2024 Dink Pate has been having a tremendous summer with Team Trae Young and was recognized for his play recently at the Adidas All-American Camp. His recruitment has been going extremely well, as he just added another big offer to his list from Arkansas. He talks about how big of an offer that was for him, how his summer has been going, breaking down more of his game, and what visits he could be making down the road.
Phenom: How has this summer been in your eyes' What was it like playing with your guys at Team Trae Young'
Pate: I love summer ball. It is always fun. I never like the big break from the end of the season and waiting on AAU to start; I enjoy playing all year. This summer has been exciting and fun with all of the places we’ve traveled and opportunities I’ve had a chance to be a part of. Playing for TTY is great. I have some cool and fun teammates to play with. Love just interacting with them on and off the court.
Phenom: What were you hoping to show more about your game on the big stage' How would you best describe your game'
Pate: I plan on getting better every day as an overall player. I will never feel like I’m a finished product. I’m thankful for the gifts God has blessed me with. I’m a scorer for sure and a big-time shooter, especially from deep, but what I feel most people are starting to see what is best about my game now is that I’m a playmaker. I play point guard; I’m a true point guard. I can get everyone involved and make plays for my team on both ends, not just as a scorer. I had 15 assists in one game during 3SSB Rock Hill. I’ve always played the point guard position and want to be respected as a point guard. I’m tall but that doesn’t mean I can’t be a productive point guard; it gives me more of an advantage being tall.
Phenom: How was it to cap off the summer at the All-American Camp'
Pate: It was an honor and a huge privilege to be a part of the AA camp and to be viewed as one of the best players in the country. A blessing for sure.
Recruitment
Phenom: Recruitment has gone extremely well. Just received an offer from Arkansas. What was it like to get that offer from that program, how did you hear about it, what did the staff have to say, and what kind of relationship have you been able to develop with them'
Pate: It was a great opportunity to hear from Coach Muss. We have been in contact for weeks now and are always talking basketball. He is at the summer league watching some players and still took the time to talk to me and offer me. This Arkansas offer is one offer I’ve really been waiting on and is a the top of my list for sure.
Phenom: What makes them so high in your eyes'
Pate: Just the style of play they have. The fun energy they play with. And playing for a player’s coach like Coach Muss and the fact that he likes players from the Dallas area a lot.
Phenom: What other schools have really been making you an early priority'
Pate: Kentucky, LSU, Houston, SMU, TCU, Oklahoma State, Auburn, Alabama, UCF, Texas Tech, Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, Cincinnati, Mississippi State, Washington, Arizona State, and Arizona.
Phenom: Have you been able to make any visits yet'
Pate: Just a couple but I plan on taking some official visits soon.
Phenom: Which schools do you think will make your list for official visits' And what schools have you already visited'
Pate: I plan to make an official visit to UCF and Oklahoma State soon. And I’m not sure which other schools. I’ve already visited TCU, SMU, Texas A&M, Lamar, and Houston.
Phenom: Do you have a dream school'
Pate: Honestly no. I’m just happy to be in the position I’m in. I haven’t even broken down my recruitment all the way. I don’t plan on making a decision until my senior year.
Phenom: Is there anything that you are looking for when you talk to programs or take visits'
Pate: I just want an opportunity to play early, possibly start. I want to be used as a point guard and play in a high-level offense and go One-and-Done.