When asked who your hero is, you chose your mom, which is obviously me and I am so honored to be chosen! Can you share more about why you chose me as your hero?

You have been by my side since the day I was born, you have pushed me to be better than I believed I was, and to always be the best version of myself. Every path you’ve lead me down or suggested I try to go down has been the right one for me and you listen to me when I want to try a path of my own. Through all the struggles and through all of the highs and lows you have stayed consistent with me and have never let me down. No one else has ever shown me that they can truly define and be to me what a hero is, except for you. And even if they did, I would still choose you. I love you.

How has being a basketball player changed your life and what does playing basketball mean to you? 

Being a basketball player has given me the best and most memorable times of my life. Basketball has made me a tougher human and I feel like it has made me smarter, both on and off the court. Being a basketball player has helped me in all aspects of life and has provided me with relationships that I will probably have until I grow old. I have had a genuine love for the game since I was 3 years old and the very first time I picked up a ball I knew, even at that young age, that this is what I would be doing for the rest of my life. Loving the game of basketball.

Young people often times look up to players like you for advice and encouragement. What advice can you share with kids who may be reading this about not only being a great basketball player but about being a great human being? 

The biggest advice I can give to younger players for on the court, is PUT IN THE WORK early because you can’t ever get back those early years of growth and development where you can be perfecting and dialing in your craft. Off the court I would say to just simply be a kind human being. I know it sounds a little simple but it is, make sure to say to use sir and ma’am or coach when speaking to anybody older than you. Always introduce yourself people and have a firm handshake and make eye contact. People remember people that are polite and respectful. Remember that the opportunities are endless for those who take the time to show that they care about a strong work ethic, being a good person, and the world around them. But most importantly, believe in yourself.

We all have good days and bad days. Self love and love for humanity are an important part of the mission of HHH. Being an athlete, what do you do to make sure that your mental health is as strong as your physical health? 

I’m going to be honest, mental health is tough to deal with sometimes especially when you get older and have a little bit more on your plate, whether that be school, friends, family or basketball. I can’t sugar coat it and say it’s going to be easy but it is important that you find things that work for you and apply them. One of the things that helps me personally is playing ball. I have such a love for the game that it makes me genuinely happy when nothing else can. So that’s my advice to other people, is find something that you love and do it because it can really cure you when it feels like nothing else can. Some other things that I believe really help are writing and talking to people you trust, spend time outside, spending time with friends, and going to the gym. At the end of the day though, basketball is really what helps not only my physical health but my mental health as well.

So Dredyan, you are 15 years old. What is one of the biggest lessons you've learned so far in your life?

Being 15 years old I feel like I’ve learned a lot of lessons from a lot of different people, but mainly from you, mom. You’ve taught me so much, but one that really sticks out is the importance of staying consistent with everyone and everything that I’m associated with. I have experienced some major disappointments in my life with people not staying consistent, so who better to teach me about the importance of this lesson of staying consistent by the one person who has been my entire life.

What do you wish adults would understand about young people today?

I wish adults would understand that kids listen to what’s being said and we have our own individual complex minds and thoughts about what’s going on. We are smart and our opinions matter and it’s really important for you guys to guide us to that knowledge of our own knowing. This can really help make or break us. If you help us and are consistent with that, it will in turn help us be more knowledgeable and able when it comes to just managing our thoughts and how we feel.

Thank you so much for sharing your heart with HHH today Dre! As you know, love is at the center of what we believe in and isn’t it dope to be loved!? Anyone you want to shout out that you’re grateful for?

I would like to shout-out you and my sister for always keeping me going and giving me that boost of energy or happiness that I need sometimes and genuinely just being there for me whenever I need. Having a support system like that at home is something that I am so grateful for and I truly can’t thank you both enough for that. My Nana for loving me so much and for believing in me. My Grandpa for being the loudest one in the stands next to my mom and for always giving me gum, helping to pay for my basketball training, buying me shoes, and for encouraging me to go after my dreams and supporting them. Next is my basketball coach. Coach Darrick, thank you for always pushing me to be better, for always keeping me on track, and for really helping to develop me in the best way possible, if I hadn't come to Gamepoint, I would be night and day different player than I am now and I’m so grateful for the program and the opportunity to be coached by you. To Coach Nate and Coach Wayne. I wouldn’t love basketball the way that I do if it weren’t for your influence and belief in me and the way you both pushed me to believe in myself, I miss you both so much. Lastly my friends, y’all always keeping me going when no one else can. You give me memories, laughs, love and FaceTimes, door-dash meals and so much more and I’m so grateful, y’all make me so happy.