Instagram: @hidef_21 and @hideftraining
Facebook: Harold Deane
Congratulations to Head Coach Tony Bennett and the University of Virginia (UVA) Cavaliers on recently winning their first NCAA men's basketball national championship in program history! I tweeted the win as the 'comeback of the century,' acknowledging the incredible bounce back from the team after suffering an early exit in last year's tournament. I genuinely felt happy for the players and coaches, as I've held a great deal of respect for the Cavaliers ever since having the opportunity to interact with the program's members up close and personal back in 2015. I worked their summer week-long youth camp as a counselor. Reflecting on their win also made me realize something else: my family and I sure do personally know quite a few of the university's former basketball players. That notion, along with UVA being at the top of the college basketball world currently, led to the idea of this new series I'm introducing: 'You Know 'Hoo'' The 'Wahoos,' shortened to 'Hoos, serve as the unofficial nickname for UVA's sports teams. For the remainder of April, I plan to start releasing features on particular 'Hoos that I've personally known throughout the years; focusing on their success in both the past and present.
Harold Deane, Jr. has been a close family friend of mine for years. I'm sure die-hard Cavalier fans remember the guard's glory days on campus back in the mid to late-1990s.
The Early 804 Connection
The tie-in with Deane, Jr. and my family happens to trace back decades ago, when he and my dad both grew up around the same area of Ettrick, VA. My dad was a standout hooper back during his upbringing and frequently competed with his friends on any outdoor court they could find. He recalls Deane, Jr., a younger kid at the time by five years, observing close by, taking it all in. The son of a former Virginia State University head basketball coach, the youngster carried a basketball with him often and soon started building up his own skills. My dad and Deane, Jr. established a good bond over the years, both sharing the same passion for basketball, which continued well into adulthood. After my dad graduated from Matoaca High School (Chesterfield County, VA) in 1987, Deane, Jr. entered the same program a couple of years later and blossomed into one of Richmond's best.
The 6'2' Deane, Jr. brought a competitive edge to the Matoaca program, helping them emerge as a premier team within the area. The guard saved his best for senior year, averaging close to 26 points per outing and took home many accolades: the 1992 District AA Player of the Year, an All-Region first teamer, and an All-Metro selection. He also led the 'Tri-Cities' in scoring, which includes the Virginia cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell, along with other portions of Prince George, Chesterfield, and Dinwiddie. Simply put, the majority of residents in south-central Virginia knew about the sensational Deane, Jr. It's surreal, however, to acknowledge that his recruitment resulted fairly lightly during those last years of high school. That being the case, he decided to take a post-grad year at Fork Union Military Academy (Fork Union, VA). The decision proved to be one of his best, as he once again became a standout and narrowed a final list down to Clemson, Kansas, Richmond, and Virginia before ultimately signing on to play for the Cavaliers.
'My influences to attend UVA were Bryant Stith and Ralph Sampson (both former legends),' Deane, Jr. explained. 'Watching them have success when I was a young kid motivated me.'
'
Time With the Hoos
Deane, Jr. spent his entire four-year career playing under Jeff Jones, who now currently leads the Old Dominion University men's basketball program. He stepped up to immediately contribute as a first-year starter, averaging 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in the 1993-94 season. At the conclusion of his freshmen campaign, he earned his first college accolade by being named to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) All-Freshmen Team. Known for his tenacious work ethic, Deane, Jr. only continued to improve by the season and take on a bigger role as a veteran. His combined abilities of scoring and playmaking as a strong guard led to a highly decorated personal four-year stint as one of the best to ever put on a UVA uniform:
- Career averages of 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 122 game appearances
- Ranked as the university's ninth leading scorer (1,763 career points)
- Also in the record books for 237 career three-point field goals (second in program history), 546 made-free throws (fifth in program history), 468 assists (sixth in program history), and 179 steals (fifth in program history)
- Two-time All-ACC second team selection (1995 and 1996), as well as a third team pick in 1997
- Named to the NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament Team and Most Outstanding Player in 1995
- Arguably stood out the most during his junior year, as he led the Cavaliers in season points (451), scoring average (16.7) and three point percentage (.344). Deane, Jr. also held the top spot on the team in free throw percentage and steals for all four years on campus, as well as assists in his final three seasons.
- Referred to as the 'best defensive player in the nation' by legendary ESPN commentator, Dick Vitale, in 1997
- Honored in 2010 at the annual ACC Legends Brunch
Aside from all that he accomplished as an individual, Deane, Jr. also received praise for his winning ways. He led UVA to three NCAA tournament appearances during his time in the program, taking them to the Elite Eight in 1995. That same season, the Cavaliers finished tied for the top spot in the ACC regular season and ranked as a top-10 team in the country by USA Today. Deane, Jr.'s UVA career record stands at 73-50.
Upon leaving campus, Deane, Jr. landed a spot in two NBA teams' mini camps: the Chicago Bulls (1997) and the Orlando Magic (1999). However, he never had a chance to stick with a team in the league and decided to take the overseas playing route. Deane, Jr.'s stints in different countries included Italy (1998), Germany (1999), Russia (2000-01), and Portugal (2003). Some of his strongest showings happened in Russia, which led to him receiving All-Star recognition and winning the Slam Dunk Contest. After starting to lose more of an interest for what overseas hoops had to offer, Deane, Jr. had one last outing with an American Basketball Association (ABA) team, the Richmond Ballerz, before deciding to hang it up.
What's He Up to Nowadays'
Ever since officially wrapping up his professional career, Deane, Jr. has held a firm focus of using the game to give back. I remember first meeting him as a high school freshman when he held a local basketball camp nearby the same neighborhood he grew up in. Like most great players, Deane, Jr. knows the game remarkably well but uses a unique way of teaching. He's patient and passionate, while still knowing how to make sure a player's held accountable. This led to the start of his own training company, titled 'Hi-Def Fitness.' Over the years, Deane, Jr.'s clients have ranged significantly; from youth players to former consensus 2017 national college player of the year and current member of the NBA's Sacramento Kings, Frank Mason III, along with other college and professional prospects. Noticing how well he instructed, my dad and I decided to make an effort in having me train with Deane, Jr. several times during my own playing career. This started in high school and carried on into my college days, as I gained a ton of input from the UVA legend's sessions.
Those interested should know that Deane, Jr.'s brand does not just solely center on basketball either. He's a 'fitness fanatic,' as I like to call it; spreading his work throughout social media and helping others from across the country reach personal goals. Even as a Virginia native, I remember his business booming in Los Angeles, CA at one point. Anyone looking to make a jump in their own fitness should definitely reach out to Deane, Jr. He knows the ins and outs of it all; effortlessly having a way to motivate. The handles of his social media accounts are listed above.
***
The main thing I've always respected about Deane, Jr. pertains to his own respect for others. I remember him frequently bringing up my dad's name in our talks, stating how much he looked up to him as a player when they both grew up in Ettrick, VA. Considering the type of career Deane, Jr. went on to have, it means something to hear him speak such words. He's a 'people person,' without question; showing everybody around him love and taking time out of his day to hold conversations. Having been through plenty of situations in his own life, I've always seen a mission in Deane, Jr. to use his own past experience in teaching other young players how to approach certain handlings both on and off the court. Like I mentioned earlier, he's all about giving back, using basketball to build his clients into mature prospects that understand more about both the game and life. I doubt his passion and motivation will ever cease; traits that hold a high reason for his success with that orange ball. Deane, Jr.'s been a big influence for me and I see him continuing to do the same for any and everybody else that's fortunate enough to cross paths with him. He may be known for how he performed on the court, but that personality of his matches up fairly equal to any skill he still has.
Oh, and Deane, Jr.'s still a monster on the floor for whoever's wondering. We've had a couple of 1v1 battles in the past. At 44 years-old and in excellent physical shape, he can dish out buckets all day to whoever wants to give him a go.
If you haven't come across it yet, be sure to check out my first article of this series, 'You Know 'Hoo'; feat. Justin Anderson,' also! More pieces to release soon!