so I’ve always just been around basketball. He used to take me in the car seat [to the game], and I would just be watching. I think it’s being around basketball; I grew a love for the game.
My mom’s in the military, so we used to move around a lot. I’m originally from California. I was always around basketball as a younger player. I just always loved the game. For me, playing since a young age, the love has just grown, and now, I’m in love with the game. It’s my passion.
Q: Did you ever have a specific moment when you realized that basketball was for you?
I think it was when I was younger, and I had a birthday, and my parents were like, ‘What do you want for your birthday?’ And I was like, ‘I just want an NBA League Pass.’ [The subscription allows] you to watch every NBA game. Looking back, I think that’s the moment when I realized I really love basketball.
Q: How would you describe your role as a facilitator for your AAU team versus a scorer on Alexandria City? How has that balance contributed to your growth as a player?
I think on the [AAU] circuit, I have more talent around me, so it’s easier for me to facilitate. At Alexandria City, it’s high school; it’s a public school, so there’s not as much talent. Obviously, we’re a pretty good team in my opinion. I think that has added to my game because now I’ve had experience where I have to do both things. In the summer, I have to be a facilitator, and in the winter, I have to be a scorer. So, putting those two things together in my game will only take it to a higher level.
Q: Looking at what it’s like playing for a public school, have you observed similarities or differences from your experience on the Circuit?
At a public school, I feel like going into a game, we’re the underdog. I feel like all of us come together. It’s like a family. Every time we go to practice I enjoy it, whenever we have team bonding, I enjoy it. Being in a public school, it’s a good environment because there’s not as much on the line. We don’t have anything to lose. We just go out there and play hard.
Q: How do you make the time in your schedule as a student-athlete?
I do school first. If I have to miss a basketball workout to do some school work, I’m always going to do that, because that’s what matters most. I just try to get as much work done as I can in school, and the rest is just basketball. My life is school and basketball.
Q: What was it like playing at a private school for part of freshman year compared to your time at ACHS?
At private school, it was kind of like a basketball school, not as much focus on academics. That was one of the bad things about that school. My parents and I agreed that it was better for me to come back to a public school where I learned how to manage both school and basketball. As I said, at that school, it was just basketball, basketball, basketball, which I like, but that’s not preparing me for college.
Q: What’s been your best moment with the team this season?
I think off-the-court moments, like when we got to go bowling [as a team trip.] We also went to Randolph Macon College pre-season and played a couple of games there. It’s like a family, so whenever I’m with them, I’m always in a good mood.
Q: The spotlight’s been on AC Boys Basketball this year. If any, what sort of changes have you seen in the team that’s getting it to that point?
I think [it is] just the way we work. Practices have been way more intense. Losing last year to Hayfield, I just feel like ever since that loss we’ve had grit. We’ve been working since two weeks after [last] season. Everything’s starting to come together. Practice is more intense; the coaches are holding us accountable. It’s just the grit to win.
Q: Looking at all that’s ahead of you, as soon as the game tonight and as far as college and your professional career, what are you looking forward to? What are you apprehensive about? What do you see you’re going to have to grow in?
When I look at the future, I just think I just need to keep working. Every day, [I have] to get better. I did make the mistake of looking too far ahead, and, as you can see, I hurt my wrist. Now, I have this mentality: just look at one game at a time. I play every game like it’s my last because it could be, because now I’m injured, and it’s going to be tough to play. I just got to keep working, keep getting better and everything else will fall in line.
Q: Are there any fun facts about you, anything that people might not know that you want to mention?
I’ve played through a lot of injuries. I’ve played through a fractured ankle, I’ve finished a game out. I’ve played through multiple broken fingers. Everyone’s like, ‘Are you going to play,’ and ‘How are you playing?’
I try to think like Kobe [Bryant], to have that Mamba Mentality. Just watching him growing up, him playing through injuries; I try to do the same thing as him.
Q: Would you say Kobe is your favorite player of all time?
Definitely. Definitely. Just because of his mentality. He’s a great player, obviously, but I love his mentality.
Q: If you had to say something—and I know you’re sixteen—to younger players, playing at the middle school level, contemplating if this is something they want to dedicate their high school life to, what would you say?
I would say just find out if you love the game. If you love the game, everything’s going to fall in line. You have to find your passion. If basketball’s your passion and you love doing it, it’s not going to take anything away from you.
For me, basketball is my happy place. Whenever I’m going through something, I just go play basketball. I’d just say, ‘Find your passion.’
