Dredyan Cleaves
Dre, Who is your hero?
My hero is my mom and has been by my side for my entire life. She has pushed me to become better and to be the best version of myself. She always helps to lead me down the best path and she is by far the most consistent person I know.
How has being a basketball player changed your life?
It has given me the best and most memorable times ofmy life. I don’t know who I would be without it. It’s made me a tougher human on and off the court. It has helped me in all aspects of life and provided me relationships that I will have until I am old. I have loved this game since I was 3 years old. The very first time I picked up a ball, I knew this is what I would do for the rest of my life.
What advice can you share with kids about being a great basketball player and being a great human being?
Put in the work early because you can never get back your younger years. Work and perfect your craft early on. Off the court, simply, be a kind human being. Make sure to use sir and ma’am when speaking to anyone older than you and always refer to your coach as, Yes Coach. Introduce yourself to people, be polite. You’ll always be remembered that way. There’s always endless possibilities for those who show up and show out.
What do you do to ensure your mental health is as strong as your physical health?
It’s tough to deal with sometimes, especially when you have a lot on your plate to deal with. It wont always be easy, but for me, I make sure to do what I love. I play ball. Doing what you love will make you happy and cure you of just about anything.
Who would you like to shout out?
My mom and my sister for always giving be energy and happiness and for genuinely being there for me when I need them. Having this support system at home is something I am truly grateful for and I can’t thank them enough. My basketball coach, Coach Darrick, for always pushing me to stay on track and for developing me in the best way possible. Gamepoint has changed the player I am and I am so thankful for everyone there. My grandpa for paying for everything basketball related and for always giving me gum at every game and helping me when I was little to learn how to play. My nana for loving me and always believing in everything I do. Lastly, my friends, y’all always keep me going when no one else can.
How old are you and what is the biggest lesson you have learned in your life?
I am 16. The biggest lessons I have learned are from my mom. The best one is to always stay consistent with everyone and everything. This stands out to me because in my life I have had problems with people staying consistent so who better to teach me about this lesson than the one person who has been consistent my entire life.
What is one of your biggest struggles you’ve faced?
Realizing who I am and figuring out how to be unapologetic for it. Being authentic to me is so important but it is also one of the biggest challenges because it isn’t always accepted. But it will always be worth.
What do you wish adults would understand about young people today?
Kids listen and we have our own individual complex minds. We know whats going on. I feel like we are all smart in our own way, so meet your kids where they are at and allow them to teach you who they are.
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