Why Seahawks recruit gave up game for three years

Seahawks Basketball recruit Deja Middleton is taking the QBL by storm. Though if not for some intense personal reflection, she may have never made it to Australian shores.

If not for some intense personal reflection during her college basketball career, Seahawks star American import Deja Middleton might have never found her way onto Australian shores.

Despite producing a highly successful college career which saw her score over 1000 points and register over 1000 rebounds, the 28-year-old spent three years away from the game after completing her sophomore (second) season of college basketball.

“During my first two years at Fayetteville State, I had the tendency to be unfocused about the college experience and all that was involved with being a student and athlete,” she said.

“What I learnt sitting out the three years was I needed to be more receptive the opportunities which had been provided to me as a young adult.

“In my time away from basketball, I worked multiple jobs back in Richmond and came to the realisation that I wanted to graduate from university and work toward becoming a professional player.”

Deja Middleton in action for the Knox. Picture: Josie Hayden

From there Middleton flourished.

The bachelor of science graduate soon carved out an impressive playing resume which includes numerous stints overseas as in import player in Turkey, Lithuania and the Czech Republic.

The 6’4” post player also spent the 2017 Big V season at Victorian powerhouse association, Knox Raiders all after graduating from an insular college basketball program.

“I wasn’t entirely sure coming from a Division two school but I was hoping to fake it till I could make it,” Middleton said when asked whether she thought she could compete in some of the world’s best leagues.

“I was invited to an overseas combine (college player tryouts) in Tampa, Florida nearing the end of my senior year in college.

“I had never seen so many tall girls in my life.

“At the camp I matched-up with many of the best post-players from across the US and was able to hold my own which gave me a huge amount of confidence to take the next step on my basketball journey.”

Middleton in action on one of her European playing stints. Picture supplied.

When the North Gold Coast Seahawks approached Middleton about spending some time on the Gold Coast, the aspiring college basketball coach couldn’t turn down the opportunity to spend some more time in Australia.

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“My agent had mentioned the opportunity to come to play in the QBL with Seahawks,” she said.

“I was excited about the offer after I really enjoyed my experience in Melbourne with the Knox association a couple of years ago.

“I was very happy to find out I would be seeing a totally different part of ‘down under.’”

Four rounds into the 2019 QBL season and Middleton has already staked her claim for import of the year honours with an average of 23 points and 16 rebounds per game as the Seahawks look to make a second consecutive playoffs push.

“Our chances are very good and we can go as far as we want to go in the QBL,” she said.

Deja Middleton in action for the Seahawks against the Brisbane Capitals. Picture: Fan Fair

Middleton isn’t putting her time on the Gold Coast to waste and has spent her first few weeks on the glitter strip checking out local beaches and taking up an ambassador role for the Seahawks ‘this girl hoops’ basketball program.

“I like the being close to beach, particularly beaches with clear water like these ones the Gold Coast,” she said.

“So far I have got to Main Beach & Surfers Paradise but I aim to do some more exploring.”

The lady hawks play tonight at 6pm against the Logan Thunder followed by the men at 8pm.

Caitlin Adams, Seahawks US Import Deja Middleton and Poppy Cummings are excited to launch the North Gold Coast Seahawks new girls' league "This Girl Hoops Shoot-Out." Picture supplied.